can you have an otter as a pet in australia

Messy housemates. Not only will we let you know if you can have an otter as a pet, we'll look into the different reasons why this might not be the best idea for both legal and practical reasons. 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? Retrieved from. Money Box Personalised Otter Money Box Coin Bank Otter - Etsy UK They love water so it is best if you have a body of water nearby for them to frolic in. These are wild animals who suffer greatly being kept in our houses. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest species of otter. Also do you own any dogs or cats? Otters are delightfully cute. Let us learn more about this incredible creature as we read this article. So, here are some of the reasons you should not keep an otter as a pet: Above all, otters are wild animals that are happiest in their natural habitats and are not meant to be kept in our homes. The Answer May Surprise You! Heap, C. J., Wright, L., and Andrews, L. (2008). Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. This has spread to the opening of various hedgehog and even owl cafs. Pet otters are sought after in many Asian countries like Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia.. However, this is highly unethical and illegal, so be cautious and thoroughly research the seller and the legality of owning an otter as a pet before making a purchase. Find Out Now! Otter For Sale (747) | Petzlover If you have adopted one, youll need to have the proper habitat for it. (2018). Objects, such as hollowed-out lots, well-placed shrubs and trees, and items of cage furniture. However, a recent uptick of otter attacks has caused distress to many fish owners across the island. In the wild, they feed on mostly invertebrates and occasionally frogs. Do Otters Make Good Pets? What You Should Know. - WebMD In some cases, otters that have been in captivity can be released back into the wild. Interestingly, however, otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. Thanks to hunting, habit destruction and many other human activities, almost all species of otter are either endangered or at least threatened. In Australia, it is illegal to keep an otter as a pet. Otter licences - GOV.UK The otter is not a domesticated animal species. Retrieved from, Smith, C. (2017). Hands-on experience with an otter : r/aww - reddit Do otters stink? Australia boasts a huge variety of animals. Can Caracal Kitten be good pets? Well address some of the most frequently asked questions about buying an otter. Japan Times. Here are several reasons why: Legal restrictions: Otters are protected by law in many countries and it is illegal to keep them as pets. In the wild, otters can live up to 10-15 years, while those in captivity may live longer. Canadian Arctic Marble Fox as Pets (Are they good pets? Different provinces have different laws. As mentioned earlier, they have specific needs that are challenging to meet in a domestic setting. Additionally, if you live near a river, lake, or other natural body of water, you may be able to spot otters in the wild. However, pet owners must meet strict requirements, including providing a secure and appropriate habitat, proper nutrition, and veterinary care. 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. Answer: Australia is extremely strict with entry and exportation of exotics, so no. 11:06. Rage at the cruelty of man. Question: Where do you go to adopt an otter? They are cunning! They also mark their territory by smearing their feces around, which contributes to the odor.. Likely, your otter will spend most of its life in the enclosure. Avoid rigid structure in order to prevent stereotypic behavior. Guess what, they are picked off by predators within 3 days. I have to say that most though not all of the comments cause me extreme concern regarding our society today. Can You Keep a Jackal as a Pet? What You Need to Know! : They are not illegal to breed. However, mascotism damages biodiversity, since it does not focus on . AnimalWised takes a look at the different aspects of domestic otters. I have an affinity for unique companions (my first buddy was a nurse shark that imprinted on me). Thank you for this VERY enlightening article. Trained professionals can provide the care and rehabilitation necessary to ensure the otter can be released back into the wild. Native birds are also federally protected. Dogs and otters do not get along. However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. Required fields are marked *. Otters are much happier (and quieter) in their natural habitat. Their relatives include wolverines, badgers, and, of course, weasels (stoats). Call state wildlife officials to confirm. Asian small-clawed otters are one of 13 species of otters in the carnivore family Mustelidae. Can you have an otter as a pet? | AgroCorrn 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. But shipping can be stressful, even if managed by a careful courier, so it is advised to go directly to a zoo, private breeder or animal educator, and enquire in person. 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. Otters need a tropical climate. Finger Monkey Lifespans: How Long Do Pygmy Marmosets Live as Pets? Given their sensitivity, less than 10% are likely to survive to adoption. Marvel at the patience that the author must have had. That cute, fluffy sea otter you have in your photo? Otters have an odor that lingers around them. Question: Specifically what is required to own an otter in North Carolina and what type of otter(s) can you have? Or in a zoo? And if they do, it could get messy. Space alone is not enough to mimic the otter's natural ecosystem. Smell may seem a minor consideration, but should not be overlooked. 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. In the wild, they mostly eat fish, while sea-dwelling otters use stones to break open mollusks. I just wanna make sure. Can i legaly own a short clawed otter here in Ontario Canada? Of course, this depends on whether or not you can find someone willing to sell you one in the first place. Members of the Mustelidae family, otters are related to weasels, badgers, honey badgers, martens, minks, polecats and wolverines. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. Some species of otter exist discontinuously in patches unconnected by land because of over-poaching. Or someone actually get it and have no proper information on how to care for it? Nevertheless, otters are personable, entertaining little creatures, as you would expect from their reputation. Can you pet otters? !" EatRawPotatoes. Food is expensive. If you are bit by an otter, you'll need to treat the wound immediately. This species is not for beginners. You may not think it, just to look at them, although even when stock-still they are adorable. If you love animals, then volunteer at shelters, rescues, or an ACA accredited zoo. This is only a very simplified introduction to feeding. Can you own an otter as a pet in Australia? - KnowledgeBurrow.com Arkansas: Arkansas is one of the few states in the U.S. that allows otter ownership as a pet. Yeah I know but some people already own them and they couldnt put them in the wild because they wouldnt survive. You can supplement the diet with monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, crayfish and insects, introduced at irregular intervals with a scatter method. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a42687def9b0fea2fd9b99208cd94d0d" );document.getElementById("ae31964646").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Living in captivity is simply not a good life for an otter. Most people do not know what they are doing. You will need to provide a heated area for them when temperatures drop below 50F. 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. Where can I hold hands with otters? They need a much larger enclosure than a typical dog. However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. So why don't you see more otters playing in the park on a Sunday afternoon? They can be very destructive when they dont get what they want., Strong odor. you, have, a, pet, otter, in, australia, can. The larger the group, the larger the smear. There are owners who have domesticated otters. Their ideal temperature is 75 to 85 degrees. They need attention all the time. In some cases, it may be possible to keep an otter with the proper permits and licenses. I don't approve but it amazes me the animals aren't showing obvious signs of distress. An otter needs to have the life he was intended to have and need to be around their own kind in order to thrive. Pet owners must provide a secure and appropriate habitat, as well as proper nutrition and veterinary care. Unfortunately, we would not be able to list every country where keeping otter as a pet is legal or illegal. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. Theyll need a dry area as well as a pool. Otter Encounter: How to Have an Unforgettable Experience with Otters Eric Farmer from Rockford Illinois on February 18, 2018: On one hand, this sounded somewhat cute but some of the things you listed as negatives really turn me off owning an Otter as a pet. Because Dalmations are high energy dogs that were bred to run 25 miles a day under carriages, and the families couldn't handle them. - Once you have that set, click "Add to Cart". Im in Canada, BC, and it didnt say anything about owning a pet otter, and I left a comment on the other page, but I was wondering if its legal in BC. They're wild animals. All you say and recommend is ethically against your Vet degree! In conclusion, it is not advisable to keep otters as pets. However, there are few countries which appear to favor having otters as pets. Shes advising you not, To. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Protect Your Cat From These Household Hazards. Are otters friendly with humans? Additionally, otters are considered indicator species, which means that their presence or absence can indicate the health of the surrounding ecosystem. I do not even need to mention you all the reasons why. Freshwater otters live in family groups of up to 15 in the wild. 07:55. many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoor enclosures. I have seen so many animals killed because of ignorance. Otters should not live in a domestic household, and a demand for pet otters helps drives illegal animal trade and decimate wild populations. 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. "Oh honey~~~ you shouldn't have! 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. 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. Most products include Include a 90 day warranty for your convenience and to ensure you're completely satisfied! 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. Printed on the money box will be a beautiful otter with your required name. They're actually very aggressive animals. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. When walking on our uneven roads is a balancing act Can you have a pet otter in australia. In fact with a fast google search youll find that its 100% illegal but it seems theres a twist depending where you live. Not to mention the sad ways in which they are breed, in cages, only to then be separated from their significant others. This permit requires that you have a secure and adequate enclosure for your otter, and that you provide proper care and nutrition for your pet. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 31, 2019: Katouchka, I have seen breeders. The space aka property with a huge pond that I would build a huge enclosure around. Not having enough entertainment or putting stress on your pet otter can also lead to destructive, aggressive behavior. Not all our wants are positive. 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. For instance, in Nevada, lions and elephants are technically legal to own but not 3-pound fennec foxes. Even many experienced pet owners would not try to take on an otter. Quite possibly. Tremble with Tarka as the sounds of the otter hounds come down the valley. In the wild they live in families of up to 15, which contrasts with their life in captivity. Keeping an otter as a pet would be unfair to the animal and potentially dangerous for you. Aggression in otters is also something important to consider. I completed my post-graduate studies at Nottingham Trent University in 2021, securing an MSc Biodiversity Conservation qualification. There is a high chance of one of them getting bitten. Hence the name. Asian small-clawed otters - the only otter sometimes allowed as pets - need a mixture of land and water in their enclosure. It depends on the state, but yes, it is likely illegal. The only reason is if they cannot survive in the wild and need to be protected. August 20, 2021. They are not commonly available, and you would likely need to get on a waiting list. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has previously released a general, but not exhaustive, guideline to keeping otters in captivity[4]. Other members of this family include weasels, skunks, and ferrets. Even if it weren't, keeping wild animals as pets is not a good idea. Cats and dogs were bred to be companions and we couldn't even handle that. If the water is not sufficiently well cleaned, it can lead to the quick death of the otter. As a pet, otter ownership can be difficult for a variety of reasons, but owning one is not an easy choice. It is important to exercise caution and practice good hygiene when interacting with otters or their environment. Other animals in the Mustelidae family include the ferret. They do not fall under the same laws because they are not technically marine mammals. 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 werent always domesticated they were rescued or ripped away from thier habitat as well for generations. They prefer flat stones that are as wide as a large orange. For example, in Nevada, lions and elephants are actually legal to own, but fennec foxes (which weigh 3 lbs) are not. Laura Tindle - Ecological Project Officer - Middlemarch Environmental That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! 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. They force them, they are not pets, they are not our possession, they belong to nature! From a legal standpoint, owning an otter can be trickier than a skunk, but it is possible. I understand how people strongly oppose having otters as pets. The ideal temperature for their pool is 7585F, but they also need a dry area because if they are wet all the time, they can develop health issues.

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