Countless post across societal media highlighting otter and their slick talents have becharm the public consciousness and inspired many people to wonder about if you may have an otter as a pet . However , there ’s a lot to consider when thinking about adopting a non - domesticate animal , starting with whether it ’s actually legal in the area or state where you live . Here ’s some of import information that anyone whose turn over keeping an otter as a pet should recognize .
Can You Legally Have an Otter as a Pet?
First and foremost , this reply depends on the restrictions around favored ownership and wildlife preservation in seat in the area that you ’re place . Not every country has lawmaking forbid or determine the ownership of exotic and strange native specie , and even those that do can be susceptible to the illegal animal trade . National Geographicrecently reported on an step-up in illegal otter transportation in Southeast Asia , and Kanitha Karishansamy , the director for the Southeast Asia branch of the wildlife nonprofit , Traffic , admitted that " online trade has unfortunately unwittingly encouraged alien pet ownerships because its so hard to police what ’s pass away on online . "
Examples of Otter Ownership Regulations
In term of the United States , there are a handful of states that do n’t outright illegalise the possession of an otter as a favorite . These land ’s requisite motley , and they array between requesting simple permits and demanding for more broad environmental limitation to be put in position . However , it ’s always best to get to out to your local preservation and/or wildlife governing consistency to make trusted you ’re adopt the right pathway to ownership . Here are the places in the United States where you may legally own an otter .
Is It Appropriate to Have an Otter as a Pet?
No matter which of thethirteen speciesof otter you might be bewitch by , it ’s important to remember that they ’re all wild tool who have n’t been domesticated . This means that they are n’t beseem for living in imprisonment without the supervision of a specialized conservationist . Take a flavour at just a few of the reasons that otters do n’t make for good pets .
Expenses
While otters are aboriginal to most continent , they do requirespecialized veterinarian forethought . If you were to try and domesticate one without having the education and experience of being a specialized veterinary surgeon , then you ’re blend to spend a caboodle of money making certain your otter ’s health is properly cared for and looked after . For instance , you might have to ride a great distance to even find a veterinarian that in reality serve otter .
Environment
Otters are semiaquatic mammals that necessitate a band of space to thrive . Much like beavers , these beast involve magnanimous swaths of rivers or ocean to be able to survive . Most people do n’t have the right habitat in their local country to house an otter , nor are their homes and backyards fit with enough blank to countenance their otter roam . Similarly , the clime in which you live could be too hot or nerveless for otters to inhabit safely .
Non-Domesticated
Since these animate being are n’t domesticated , they ’re not 100 % safe to be around humans full - clip without right training . As with all wild animals , otters are probable to respond to humans in unexpected ways , and they can turn aggressive when they find threatened . Since people are n’t as commonly familiar with otter behaviors and traits as they are with dogs and computed axial tomography , there ’s a high likelihood that people can accidentally put themselves and their otters in peril .
Enjoy Otters From a Safe Distance
It ’s in human nature to want to possess thing that multitude regain cute and cuddly , and otters are decidedly both ; yet , they do n’t make for ripe pets in universal and the global legislation surrounding their ownership suitably reflects that . However , if you desperately postulate to scratch your otter scabies , front into visit your nearest zoo or preservation organization that house otter and see if they have any in - someone events that lease you safely play with the otters . Similarly , you may also donate to otter conservation and protection groups to aid ensure that they ’re here for age to come .
Leave Wild Animals in the Wild
There ’s nothing wrong with admiring the lulu and singularity of a wild animal , but that does n’t always make them the best pets . otter are one such cute violent animal that can only be de jure have in a few places , and this should serve as a deterrent for you to not pursue keeping one of these wild animals in your house , for both your safety and the otter ’s as well .
