can you have an otter as a pet in australia can you have an otter as a pet in australia

Sadly, due to the difficulties that come with owning an otter, many are abandoned or discarded to rescue groups., National Geographic: Wild otters are the latest exotic pet trend., PetHelpful: A Guide to Legally Owning and Caring for a Pet Otter., Sea Otter Savvy: Dangerous Liaisons: Interactions Between Pets and Sea Otters., The Furry Companion: FAQs for Aspiring Pet Otter Owners., WORLD ANIMAL PROTECTION: Why You Shouldnt Share That Cute Pet Otter Video.. How To Care for A Pet Otter? "Oh honey~~~ you shouldn't have! WOW!! Much more fun fact: Otter poop has an aroma that has been compared to jasmine tea. slowelevator . It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Pet Collars & Leashes Pet Furniture Pet Clothing & Shoes . They need a much larger enclosure than a typical dog. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. Emergency Vet Prices: How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost? please can someone help. AnimalWised takes a look at the different aspects of domestic otters. Have you ever seen an otter in the wild? Find out in this video all about the Asian Small Clawed Otter, Mr. Chow! [removed] Sometimes people can't handle the truth. Space alone is not enough to mimic the otter's natural ecosystem. They werent always domesticated they were rescued or ripped away from thier habitat as well for generations. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). Such illegal trafficking is detrimental to wild populations of animals worldwide. Product details: Item Number: 001000265731 Brand: Otter Box Model Number: iPhone 7 Plus Colour: Pink We ship nationwide! Question: Are otters legal pets in California? The humble, or not so humble, otter is one of the most widespread mammals on Earth. Owning a pet otter is considered illegal in several countries including the US, Japan, and the UK. Would it require witchcraft for an otter to stay alive like that? Hence the name. I completed my post-graduate studies at Nottingham Trent University in 2021, securing an MSc Biodiversity Conservation qualification. Live animals and animal products from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. Fr Rudi, as . This classification means that only native otters are legal which includes the river otter. The cage should have a decent size that allows the animal adequate room to exercise and forge. You can supplement the diet with monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, crayfish and insects, introduced at irregular intervals with a scatter method. They smear their droppings, which they produce constantly to mark their territory. You need resources to own any pet, much less an exotic one. They arent easily housetrained and theyre very active, social animals. That way, youll get advice direct from the source! Otters can be destructive and are difficult to housetrain. Otters need plenty of environmental enrichment. . These can grow up to 6 ft long, almost 2 meters, and have a nasty bite, so you probably wouldnt want to own one anyway! Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 26, 2020: Nixie Nox I guess this also means dalmatians shouldn't be pets then. Also watch for signs of bacterial infection to the wound. Pet owners must provide a secure and appropriate habitat, as well as proper nutrition and veterinary care. Asian otters require a tropical climate and room to explore and play. If they are constantly wet, they can develop health conditions.. Cage should have a top and fencing needs to extend in-ground. Theyre not for us to publish to get likes ! In some cases, it may be possible to keep an otter with the proper permits and licenses. If you want to read similar articles to Can You Have an Otter as a Pet?, we recommend you visit our What you need to know category. These toys are excellent for species that hunt and forge. Otters make loud whistling or screeching noises. For enrichment, otters will need walkways, natural shrubbery, nesting boxes and lots of options for safe digging and foraging. They love water so it is best if you have a body of water nearby for them to frolic in. On the 4 Asian species 3 are under protection because theyre getting extinct ! People who like to physically interact with their pets will be disappointed. There are several ways to support otter conservation efforts, including: In conclusion, otters are unique and fascinating animals that are best appreciated from a distance. Otters have an odor that lingers around them. Ive occasionally seen them offered for sale on exoticanimalsforsale.net in the past, but not for a while. If you have adopted one, youll need to have the proper habitat for it. You see, otters are members of the weasel family. Thank you for this VERY enlightening article. SafePetsForJoliet. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes dont make complete sense. Keeping an otter as a solitary pet can make them very sad. Swimming in circles , chanting, running around like crazy is them showing they suffer! It's scary to think of what it'll be like in just 5-10 more years. But theyre probably more likely to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors! Otters are very playful creatures. 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. The short answer is yes, but it comes with many caveats or catches. However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. Expect to pay at least $3000; it could also be a lot higher. No matter how much you fantasize about them, you must accept the fact that they are not house pets. 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. (2019). Dv Kaufman's Adventures 44.5K subscribers OTTERS AS PETS?!? Some species of otter exist discontinuously in patches unconnected by land because of over-poaching. Otters mostly eat fish and planktons, but they also feed on the ground with small birds, snails, frogs, or other amphibians. Not only does this depend on the country, the legality of keeping an otter as a pet will also depend on regions and jurisdiction within a given country. 5 Step Pacman Frog Care: Are they good pets? Other otters have fully webbed feet and strong, well-developed claws. However, if youre still keen on the otter, and live in a state where you can legally own one, youre welcome to take the next step. Yes, otters can be trained using positive reinforcement techniques. Otters are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. The recommended space for a pair of otters is 60 m, roughly the size of an average apartment. Not needing to be walked or taken out for exercise is a big plus for many people. Animals other than those that are usually kept as a companion or domestic animal attract a lot of attention and generate curiosity to know what it is like to have one at home. Taking feathers directly from the bird so the scent is present, and scatter them in various places. I have an affinity for unique companions (my first buddy was a nurse shark that imprinted on me). Your email address will not be published. They are all semiaquatic, aquatic or marine mammals, and subsist on diets mainly based on fish and invertebrates, such as mollusks. After otter hunting was banned in the UK in 1978, their numbers dropped. And if they do, it could get messy. The bad news is that this leaves them vulnerable to poachers, who hunt them for their velvety fur. In the wild, otters can live up to 10-15 years, while those in captivity may live longer. 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. Do otters cuddle? Their ideal temperature is 75 to 85 degrees. Asian small-clawed otter: This is the only otter to have entered the pet trade. Also do you own any dogs or cats? But if you do decide to own an otter telling you how to properly care for your new family member. Otters need space to roam. 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. Some introduced animals, have become serious pests in Queensland that attack pets and damage crops, the environment and the economy. If you love animals, then volunteer at shelters, rescues, or an ACA accredited zoo. The oldest known otter lived to be 21 years old. No, it is not safe or ethical to swim with otters. Here is a list of places where you might be able to find a pet otter: Exotic pet stores These are specialty stores that deal with rare and exotic animals. 3. Patrons for the Utterly Outrageous Otters Encounter must be 12 years and over. I was headstrong about owning an otter and this article actually dissuaded me people are insane nowadays, would you rather there I have not come across this information then got an otter and regretted? Are otters good pets? While they're widely illegal in the U.S., you may be able to own and care for an otter in some states with the proper permitting. That cute, fluffy sea otter you have in your photo? More information can be found by referring to the Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual. There are owners who have domesticated otters. They have been known to destroy furniture with their inquisitive claws and teeth. (2018). Thanks to hunting, habit destruction and many other human activities, almost all species of otter are either endangered or at least threatened. Wildlife rehabilitation centers - These centers take in injured or orphaned wild animals and care for them until they can be released back into the wild. Additionally, otters are social animals and need to live with other otters to thrive. Yes, there are some health risks associated with otters. Additionally, there may be wildlife rehabilitation centers in your area that need volunteers to help care for injured or orphaned otters. But there are many factors to consider. The fact that these otters require a tropical climate may be why they tend to be kept mostly by zoo professionals. That being said, exotic animals from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. 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. How otters are protected. You may not think it, just to look at them, although even when stock-still they are adorable. you, have, a, pet, otter, in, australia, can. Living with a Pet Otter There are many effects which you should be aware of before getting a pet otter. More on each of these later. Theyre very intelligent and need so much stimulation , just like an African parrot but maybe 10 times more. Nutritionally complete cat food can serve as a base subsistence food. Serfass, T., Evans, S. S., & Polechla, P. (2015). Eastern Red-backed Salamander. Otters are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and their trade is heavily regulated. And for those shaming her in the comments. Question: Are otters legal in Pennsylvania? I spearfish the invasive fish in the eel river and have had wild otters swimming feet away from me eating the fish I kill. Click to attach a photo related to your comment. Why is is not right to have an OTTER as a PET? They travel in groups and maintain family ties, for life. Vets are expensive. Answer: You'd have to check with your local authorities, Asian clawed otters should be legal in NC and are the only type I know of that are obtainable. A new fundraiser, Made by Mori: A Day at the Movies has been organised to raise funds for the recovery, with a day of iconic Mori-made films to screen at Silky Otter Cinemas across Aotearoa . Otters arent as cute as you might think. With that said, most or all states will likely ban possession of native otters, and the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act strongly protects marine species (sea otters). There are 13 types of otter in total, but some are more common than others. 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. Background on Otter Otters eat 15 to 25% of their body weight daily. 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. I guess they'd much rather be coddled and have everything handed to them SMH. This does not even take into consideration the amount of capital needed to install the appropriate enclosure and keep the otters well fed. 12:34. The otter is not a domesticated animal species. This has spread to the opening of various hedgehog and even owl cafs. Otter. Otters are protected under various laws and regulations, and owning one without proper permits can result in fines and other legal consequences. 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. 07:55. If you want to see otters, your best bet is to visit a zoo or aquarium. Can you have a pet sea otter? The smell of an otters spraint has been likened variously to that of freshly mown hay to putrefied fish. They are mustelids which means they belong to the same family as weasels, minks and badgers, but form a part of the subfamily Lutrinae. 11:06. This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! Ana Sayfa; En iyi videolar; Hafta iin en iyi; . 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. Australia boasts a huge variety of animals. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Otters are wild animals and require specialized care. 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. Some animals are illegal to keep in Queensland. Required fields are marked *. Being A Pet Is Not Good For an Otter If you love animals, then please do not keep otters as pets! 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. In the wild, they use their strong jaws and sharp teeth to crack open shells and catch fish. All states have bans on at least some exotic pets, even states that are notorious for having lax pet laws. Question: Specifically what is required to own an otter in North Carolina and what type of otter(s) can you have? These include: Printed on the money box will be a beautiful otter with your required name. This is the smallest. However, owning an otter requires a permit, which can be obtained from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. They need plenty of space and care., An otters enclosure needs to be large enough for them to get exercise and forage. Not all countries have strict protection laws and many otter populations are already in decline. She did nothing wrong shes a vet giving you advice on a animal that people love and right now have are popular. The lifespan of otters varies depending on the species and their environment. From a legal standpoint, owning an otter can be trickier than a skunk, but it is possible. 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. Non-Domesticated Since these animals aren't domesticated, they're not 100% safe to be around humans full-time without proper training. West Virginia: Otter ownership is legal in West Virginia with a permit from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. you, an, otter, as, a, pet, unit, australia, s, can, have, in. Supplement their diet with vegetables, soft-boiled eggs, and insects. Likely, your otter will spend most of its life in the enclosure. If you keep a pet otter, be very careful when you have visitors. -They have a lot of personality and can be very affectionate with their owners. 2. My dogs have full access to run outside and play in the backyard but they choose to stay inside on a bed watching tv and eatting treats. They bite and they have glands to produce a vile smell , people get those removed , its cruel. - Once you have that set, click "Add to Cart". However, it is important to remember that even trained otters are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. Here are a few to get you started, plus some basic information about how they fit into the otter pet trade: 1. Its amazing and I have always dreamed of having one as a pet. -They are relatively low-maintenance, compared to other animals. They love to swim and dive in shallow waters although there are records of sea otters diving as deep as 100 meters. 7 Caracal Cat Facts. What is a good pet? This, we can presume, is because they were always found at the waters edge, be it at the seaside (sea otters), riverside (river otters), clambering over brooks (Asian small-clawed otter) or in The Guianas (giant otters). They also mark their territory by smearing their scent; which is known as sprinting. Is it illegal to have an otter as a pet in every country? When she isn't creating content for blog posts, Hannah enjoys long walks with her Rottweiler cross Senna, reading fantasy novels and breeding aquarium shrimp. The latter option may be ethically questionable given the species vulnerable status in the wild, and brokers are unlikely to tell you where the animals are obtained (which is standard in the industry). Your bathtub or pool cant substitute for the large bodies of water otters are naturally found in. Participants must be able to squat/kneel down and stand up quickly and without assistance. Can you have a pet otter in australia. White ceramic money box Personalised. But even if this is the case, keeping them as a pet will be discouraged by animal control and the Department of Health. 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. They are hard to potty train, and their fast metabolism means they poop a lot, and often. It depends on the state, but yes, it is likely illegal. They require about 2-2, 5 pounds of meat every day. This can be fed irregularly with a "scatter" method to ward off stereotypic behaviorsomething that occurs when certain animals are fed at specific times. In this AnimalWised video, we talk about the lifestyle of these mammals, what types of otter exist and why you should never have them in a. You can usually visit the otter you have adopted, and some programs offer other perks, like behind-the-scenes tours. Prohibited mammals, reptiles and amphibians You are not allowed to keep prohibited animals as a pet in Queensland. Otters are social creatures. They are so delightful, you could see why people might want to have an otter as a pet. In the U.S. there is only one otter species that can be kept in the home so to speak - the Asian Short-clawed Otter . Its wrong for all the people who have commented to post where do I get get one, how much do they cost, etc why would you people even post shit like that. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. As a vet you shouldnt explain people what to do if they still wanna keep a wild pet! Many zoos and aquariums offer adoption programs, which allow you to support the care of an otter without owning one. Point is people that invest this kind of money on pets love them. Not only do these animals make terrible pets, but they're also nearly impossible to domesticate. In the United States, it is legal to own an otter with a license, although regulations vary from state to state. There are many exotic pets that people fantasize about owningbaby penguins, panda bears, dragonsbut they are often shocked to hear that some people can and do legally keep exotic pets like fennec foxes, wild cats, and marmosets. Parasites and general hygiene issues created by otters are also significant factors in why you shouldn't keep an otter as a pet. Eastern Newt. If you cannot provide an outdoor area, you must provide a large, heated (it must not fall below 50F), secure indoor area, with a pool kept at 75-85F. All rights reserved. These have brought significant problems and it is very questionable if exotic animals will fare well in such environments. You should include fish. Some ideas include: Domesticated minks are actually semi-aquatic and far more readily available, if legal. Dont encourage this craziness! One thing that I think it's important to note is that ASC otters vocalize constantly in captivity for attention. Can you have a pet penguin in Canada? 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. In most countries, only dogs and miniature horses are recognized as therapy animals. Toys are expensive. 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. They are wild animals and do not like to be restrained., Owning an otter is a big commitment. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. In many states, do you think it's illegal to keep river otters, beavers and many exotic animals as pets? However, this is a complex process that requires specialized care and rehabilitation to ensure the otter can survive in its natural environment. Otters are smelly, loud and extremely active; they have sharp teeth and jaws strong enough to crack open shellfish. Dont 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. Instead, consider visiting them at a zoo or wildlife sanctuary, where you can observe and appreciate these amazing animals in a safe and responsible manner. They have varying sizes across all species, weighing between 2.2 to 99.2 lb and having lengths between 2.0 to 5.9 feet. I want a Asian small clawed otter In Arizona ,mesa. They are extremely uncommon, and you would likely need to contact a broker who can track down a breeder or import one. Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. Most pet otters are actually owned by private zoos and animal educators. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T12302A21936349. In the wild they live in families of up to 15, which contrasts with their life in captivity. As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. 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. Otters may bite when threatened and are not good housemates., Wild otters are not fit to live in your home environment., They need plenty of space to roam and to be with their family. Dogs can infect otters with canine distemper and rabies. I bet thats bigger than you expected! Dont take my word for it read this! Can Caracal Kitten be good pets? Lets look after wildlife, please! Where can you shake hands with an otter? You need a vet. Supporting conservation efforts and avoiding products that contribute to habitat destruction can help protect these animals. Otters are delightfully cute. However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. However, like all mustelids that arent domesticated ferrets, they are also challenging to keep, and will require large enclosures and extensive enrichment. Alabama law prohibits any wildlife protected by law being held in captivity (as in kept as pets.) Also They really have an annoying squeal. The heaviest weigh in at up to 100lbs again, you wouldnt want to get on the wrong side of an animal of that bulk. Their temperaments are unpredictable they are wild animals at heart and can be dangerous, especially if not under supervision near children. Given their sensitivity, less than 10% are likely to survive to adoption. Otters in this genus are characterized by only partial webbing between their toes, and small, blunt, peg-like claws. They are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Keeping an otter as a pet has become fashionable in some countries for some time. What exotic pets can you own in Australia? That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! 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. Unless you do what Joseph Carter does for his mink to keep them busy, I wouldn't recommend them as pets to most people. 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. 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. What states are otters legal in? Valentina z not all exotic pets are ripped away from their habitat some are rescued. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. Additionally, otters are considered indicator species, which means that their presence or absence can indicate the health of the surrounding ecosystem. In the majority of the US, it is completely illegal to keep an otter as a pet. Very few are owned by private individuals and habited in domestic environments. 11 reasons why you should NOT have an otter as a pet. Nevada: In Nevada, owning an otter is legal as long as you have a permit from the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision! Cats and dogs were bred to be companions and we couldn't even handle that. Not to mention the sad ways in which they are breed, in cages, only to then be separated from their significant others. Using food dispensing devices available for dogs and cats that must be manipulated to dispense treats. Unfortunately, this fad has lead to the illegal smuggling of otters into Japan[6]. If left untrained, they can leave many droppings around the house. Unless you are an expert or biologist or zoologist, you should not own an exotic pet. However, some US states may allow you to own exotic pet species such as otters. The space aka property with a huge pond that I would build a huge enclosure around. Otters need a tropical climate. Additionally, swimming with otters can be harmful to the animals, as it can disrupt their natural behaviors and expose them to human diseases. 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! I will stick with my donations and wish them love. Or someone actually get it and have no proper information on how to care for it? Asian small clawed otters may be kept with a permit. With a degree in Animal Behaviour and over a decade of practical animal husbandry experience, Hannah's articles cover everything from pet care to wildlife conservation. They are cunning! They swim 17km everyday , live in large groups of 20 individuals esprantes in multiple families. This is only a very simplified introduction to feeding. Otters climb, so a roof or top is required, and they are keen diggers, so any fencing needs to be extended in-ground. Question: Are pet otters legal in Canada? Unfortunately we humans have too often put our own desires in front of what is best for nature. 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. You need another animal carer to assist you if you need to leave. They have sharp teeth, powerful prey drives, and they're little bundles of furious energy in motion whenever they are awake. Listen people, trying to stifle information will only lead to more of that thing your trying to stop dont be ignorant. If you believe your state should be on this list, check with your local state department. 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. 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.