Jackson Andrews, Campus Carrier photographer
We all know how amazing river otters are. They run and swim all day, passing the time by playing with other otters and sliding down mud or ice. Their playful demeanor resembles that of other common household animals like dogs and cats. Why not have one as a pet?
Depending on where you live, you may need a special permit to own one, or it may be completely illegal in that state. According to WorldPopulationReview.com, “very few states allow otters,” with most making it completely illegal to own one. Since the Asian-clawed otter is not federally protected, it is up to the states to decide if they are legal to own or not. It is with good judgment that otters should be allowed as pets in every state with proper licenses and permits.
That said, owning an Asian-clawed otter is not recommended for those who have no prior experience with owning and taking care of pets. While they are playful creatures, “otters can also be loud and destructive,” according to WebMD. Similarly, they often attack without warning. This means that even when playfully biting, you will never be able to tell when they make an aggressive move. Otters also require certain habitable conditions to remain healthy as well as a diet of crabs, fish, certain frog species and other small aquatic animals. Therefore, with all proper conditions met and permits obtained, permits serve as a way of making sure that only those who are qualified to own such an animal are allowed to.
In contrast, when giving them plenty of habitable space while maintaining their health and happiness, otters are very social animals that can bond with humans as well as other more common pets. Their cheery demeanor is something to enjoy, along with their satisfied chirping and cuddly tendencies. According to Newsinhealth.nih.gov, household pets can “reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood.” While not expressly naming otters, one could draw that owning one as a pet could provide the same benefits as other common pets.
I believe that otters should be considered legal with permits in the states that they are currently illegal to own. However, I believe in the prosperity of these animals. It would be wise that to obtain a license or permit, as one must show that they possess certain necessary measures like a habitable environment for the animal to thrive in, as well as a stable diet to promote the healthiness of the animal.