can you have an otter as a pet in australia

Otters need a tropical climate. She said yes . As a pet, otter ownership can be difficult for a variety of reasons, but owning one is not an easy choice. South Carolina: In South Carolina, otter ownership is allowed with a permit from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Such illegal trafficking is detrimental to wild populations of animals worldwide. They can be very destructive when they dont get what they want., Strong odor. How otters are protected. The upfront cost of purchasing an Asian small-clawed otter is approximately $4,000 unaffordable for most individuals. Pool should make up about 30% of the enclosure. In the United States, it is legal to own an otter with a license, although regulations vary from state to state. Keeping an otter as a pet would be unfair to the animal and potentially dangerous for you. Where can I hold hands with otters? Answer: Sea otters are not legal anywhere under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. No, you dont need to have a massive zoo enclosure with a natural lake (although it wouldnt hurt), but housing Asian small-clawed otters will still present a challenge for the average person or even an advanced exotic pet keeper. Otters need space to roam. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. And pets are different again to 'keeping otters'. The larger the group, the larger the smear. As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. Even ferrets are not necessarily easy pets but the first thing I would recommend as a mustelid for a pet. If I become rich in my future I will definetly buy a otter, This is great for kids like me to learn about otters, I just bought a baby otter and it is really scared and it attack me how to tame and make him bite me. White ceramic money box Personalised. Otters arent happy to be one or two with a child pool and a bathtub ! After otter hunting was banned in the UK in 1978, their numbers dropped. We are living in a world full of ignorant, entitled, beings who have little/no respect for anyone or anything. They're cute and playful when you see them on nature specials and at zoos, but in reality: They aren't domesticated in the slightest. People in Indonesia, Thailand, Japan,. They can cause damage to your home and hurt other animals in your family. Its time to wake up and change, seriously. As a vet you shouldnt explain people what to do if they still wanna keep a wild pet! slowelevator . They live in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps in Southern Asia. You can have 2 of each of the following animals: American Bullfrog. While most countries and states have made keeping a jackal as a pet illegal, others will require you to get . hairs per square inch. This may not seem very big, but their high metabolism and intelligence mean they can take up a lot of space when they need to, or want to. When you see cute baby otters interacting with their keeperssuch as those in the videos hereremember that these are often socialized babies that have not yet undergone maturation. For example, most states have bans on big cats, primates, and bears, but in states that allow more surprising species as pets, the majority of counties and towns don't allow it. Summary of Husbandry Guidelines for Asian Small-clawed Otters in Captivity. Below is a basic care guide. Mrs Smith, inform yourself, go back to University to learn the BASIC ethics of your job. Otters are being poached from the wild to become pets in Japan and Thailand The Asian small-clawed otter has become a popular pet in Southeast Asia. Unless you do what Joseph Carter does for his mink to keep them busy, I wouldn't recommend them as pets to most people. Because they are cute is not a valid reason for keeping captive otters, even if it is an enjoyable bonus. Sea otters carry around a favorite rock in a pouch under their arms between meals, which they use to crack open the shells of various crustaceans. Do pet otters smell? It is illegal to have an otter in most states, Pet otters require a lot of space and water, Axolotl Care: How to take care of an axolotl, Vietnamese Mossy Frog Pet Care (10 Steps Complete Guide), American Green Tree Frog as Pets (4 Care Facts You Must. If left untrained, they can leave many droppings around the house. Retrieved from, Smith, C. (2017). You should be ashamed Mellissa! Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. Keeping an otter as a pet has become fashionable in some countries for some time. I have recently embarked on this career change due to my passion for the natural world and our role within it. Are there any research programs to help repopulate endangered species of otters such as the Congo clawless otter which so little is known about. However, there are few countries which appear to favor having otters as pets. All you say and recommend is ethically against your Vet degree! Question: How much does a pet otter cost? If you are interested in adopting an otter, you will need to provide a specialized diet that includes a variety of fresh fish and shellfish. Additionally, otters are considered indicator species, which means that their presence or absence can indicate the health of the surrounding ecosystem. (2019). They can cause damage. In what states is it legal to own an otter? These are wild animals who suffer greatly being kept in our houses. And for those shaming her in the comments. Health and safety risks: Otters can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets, and their sharp claws and teeth can cause injury. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. They also need have enough elements such as trees and branches to scavenge. Theyre destructive and will hurt you or your kids and they will get depressed ! What zoos and aquariums have sea otters? Don't even get us started on baby otter pups. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). Sometimes people can't handle the truth. But. Yes, in some cases, you can adopt an otter. Question: Are pet otters legal in Canada? Plus I would never just have one. They need a much larger enclosure than a typical dog. Serfass, T., Evans, S. S., & Polechla, P. (2015). However, Asian small-clawed otters, despite being the otter species best suited for captivity, are not commonly kept, even in the exotic pet-keeping community. While they are the smallest otter species in the world, Asian small-clawed otters can still grow to 24 inches (61cm). If you are bit by an otter, you'll need to treat the wound immediately. Yes, otters can be trained using positive reinforcement techniques. "Oh honey~~~ you shouldn't have! Gonna go out on a limb and say that's where the otter encounters take place. Question: Specifically what is required to own an otter in North Carolina and what type of otter(s) can you have? They do not like intruders in their space or near their family and will defend accordingly. Question: Are otters legal pets in California? Even many experienced pet owners would not try to take on an otter. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. They are apex predators that help keep populations of fish and other aquatic creatures in check. Because I love otters. For enrichment, otters will need walkways, natural shrubbery, nesting boxes and lots of options for safe digging and foraging. Its amazing and I have always dreamed of having one as a pet. There are several websites and online sources where pet otters are sold. They have high exercise and socialization needs and require a large living space with access to water. Cats Domesticated Themselves, Ancient DNA Shows. Have you ever seen an otter in the wild? Dogs and otters do not get along. They belong in the wild, where they can swim, run, hunt and live freely. In the wild, they feed on mostly invertebrates and occasionally frogs. Finger Monkey Lifespans: How Long Do Pygmy Marmosets Live as Pets? Otters have an odor that lingers around them. Captive otters are also required to have a registered veterinarian who is happy to see them whenever required, which is hard to find at the best of times. They also mark their territory by smearing their feces around, which contributes to the odor.. Well I did come come across an instragram account of a pet otter in Japan, and I never saw a outdoor cage in the account. Why is is not right to have an OTTER as a PET? Otters are usually kept outdoors because they emit an odor. Just saying because you want an exotic pet doesnt make you a bad person. How To Care for A Pet Otter? Or someone actually get it and have no proper information on how to care for it? However, there is also DNA evidence to suggest that cats were susceptible to the process of domestication and may have even domesticated themselves[3]. Stoats as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, The Ocelot as a Pet: Everything you Need to Know, Silver Foxes as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Ostriches as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Gov UK. Not only is a home environment not suitable for the welfare of otters, but this relationship can also have some undesirable consequences for their human owners, as they can be loud, destructive and can inflict nasty bites. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 21, 2016: People in Japan are notorious for doing whatever they want and making it work. Otters are very playful creatures. Otters are accustomed to preying on live animals; hunting is an integral part of an otters life. (2018). Their unpleasant smell can permeate a home if they live indoors. Can you have a pet otter in australia. There are only 13 extant species of otter across the world[1]. Printed on the money box will be a beautiful otter with your required name. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 31, 2019: Katouchka, I have seen breeders. In most countries, only dogs and miniature horses are recognized as therapy animals. Otters can be dangerous around children, full grown adults as well as pets. - Repeat the above steps to add more items as needed. You can discover many popular videos of them interacting with their caretakers in ways other than direct contact. Otters require specific conditions to live well: a large area to roam (the larger the better); a clean water source in which to swim, bathe and (ideally) catch live prey; and adequate daily nutrition. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Petco? You can usually visit the otter you have adopted, and some programs offer other perks, like behind-the-scenes tours. There are some 83% of mammals, 89% of reptiles, 90% of fish and insects and 93% of amphibians that inhabit the continent are endemic to Australia. These have brought significant problems and it is very questionable if exotic animals will fare well in such environments. The otter is not a domesticated animal species. However, these permits are usually only granted to licensed wildlife rehabilitators, educators, or researchers. Here are a few to get you started, plus some basic information about how they fit into the otter pet trade: 1. A otter is a species protected by both state and federal wildlife laws, and it is illegal to take them from the wild. Keeping an otter as a solitary pet can make them very sad. In some cases, it is possible to obtain a permit to own an otter. The woman in the video DOES SAY she would 100% NOT recommend an otter as a pet Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 27, 2019: Shame on you! And then you need to give all your time. However, keeping otters in captivity is not the same as keeping an otter as a pet. DeKay's Brown Snake. 9 Affordable Pet Insurance for Low Income Families, Donating to organizations that support otter conservation, research, and habitat protection, Purchasing products made from sustainable materials to reduce habitat destruction, Volunteering at a local wildlife rehabilitation center or conservation organization, Advocating for policies and regulations that protect otters and their habitats. It's scary to think of what it'll be like in just 5-10 more years. States where Otters may be legal, New York. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has previously released a general, but not exhaustive, guideline to keeping otters in captivity[4]. If the water is not sufficiently well cleaned, it can lead to the quick death of the otter. Dogs can infect otters with canine distemper and rabies. Otters can be destructive. I spearfish the invasive fish in the eel river and have had wild otters swimming feet away from me eating the fish I kill. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Many zoos and aquariums train their otters to participate in educational programs or to exhibit natural behaviors for visitors to see. Some of the different types of otter species include: The North American river otter is the only river otter found in north of Mexico. Their fast metabolism and evolutionarily hard-wired habit of smearing their spraint in order to mark their territory mean that they poop a lot like, every litter box will need cleaning twice a day. 2. Captive otters require caging. However, pet owners must meet strict requirements, including providing a secure and appropriate habitat, proper nutrition, and veterinary care. They do not fall under the same laws because they are not technically marine mammals. Unfortunately, we would not be able to list every country where keeping otter as a pet is legal or illegal. The base can consist of nutritionally-complete cat food. Otters are notoriously difficult to potty train, and even when they are, they may decide to go against their training. They are semi-aquatic animals, and they are well adapted to life on both land and in water, like rivers, streams, freshwater wetlands, and the sea. Online classified ads Sites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have individuals who breed or sell otters. There are many otters kept in captivity, but these are in animal welfare centers, zoos or conservation areas. They are the masters of disaster. Placing food out of reach so the animal needs to work out how to get it down. Zoological parks Some zoos have captive breeding programs for otters and may offer the opportunity to adopt one. Additionally, there may be wildlife rehabilitation centers in your area that need volunteers to help care for injured or orphaned otters. Guests must be fit and healthy, have full motor skill and intellectual capabilities. Laws change, and this list is not necessarily exhaustive. They are carnivores with a high metabolic rate, requiring them to consume 20% of their body weight per day. It is illegal to own most otter species as pets. If you were able to find one, the cost of their expertise would be prohibitively expensive to most households. Listen people, trying to stifle information will only lead to more of that thing your trying to stop dont be ignorant. Scent and Body Odour The otters emit an odour and that is the reason they are kept outdoors. What states are otters legal in? In Japan, pet fads appear with a certain regularity. It is the smallest otter species in the world, reaching a length of just 3 ft, or 90cm. Marvel at the patience that the author must have had. They have exotic pet stores with meerkats in rabbit cages. Also, according to mink expert Joseph Carter, their bites can cause severe injury, although this is likely not worse than anything an otter bite can inflict. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. I have to say that most though not all of the comments cause me extreme concern regarding our society today. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Much more fun fact: Otter poop has an aroma that has been compared to jasmine tea. Hi I'm looking to buy a otter I want to know how much they go for. I'm leaving school and need to know where to move to own one okay kids you really need to go move to where you can own a bear and just let it live with you in your house just do us all a favor and go get mauled people are really dumb holy shit lmfao. Are otters legal pets? They are considered to be very high-maintenance, as you would imagine. They love to swim and dive in shallow waters although there are records of sea otters diving as deep as 100 meters. Uncovering the Price: How Much Does a Canadian Marble Fox Cost? Im looking to train otters at the zoo to learn how to care for exotics. Yeah I know but some people already own them and they couldnt put them in the wild because they wouldnt survive. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. some native mammals, particularly wallabies and kangaroos, are prone to diseases caused by the stress of contact with humans, domestic pets (cats and dogs) and noise. !" EatRawPotatoes. However, this is a complex process that requires specialized care and rehabilitation to ensure the otter can survive in its natural environment. Have a secondary pond/enclosure that I keep stocked with fish,frogs, and other native species that I would let my baby out in daily and go swimming with it. Other zoological animals like meerkats, raccoon dogs, slow lorises, and pangolins can't be owned privately for many reasons, at least in the United States. This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! But what do you think? Even with the best intentions we cant give them enough , enough playtimes, enough nutrition.l enough everything. However, this is a highly regulated process and requires meeting strict requirements for the care and housing of the animal. This requires a fence which is not climbable and has a horizontal ledge at the top. Here is we collected all that you wanted about Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia Watch free videos. However, I'd like to be able to contribute to the conservation of otters and their habitat, so I hope I can find a way to do that. Additionally, if you live near a river, lake, or other natural body of water, you may be able to spot otters in the wild. I just have no words for it! This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. To stay warm in the water for so long, otters have incredibly thick fur, and very fast metabolisms, which means they need to eat a lot 20% of their body weight per day, during certain months. Slightly less fun, but much more gruesome, fact: Male otters have been known to forcibly penetrate baby seals while holding their heads underwater until they drown. Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia. While otters are popularized by their appearance in movies and TV shows, many people are unaware that these animals can actually be kept as pets. Please be better than that and get a pet that we breed for generations. Living inside comes with many challenges, like cleaning up otter feces and keeping your furniture intact. Other otters have fully webbed feet and strong, well-developed claws. Otters are social creatures. Here is a list of states in which owning an otter is legal, along with some important information to keep in mind if you are considering acquiring an otter as a pet. In many states, do you think it's illegal to keep river otters, beavers and many exotic animals as pets? She did nothing wrong shes a vet giving you advice on a animal that people love and right now have are popular. Otters play an important role in their ecosystems. Its so sad everyone just dont care about an species wellbeing just for the fact you as a human want to be cool having a otter pet. Even cats and dogs require a team of people to help you. Otters are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. It is also something which could see a rise in other countries if the wrong information is spread. As such, captive otters need ample space to move around, including a deep enough freshwater source in which to swim, bathe, and socialize. 70-80% can be meat-based, and can include chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. Their ideal temperature is 75 to 85 degrees. Yet otters are still being illegally smuggled into these countries to be sold as pets., Loud noises. Because theyre so cute, theres been a high demand to own them as pets., Illegal poaching and sales have hurt the global otter population. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. And I really want to pet or hold hands with an otter. Additionally, otters are social animals and need to live with other otters to thrive. It is illegal to keep this indigenous otter as a pet in the United States, and not advised to take it out of North America. The space aka property with a huge pond that I would build a huge enclosure around. Answer: I would guess no, but it might depend on the animal and your particular talent in animal training. They bite and they have glands to produce a vile smell , people get those removed , its cruel. Rejoice in the sheer exuberance of otter life. Theyre very intelligent and need so much stimulation , just like an African parrot but maybe 10 times more. They are hard to potty train, and their fast metabolism means they poop a lot, and often. However, even if you could buy an otter, the cost of owning one would be significant. They would come to the nano-reef forums posting spotless 10 gallon tanks loaded with fish including tangs. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes dont make complete sense. They are extremely uncommon, and you would likely need to contact a broker who can track down a breeder or import one. In addition to common domesticated pets such as cats, dogs, aviary birds and aquarium fish, some native animals can be kept as pets under a special licence from NPWS. You need another animal carer to assist you if you need to leave. The IUCN guidelines don't even provide a the space for a single otter as otters are social animals that need at least one other otter for company. It takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, patience, and experience to house them, provide them with enrichment, and keep them safe and secure. Your email address will not be published. Otters are excellent diggers and have sharp claws and teeth. Can you have a pet otter in australia. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. I though a pair of otters would love to have me as their human (based on youtube videos). Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 16, 2018: Can you have an Asian small clawed otter as a pet in the state of Georgia. The name otter derives from the Old English word otor which, alongside other Indo-European cognates, ultimately stems from the root word *wdr, which, you guessed it, gives us the modern word water. If a state doesnt prohibit the possession of "non-domesticated carnivores" or the family Mustelidae (of which Asian small-clawed otters are a member), and it doesnt have an awful list of "non-regulated" species of which all not named on it are considered illegal, then these otters might be legal! Question: Are sea otters legal in Kentucky? Have you think for A SECOND how do they take them from their habitat?? But there is one species, the Asian small-clawed otter, which could be legal in some states. Obtaining a permit for keeping an otter is difficult, if not impossible. They smear their droppings, which they produce constantly to mark their territory. They are cunning! But can you keep one as a pet? If you have a dog in your home, they can get into fights with your otter., Dogs and otters can transmit diseases to each other as well. American Toad. Their bite is sharp and piercing. many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoor enclosures. Are there any health risks associated with otters?