Is it possible to have an otter as a pet?
A is an animal belonging to the family of mustelids (Mustelidae) and there are eight different species, all protected by the imminent danger of extinction. If you plan to have an otter as a pet, or if you’ve heard of someone who has it, keep in mind that this is totally prohibited by law and can result in major fines and penalties if the otter is held in captivity.
- In this Animal Expert article.
- We’ll talk about the way this animal’s life in the wild.
- Why it’s not fair to have an otter as a pet and what to do when you find one.
The European otter (Lutra lutra) lived throughout Europe, from the most Arctic regions to North Africa and part of Asia. Since the mid-20th century, many of its populations have disappeared due to human persecution, food shortages, habitat destruction and pollution.
All otters, with the exception of sea otters (Enhydra lutris), live in rivers, lakes, marshes, ponds or anywhere where clear water is surrounded by dense forest vegetation. Its dens are on the shores, enjoying the natural caves. They don’t have a single lair and can rest every day in another, as long as they’re in their territory.
They feed almost exclusively on aquatic animals, fish, crustaceans, amphibians or reptiles, however, if the above items are not available, they can come out of the water and hunt small mammals or birds. With the exception of the sea otter, which never leaves the ocean for its entire life.
Otters are usually solitary animals and are only found during courtship and mating, or when the mother is with her young until they leave. They can reproduce year-round, but generally regulate their cycles based on the dry season and the abundance of their preferred prey.
People usually illegally buy the animal when they are still young, so they separate from their mother very early. Otter puppies must stay with their mother for at least 18 months, as they learn everything they need to live. The fact that they are solitary animals is another reason why they should not be pets, as they would be accompanied most of the time. In addition, at home, they were unable to develop all their natural behaviors, as people generally do not have rivers or lakes in their homes.
In addition, these animals become really aggressive when in heat, a condition in which they spend most of their adult life.
If you encounter an adult otter and think you may be seriously injured or need veterinary care, it’s best to keep an eye out for the distance by calling 112 or forestry officers in your area. Don’t try to catch him, as it can attack you and, being a mammal, is able to transmit a multitude of infections and parasites.
If, on the other hand, you find a puppy that wouldn’t survive on its own, you can put it in a cardboard box big enough, put a blanket on it to protect it from the cold (if it does) and take it to a wildlife recovery center. or call forest officers.
In Brazil, illegal trafficking and hunting in wild animals is a legal crime, meaning that their capture or trade is totally prohibited, as in any other country in the world. The management of these species is only permitted for scientific reasons, for the study of populations or the reintroduction into the natural environment. In addition, the otter is included in the Berne Convention, due to its imminent extinction.
For this reason, and also because the otter is not a pet, but a wild animal, you can not have an otter as a pet. Read more in the video below:
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