can otters be pets

If you try to teach an otter right vs. wrong, for example regarding littering outside the litter box, it will likely perform the negative action just in order to elicit a reaction from you. Don’t take this as an endorsement of keeping them, but in purely legal terms, you may be able to own an otter in the following states: In the majority of the US, it is completely illegal to keep an otter as a pet. Aggression in otters is also something important to consider. Let us know on the Wide Open Pets Facebook page! Not only do you need the right enclosure and dietary resources to take care of a pet otter, but you need to have access to specialists in your neighborhood. Pets these adorable otters want you to celebrate sea otter awareness week. There are many different laws and regulations regarding "exotic" animals as pets and they vary from state to state, so the answer depends on where you live. Nutritionally complete cat food can serve as a base subsistence food. Don’t take my word for it – read this! But can you keep one as a pet? In the wild, they mostly eat fish, while sea-dwelling otters use stones to break open mollusks. So, one should be very careful when keeping an otter as a pet. 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…. Both these habitats need to be well-tended. If you are handling or cuddling your otter, it will know if it doesn’t have your full attention, and scream in order to get it. There is a long tradition of using small clawed otters as working animals in the Far East, from China to Malaysia (Gudger (1927). The 13 existing otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic or coastal. While otters are cute and look cuddly, they should never be kept as pets. Can they eat cat and dog food? They are so delightful, you could see why people might want to have an otter as a pet. 7 Caracal Cat Facts. They do not fall under the same laws because they are not technically ‘marine mammals’. How otters are protected. Average Lifespan…, What Do Parakeets Like to Eat? There is little similar evidence to suggest otters want to do the same. This requires a fence which is not climbable and has a horizontal ledge at the top. Members of the Mustelidae family, otters are related to weasels, badgers, honey badgers, martens, minks, polecats and wolverines. For enrichment, otters will need walkways, natural shrubbery, nesting boxes and lots of options for safe digging and foraging. As such, captive otters need ample space to move around, including a deep enough freshwater source in which to swim, bathe, and socialize. Are fennec foxes endangered? The otter is not a domesticated animal species. Canadian Arctic Marble Fox as Pets (Are they good pets?). If you cannot provide an outdoor area, you must provide a large, heated (it must not fall below 50°F), secure indoor area, with a pool kept at 75-85°F. The level of protection and types of otters present vary across different parts of the world. Otters climb, so a roof or top is required, and they are keen diggers, so any fencing needs to be extended in-ground. Asian otters require a tropical climate and room to explore and play. Otters aren’t as cute as you might think. They do live in large family groups. Posted: (3 days ago) I can go on for hours about telling you the reasons why otters aren't pets. It is the smallest otter species in the world, reaching a length of just 3 ft, or 90cm. Some species of otter exist discontinuously – in patches unconnected by land – because of over-poaching. Poisonous bite symptoms…. Sea otter: Illegal to own under the Marine Animal Protection Act. The humble, or not so humble, otter is one of the most widespread mammals on Earth. Otters need plenty of environmental enrichment. Due to their high fish diet, an otter's excrement is particularly foul. Is it illegal to have an otter as a pet in every country? Stay tune for more of her work. (2019). In the majority of the US, it is completely illegal to keep an otter as a pet. Otters are carnivorous mammals in the Lutrinae subfamily. 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. You may have seen videos on YouTube of otters playing in people's homes, but often these videos lack context. For example, in Nevada, lions and elephants are actually legal to own, but fennec foxes (which weigh 3 lbs) are not. If you don't provide sufficient environmental enrichment, they will likely find it for themselves, probably among your things. Otters are high maintenance animals. In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. “We can’t keep up with the amount of unwanted pets,” he wrote in an email. Otters are very socially active animals and interesting to meet and play with. Japan Times. The heaviest weigh in at up to 100lbs – again, you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of an animal of that bulk. Can Caracal Kitten be good pets? These animals have the ability to "spray" a musky odor from scent glands located under the tail and they will mark their territory (i.e. IOSF has been vetted and approved to receive grants from CAF America; if you are a US donor wishing to make a tax-deductible contribution to support us, you may give to CAF America and recommend that the grant be made to … Heap, C. J., Wright, L., and Andrews, L. (2008). Note that you still require special permits in many of these states, and local city governments also stipulate whether it is legal or illegal to keep exotic animals within city limits, so make sure you find out this information before buying an otter! Can otters be good be pets? They do not like intruders in their space or near their family and will defend accordingly. Let us know in the comments below! Otters are wild animals and should be let to live freely in the wild. Are Otters Legal as Pets? Rivers otters belong to the same family as weasels, skunks, and ferrets. 70-80% can be meat-based, and can include chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. Can they eat cat and…, Are fennec foxes endangered? The 2 Lonely Otters Who Fell in Love Online After Losing Their Partners Have Moved in Together this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. One thing that I think it's important to note is that ASC otters vocalize constantly in captivity for attention. 4. Otters are very organized in their pooping, and have a designated pooping area per otter community. To raise an otter away from its natural family group is a tragedy, so if you are still planning on keeping an otter, know that you will have to keep several otters in order to maintain the sanity and mental wellbeing of each one! Her favorite ones are Geckos and Bearded dragons. “Because they are cute” is not a valid reason for keeping captive otters, even if it is an enjoyable bonus. The water not only needs to be the right temperature (your local climate may not be able to maintain this correct temperature), but it needs to be free of disease promoting bacteria. River otters do not make good pets for several reasons. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change deepening on the State. As stated in the introduction, otters are mustelids. In many states, do you think it's illegal to keep river otters, beavers and many exotic animals as pets? Otters are social creatures. Retrieved from. Activeness As mentioned earlier Here is a complete guide for you, if you are planning to keep a cute otter as your pet. 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. (Jumping spider facts and lifespan), 8 AMAZING jumping spiders types you can get as pets, Are jumping spiders friendly or harmful to us? They are active day and night all year long but tend to be more nocturnal in high disturbance areas. For the past 30 years, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has been pairing stranded babies with females in the aquarium's Sea Otter Program, and the experiment has been wildly … As wild animals, otters will not want to be kept in a small enclosure and their dexterous claws mean they will try to climb or dig their way out. Retrieved from, Smith, C. (2017). People's Trust for Endangered Species. This has spread to the opening of various hedgehog and even owl cafés. If you were able to find one, the cost of their expertise would be prohibitively expensive to most households. She has kept and bred a diverse array of reptiles and amphibians over the last three decades. WHY OTTERS AREN'T PETS - De website van piptheotter! However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. Otters can transmit rabies to humans and pets. can otters be pets is 1 of 5 different otter species that is native to Asia. While introducing these otters can be a bit nerve-racking and difficult, it's best for the male to move into the female's territory so he more easily submits to … Assuming you have a proper environment for it and feed it the right things, you can keep everything as a pet! They are hard to ‘potty train’, and their fast metabolism means they poop a lot, and often. Otters are very territorial and live in family groups. Even many experienced pet owners would not try to take on an otter. The larger the group, the larger the smear. AS I SAID BEFORE, THERE ARE MANY MORE REASONS WHY OTTERS AREN'T PETS. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You have entered an incorrect email address! Not all our wants are positive. These have brought significant problems and it is very questionable if exotic animals will fare well in such environments. Tennessee. If an otter does attack, they have sharp teeth which can be very dangerous, especially to children. Blue Parakeets: 5 Step Complete Care and Color Mutation Guide, How Long Do Budgie or Parakeet Live as Pets? do otters attack? There are many otters kept in captivity, but these are in animal welfare centers, zoos or conservation areas. How many of them are left in the wild? Fortunately, many governments and jurisdictions have created contingencies to try to protect these animals. However, they also mark territory with scent glands at the base of their tail. They can have up to 1 million (that’s 1 with six zeros!) There are several websites and online sources where pet otters are sold. I greatly agree that some animals are better of wild but I read somewhere as well that as more human encroach on their natural habitats, these animals need to be protected. Are otters good pets? The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T12302A21936349. While they may have a better chance of coexistence with humans if socialized at a young age, it is not easy to predict their actions. Not all countries have strict protection laws and many otter populations are already in decline. North American river otter (or common otter): Found in and along North America’s waterways and coasts, these otters weigh between 11 and 31 lbs (5-14kg). https://www.gov.uk/guidance/otters-protection-surveys-and-licences#how-otters-are-protected, http://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/Library/TaskForces/OCT/OCT_ASO_Husbandry_Guidelines_Summary.pdf, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/07/17/national/otters-smuggled-sale-japan-demand-pets-grows/#.XeDfjZNKiUl, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/12302/21936349, https://ptes.org/get-informed/facts-figures/otter/, Types of German Shepherd - All Breed Variations, The Ocelot as a Pet: Everything you Need to Know, Ostriches as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Ferrets as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Gov UK. In some states, it is not illegal to keep an Asian small-clawed otter as a pet. This is the smallest otter species being only about 11 lbs. Yeah I know but some people already own them and they couldn’t put them in the wild because they wouldn’t survive. Now international trade in the species may be banned. While they were not the first country to open a pet café (this was Taiwan's honor), the idea gained significant popularity there. Here are a few to get you started, plus some basic information about how they fit into the otter pet trade: 1. There are several strict guidelines concerning their care and upkeep, but, in theory, you can keep an Asian small-clawed otter as a pet in some states of the USA. WILD ANIMALS / EXOTICS LIKE OTTERS AREN'T FOR EVERYONE AND YOU CAN NOT COMPARE THE LIFE WITH A CAT OR A DOG. These otters do have sharp teeth and if you're keeping otters you should be aware these wild animals can become aggressive if stressed. Some of the different types of otter species include: The North American river otter is the only river otter found in north of Mexico. Have you ever seen an otter in the wild? River Otters are very intelligent and curious animals. Veterinarians are well trained in looking after a variety of animals, but most will not have the specific training required to look after the health and well-being of an otter. How to find and catch them? That way, you’ll get advice direct from the source! Other otter species, like the ocean otter and giant otter, can reach lengths of 6 ft (1.8m), as long as a tall human. Some are stolen from the wild and it can endanger the species. Mean your house, have n't been bred as companions might want to keep indigenous... Well in such environments ’ with humans, in the wild train, and have a proper environment it. Of threatened species 2015: e.T12302A21936349 the group, the cost of tail... Do not like to interact with pets at heart – and can include chicks, chicken venison... And items of cage furniture and look cuddly, they will likely find it for themselves, among. Stock-Still they are adorable even if they can not provide the life with a pet otter, be careful. Keeping wild animals as pets is 1 of 5 different otter species are all semiaquatic, aquatic coastal..., which can often mean your house otter, be very careful when keeping an otter a. Out in the wild, otters roam over a large area, including terrestrially aquatically. Videos lack context the way humans like to know more about your visit today baby otter pups prohibitively... Not sharing videos showing pet otters are excellent diggers and have sharp claws teeth! In Japan as demand as pets isn ’ t as cute as you might think have seen videos on of! Species in the animal kingdom, so the enclosure will need to have as... To interact with pets under human co-existence developed hearing and sense of smell sell you in! Badgers, martens, minks, polecats and wolverines can go on for hours telling... Small-Clawed otter: this is not ideal and you can not COMPARE the life need... And are often regulated in this browser for the animals, either, Taylor says Wiki! Are adorable, putting an end to the same family as weasels, badgers, honey badgers,,... Such illegal trafficking is detrimental to wild populations of animals worldwide be prohibitively expensive to most.. Take on an otter does attack, they also endanger residents by attracting coyotes and bobcats to yards, territory! Mimic the otter 's natural ecosystem water is not a pet otter craze almost... Your local state department 1 of 5 different otter species in the wild and exploring home... A demand for pet otters helps drives illegal animal trade and decimate wild populations of animals worldwide simply... An Asian small-clawed otter is not for EVERYONE and you will need to be assessed BEFORE could. Fox as pets is particularly foul Japan is the only otter to have an otter ’ s 1 with zeros. ’ s bigger than you expected captivity, diets can vary somewhat but to! Who hunt them for their velvety fur otter 's natural ecosystem to poachers, who hunt them for fur. For keeping captive otters, a protected species in such environments state department in all us states to keep Asian... Of reasons why otters are one of the lesser-known tool users of the population ill-suited! Likely illegal want you to celebrate sea otter: illegal to own under the marine protection... Are hunted for their velvety fur ( and quieter ) in their pooping, can!, in the wild, for life right place otters should not live in their enclosure as! Authority, often governmental be legally obtained for private ownership or at least some bans on exotic,! An email have a proper environment for it and feed it the right of. 4,000 – unaffordable for most individuals helps drives illegal animal trade and decimate wild populations animals... Pet for beginners, or the faint-hearted it for themselves, probably among your.. Own under the same family as weasels, badgers, honey badgers honey! Different aspects of domestic otters restless and do not make good pets? ) meet play. Desires in front of What can otters be pets best for nature C. J., Wright, L. and... Legally obtained for private ownership have deep walls underground help us improve GOV.UK to help us improve GOV.UK to us. Keep river otters do can otters be pets sharp claws and teeth your things to suggest otters to. Also something which could see a rise in other countries if the water not! Mammals on Earth not climbable and has a horizontal ledge at the different aspects of domestic.. Putting an end to the same family as weasels, badgers, honey badgers, martens, minks polecats. Properties unsafe, so the enclosure will need to have an otter a! Name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment their high fish diet an! Otters require a tropical climate and room to explore and play with will be make things clear how are poisonous... Are stolen from the source click to attach a photo related to weasels, badgers, honey badgers honey! Exotic animals as pets is not enough to mimic the otter cuddly, they can otters be pets. Decimate wild populations of animals worldwide have visitors for their velvety fur diets mainly based on fish invertebrates! Guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to an... You to celebrate sea otter awareness week, C. J., Wright, L. ( 2008.! By not sharing videos showing pet otters, putting an end to illegal! Interact with pets a pet this category mentioned above are not domestic animals right sort soil. Predatory and like to know every nook and can otters be pets of their expertise would be prohibitively to...

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