Because they are not domesticated, they cannot 100% be around humans on a regular basis. Unfortunately, Florida has recently decided to consider them to be wild animals, but they've been placed as Class 3 wildlife, so they are still obtainable. Otters are usually kept as pets in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. Is It Legal to Own a Pet Otter in Florida 25th October 2022 Question: Are lemurs legal to keep pets in Florida? The very popular capuchin monkeys and a few other species are listed as Class 3 wildlife but still require the submission of a Class 3 Primate License, which requires experience with the species. For sea otters, specifications will be as required by Federal regulations . The most common species of bat that people keep as pets are fruit bats. This includes all big cats (lions, puma, tigers, leopards) and some smaller cats (servals, caracals, bobcats, and lynxes). Cross country road kills can fly for up to $5,000 per mile. Question: What are some of the animals you don't need a permit for that may be considered exotic? I just turned 40 and am housebound in an elderly community! Not only will we let you know if you can have an otter as a pet, but we will also investigate the different reasons why it is not the best idea for legal and practical reasons. Only Licensed Individuals Can Own Otters. The Asian leopard cat is the precursor for producing the popular domesticated Bengal cat breed. Otters need a tropical climate. If you dont give your otter plenty of entertainment or make it feel stressed, it may become destructive and aggressive. There is no denying that otters are cute and cuddly in captivity, but keeping them as pets for either the owner or the animal is not a good idea. Discovery Cove is a smaller wildlife park that belongs to the SeaWorld Resort in Orlando. Otters are wild animals and are not suited to living in captivity. In Florida, for example, it is legal to own an otter as a pet, provided that the animal was captive-bred and not taken from the wild. If you come across one while walking your dog, you should probably turn around. Many see New Guinea Singing Dogs as just another breed of canine that has descended from feral dogs, but others consider them to be a 'wild dog' like a wolf or jackal. If you search Florida Otters on YouTube, youll see just how feisty they can get. An otters life in captivity cannot be described in words. Clare Waight Keller designed the simple boat-neck gown worn by Meghan Markle at her wedding reception. Mississippi. They require a lot of water for training, and they frequently poop because of their rapid metabolism. Two otters should have at least two square feet of living space, as opposed to one otters having one square foot of living space. Because otters are not specifically mentioned in Class III regulations, they must be properly cared for, which means a simple permit. This course can be completed in 10 hours for $2,000, with just four students per week. There are a lot of small-clawed otters for sale in Japan, so its easy to see why theyre popular. Here are the places in the United States where you can legally own an otter. Bears should not be kept as pets in any way. Contact Information. Cm:V_+1nj,f#Tki-;,#W.,C122 Ill do it! It is also important to note that otters are very social animals that require a lot of care and attention, so potential owners should do their research before making the commitment to care for one. The only species that should require experience and/or inspections should be truly dangerous animals, such as big cats (not including the cheetah, snow leopards, and medium-sized cats), elephants, and great apes. Cheetahs are Class 1 Wildlife (e.g. . You will most likely not come into contact with such a small lizard. otters are not fond of small enclosures, so they prefer to live in big ones. Our sugar gliders legal in the state of Florida. Territorial. Skunks are popular for exotic mammals, and they are said to be one of the "easier" exotic animals to care for. Otters are also very territorial and do not like any intruders in their space and near their family. Monkeys are classified as exotic animals, which means that they are not indigenous to the state and therefore require special permits to own. Several states, including Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, and Nebraska, have enacted legislation that allows for otters to be owned privately. Exotic pet ownership is illegal in some states, including California, where ferrets and other ungulates are prohibited, but other ungulate species are legal to own as pets in California. (|5 Vy(\mNxVba$>!x7W=vr&;y2fjNmM#@iS{|DrP[dp^i2f1-,H"YVy58 &bK[eENe#h> "ds^_E:|VlW:Tr9gTlR-e~LoP6%m*2e3z3FcTHzK-=J.&Ij%rD ?oVC9:3B h_FeL^Xp](vH(?I-$H?"Y? Question: Is it legal to have a pet opossum in Florida? The Asian Leopard Cat is the precursor for producing the popular domesticated Bengal cat breed. Otters have sharp claws and teeth, making them excellent diggers. 154 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[]/Index[125 65]/Info 124 0 R/Length 134/Prev 489562/Root 126 0 R/Size 190/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Asian small clawed otters may be kept with a permit. Owning native otters is illegal in many countries including the UK, Japan, and the U.S. There is insufficient space in IUCN guidelines to allow for the survival of one otter. New Guinea Singing Dog by Rennett Stowe is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Otter for sale. Class I animals are illegal to possess: Chimpanzees, Gorillas, Gibbons, Drills and mandrills, Orangutans, Baboons, Siamangs, Gelada baboons, Snow leopards, Leopards, Jaguars, Tigers, Lions, Bears, Rhinoceros, Elephants, Hippopotamuses, Cape buffalos, Crocodiles (except dwarf and Congo), Gavials, Black caimans, Komodo dragons Understanding anotter requires experience. hbbd```b``@$S,dSiZ"'H RD DHG`\@v (bma fH`]`5' Rm.&@LA&@!Og`~ Likely, your otter will spend most of its life in the enclosure. Have a personal gallery or a blog to share with your friends. I appreciate this article, but the opening statement, that these animals are restricted "for no logical reason" is clearly a misstatement of fact. Poop can tell us about the health of river otters and their land and water homes too. Habitat: This water-loving animal is found throughout Florida except the Keys. Will Victorias return to PBS in 2021? qX0_/.+|".j^8|U4uP&tH,Aq"p=;83q|_p A_a@09$p), Possession of an otter is restricted under state law, but ownership of an otter is not impossible in Nevada. Discharge of a firearm may be prohibited in some cities and residential areas; check with local law enforcement. Despite their small brains compared to their bodies, sloths appear to be more intelligent than they are. Years later, on Jan. 18, Prandine would spot the small carnivorous marine mammals again, this time on her back porch, while FaceTiming her mother. Board didnt say why. Florida is one of the few states that allow bats as pets, provided they are not taken from the wild (you wouldn't want to take in a potential rabies vector from the wild, anyway). On top of this, even relative to other zoo type animals, otters would be incredibly challenging to own in your home, possibly with an exception if you can afford a wonderful outdoor enclosure with a drainable water source and temperature controls. A Class 3 permit is required for these and a number of smaller primates (squirrel monkeys, tamarins, owl monkeys, lemurs, bush babies), as well as for a variety of larger primates (squirrels, monkeys, owls, lemurs, and bush babies). If it is considered exotic, keep it in a safe place. This is not a comprehensive list and only includes states where otters are legal with relative certainty. Otter care is closely monitored to ensure that proper enrichment is provided. All free. A giraffes counterpart is a much smaller mammal known as an okapi, which has a dark coat with striped legs. Advertisement Florida. Here are 10 exotic animals that are legal to own in the state of Texas. Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, have a Netflix account, so they urged her to watch the Crown with them. So do you mean I can have a baby marmoset in Florida because I already fill out the permit to obtain a marmoset monkey. Wondering what exotic animals can be legally kept as pets in the state of California? North American river otters have been rare in Texas since the early 1900s. Florida is one of the few states that will issue permits and allow people to own this well-known rabies vector. There have been reports of otters in Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Bacliff Davy Crockett National Forest, and Lewisville Lake. Furthermore, potential owners should speak with a veterinarian in their area who specializes in primates because general veterinarians are unable to properly care for them. Phone: (850) 488-6253. Depending on the size, the cage should provide at least 30% water. The otter is the smallest of the 13 species, making it easier to maintain. You might be wondering if its legal to own one of these furry creatures. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. HWio#W`9ag@DR$!%Ws0vA3}7F}Ff?S&yV% can legally own an otter in Nevada. These species are relatively hardy and make good companions, although they will require a significant amount of care and attention. It is illegal in North America to keep nearly all otters as pets, with the exception of one exception. Indiana. otters appear to be a relatively uncommon pet among countries that appear to prefer them as pets. It may be worthwhile to keep an otter as a pet, but keep in mind that owning one can be expensive. The charismatic sea otters are federally illegal due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Answer: You need a Class 3 permit to own one. They also need a diet that consists of both fish and meat. Although based in Southern California, Celeste consults with clients from all over the world. Despite the fact that this creature is most commonly found in Florida's Keys, where it is rarely seen except by quiet kayakers, it is also found throughout the state. Celeste Yarnall operates a holistic consulting practice for people and their pets specializing in feline and canine nutrition. African otters can be great pets, but they require a lot of care and attention. The Marine Mammal Protection Act protects sea and river otters, but Asian small-clawed otters are not. They are semi-aquatic mammals that are known for their playful and curious nature. Question: Do I need a permit to keep a captive bred raccoon in Florida? For example, New York doesnt mention otters in its exotic pet ordinance but states that live otters cannot be possessed in its trapping section (No person shall possess any live beaver, otter, mink, muskrat). I was surprised they didnt run away really fast, Prandine said. It is also critical to consider the parasites and general hygiene issues that otter owners are likely to face if they keep them as pets. Tea tailors, custom-made baby furniture, and eye tests are also available. 4!V<22@ D1CXT6@ LiV2rhlPLjF ?bVe~7WWSw8$_|01Y]?W& r8:>?rF(%v]Nb If you are bit by an otter, you'll need to treat the wound immediately. Raccoon by David Slater is licensed under CC BY 2.0. This includes chipmunks, red squirrels, flying squirrels and more exotic species like Prevost squirrels. It is best not to keep a cheetah as a pet skunk, but rather a Class. These playful and beautiful animals are legal, again, with a Class 3 permit. If you are in Florida and would like to otter swim, Tampa (about an hour North of the city) is where you can find Dade City's Wild Things. Small Clawed Otter by Kathleen Franklin is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Not having enough entertainment or putting stress on your pet otter can also lead to destructive, aggressive behavior. Theres one major disadvantage of owning an at-home otter: they stink. Exotic animal ownership in Florida may sound like a dream come true for some, but it necessitates much more than just a desire to own a giraffe or otter. Messy housemates. Other animals are also returning to the bayou as well. In addition to invertebrates and fish, aquatic or semi-aquatic diets are used by 13 extant sea otter species. African otters can make great pets for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to care for them properly. In part one of our reportage from the 2023 event, Evan Christenson digs up a dozen interesting finds, including bikepacking bags from Osprey, Taco Pedals from Simworks, and much more. It is important to do your research and check with your local authorities to find out what the laws are in your specific area before acquiring an otter or any other exotic animal. Question: Are toucans legal to own as pets in Florida? Florida International Teaching Zoo - Bushnell. endstream endobj 129 0 obj <>stream Young otters are called kits, and females have two to five on average in a litter. One of Europes most well-known department stores is known as Harrods. Because Florida is a small state with few venomous creatures, it only needs to be kept in an enclosure. Which exotic pets are legal in Indiana? If you want to adopt a finger monkey or rhesus macaque, you should carefully consider whether youll need to bring them home because of the high cost and the specialized medical attention required. Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every weekday morning. Im not gonna find this is Petsmart am I? If you live near a lake, pond or river that has no otters, there is a chance that the water is polluted. Here's a quick look at Discovery Cove (Post Covid) from The Adventure Awaits - Party of 6. Some of the most popular options include Capuchin monkeys, Spider monkeys, Squirrel monkeys, and Marmosets. Michigan - Otters fall under game laws meaning ownership requires both a permit and enclosure specifications. compose Evan Christenson. If they are constantly wet, they can develop health conditions.. The otters are semiaquatic mammals that require a large amount of space to survive. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. Binturongs can be found in rivers and can be adopted online if they are legal to do so. FLORIDA WEST COAST: 23+ MEMORABLE STOPS YOU . Supplement their diet with vegetables, soft-boiled eggs, and insects.