The otter is not a domesticated species. There are many otters in captivity, but these are in animal welfare centers, zoos or nature reserves. Some will say that an animal like the cat was not originally domesticated, but now functions well under human coexistence. However, there is also DNA evidence suggesting that cats were sensitive to the domestication process and may even have domesticated[3]. There is little similar evidence that otters want to do the same. So, here are some of the reasons why you shouldn`t keep an otter as a pet: Otters and most exotic animals don`t like to be restrained, especially with strangers. People who enjoy physically interacting with their pets will be disappointed. When you see cute baby otters interacting with their caregivers — like the ones in the videos here — keep in mind that these are often socialized babies who haven`t matured yet. I cannot recommend any species of otter as a personal pet, although some have maintained a strong bond with their owner throughout their lives. As wild animals, otters won`t want to be kept in a small enclosure and their skillful claws mean they`ll try to climb or dig their way. This requires a fence that is not climbable and has a horizontal ledge at the top.
Otters can also dig, so the enclosure must have deep walls underground. To enrich themselves, otters need walkways, natural shrubs, nest boxes and plenty of opportunities to dig and dig safely. It is illegal to own animals that may harm the environment or native wildlife. If you have any questions about the Harmful Alien Wildlife Act, please contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Some of the animals whose possession is illegal under this law are: Mute swans Mungo Boar Javelina Wild goats Wild sheep Wildebeest Wildeer Reindeer Deer Otters can be legally acquired for private property. A simple wildlife hobby license is usually all it takes to keep exotic animals in Missouri. The authorisation is only valid for the keeping of an animal within the framework of the authorisation. Usually, in Missouri, exotic animals are designated by classes. Class I wildlife generally includes small animals and reptiles, while Class II wildlife contains animals that could be considered dangerous, such as venomous snakes.
River otters are specifically mentioned as animals that can be owned with a permit. However, Asian otters are not mentioned, which means they are legal without special permission. The care of river otters is closely monitored with specific guidelines on cages. It`s great for kids like me to learn more about otters There are still about 4,000 tigers in the wild, but experts say there are more than that in captivity in the U.S. alone, though many states have strict restrictions on keeping these animals in captivity. Tech Insider`s map below shows the U.S. states where humans can legally own big cats. Question: Are otters legal to keep as pets in Georgia? It is illegal to own wild animals. If you have any questions about the Wildlife Act, please contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Otters are mainly wild animals that are happiest in their natural habitat and are not meant to be kept in our homes. You may have seen YouTube videos of otters playing in people`s homes, but often these videos lack context. You may not know that otters probably only exist as an interim solution in a larger conservation effort.
Otters should not live in a household, and the demand for pet otters is helping to boost the illegal pet trade and decimate wild populations. Question: What exactly is required to own an otter in North Carolina and what type of otter can you have? It is illegal to keep a kangaroo as a pet in the vast majority of the United States. Only in Wisconsin, West Virginia and South Carolina is it legal to possess this pet without permission. It is illegal to own animals that pose a threat to humans, livestock or domestic animals. Animals include lions, tigers, pumas, wolves, bears, monkeys, tufted monkeys, lemurs, cobras, rattlesnakes, crocodiles and alligators. Cats, crocodiles, wolves, alligators, primates, but many communities in New Mexico have much stricter legislation for exotic animals than the state level. Answer: You buy otters from a breeder or broker. They are not widely available and you will probably have to register on a waiting list. They are expensive to buy and accommodate.
In Washington State, it is illegal to own animals that can infect people with rabies. The law was introduced to prevent people from contracting the life-threatening disease. Here are the five rabies that are banned as pets in the state: 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. I can only make educated guesses about where they might be legal, as I research what isn`t. The only way to know for sure would be to contact your state`s Department of Agriculture/Fish and Game, and even they sometimes don`t know. The 13 species of otters are wild animals, extremely sensitive to environmental changes and are striking latrine species. More than half of the 13 otter species are endangered or endangered and are not legally bred – they must be captured, usually by killing the mother and confiscating the puppies. Due to their sensitivity, less than 10% are likely to survive adoption. Florida uses a similar classification system that classifies exotic animals as Class I, which are the most dangerous, and Class III animals, which are not harmful to the general public. Animals not specifically included in Classes I and II shall automatically be classified in Class III. Since otters are not specifically mentioned, they fall under Class III regulations, which means they require a simple care permit. Otter care is closely monitored to ensure adequate enrichment.
Interestingly, the otter is classified under Florida state law with care for ferrets, broom and mink. If you want to own any of the animals on that state`s dangerous wildlife list, you must register it with the county where the animal lives. This list includes lions, tigers, ocelots, wolves, primates and venomous reptiles. You do not need a permit for chinchillas, yaks, servals or camels. The Asian-clawed otter is the only otter species that allows possession in the United States, as this species is illegal at the federal level due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Asian claw otters are not illegal federally because they are not marine animals, but they are certainly not legal to possess in every U.S. state. States where it is legal to own an otter are colored yellow. In Minnesota, it is illegal to own bears, non-native cats and primates.