Can you own an otter as a pet?
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Can you own an otter as a pet?
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. Specifically, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Nebraska and a handful of other states appear to allow the private-ownership of otters.
How much does it cost to own an otter?
Answer: Since pet otters are rare, a dealer has a lot of leeway when naming their price. Expect to pay at least $3000; it could also be a lot higher.
How long do otters live as pets?
Otters live for around 12 years when they are kept in wild but tend to live for 15-20 years in captivity. Otters cannot be kept as pets in homes due to their requirements; they can only be kept in specialized environments such as zoos and research centers where the living conditions are ideal.
Are otters aggressive?
With their sweet appearance and playful nature, it may seem impossible that otters are dangerous. However, otters can be aggressive when necessary. The animals sometimes even hunt snakes to supplement their usual diet of fish.
Are otters intelligent?
Behavior. River Otters are very intelligent and curious animals. They have well developed hearing and sense of smell. They spend most of their day foraging and exploring their home range.
Are otters cuddly?
Otters might look soft and cuddly but remain dangerous wild animals. Otters have strong teeth and a powerful bite.
Can otters be house trained?
They aren’t easily housetrained and they’re very active, social animals. Keeping an otter as a solitary pet can make them very sad. Not having enough entertainment or putting stress on your pet otter can also lead to destructive, aggressive behavior. Living in captivity is simply not a good life for an otter.
Can you toilet train otters?
Are otters loyal?
Some Native American tribes view otters as totem animals, and they often associate the animals with good luck. Others may also view them as symbols of loyalty.
How long do otters live?
River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. North American river otters were hunted and trapped extensively for their fur in the 19th and 20th centuries, and are still hunted in some places.
Do otters smell?
Otters have scent glands all over their body, and they rub these glands on surfaces in their habitat to mark their territory with their smell. Because otters live in and around water, the smell they create is extra potent so that it doesn’t get washed away!
