But now, scientists are using unmanned drones with cameras to get an aerial look at otters in their element, making it easier to monitor the creatures as they dive for food and go about their day. otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family (Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. ", 5. Oceana reports, "It is thought that oil spills pose the greatest threat due to the proximity of sea otters to major tanker routes and their susceptibility to hypothermia if their fur comes into contact with oil.". Others believe that this behavior may be a result of human disturbances to sea otter populations, which can cause stress and impact their social behavior. That's right, the adorable mammals have been known to exhibit necrophilia, even with members of different species, such as baby seals. After raping a baby seal to death, this psycho licked his paws, like Hannibal Lecter or something. Their diets are primarily carnivorous, but at times can be omnivorous (1). The presence of a healthy otter population indicates a healthy watershed. Does eating close to bedtime make you gain weight? Inside South Africas skeleton trade. Otters, facts and information Ocean Conservancy. Sea otters, particularly mothers and pups, sometimes hold hands while floating on their backs. As avid animal lovers, our goal is to use our knowledge and passion to deliver accurate and reliable information about various topics related to wild animals. It was thought that otters helped keep water purified by. Among fluffy kittens and puppies with big eyes, one of Earth's most adorable animals is frequently said to be the cuddly small otter. That thick coat is needed because otters are the only marine mammal without a blubber layer for insulation. A group of otters is called a raft, according to the San Diego Zoo. The latter is the most common term for a group of otters on land. The elusive otter is one of our top predators, feeding mainly on fish (particularly eels and salmonids), waterbirds, amphibians and crustaceans. A 2011 study found 39 anecdotal reports of river otter attacks in North America, 35 of which occurred after 1980. Researchers were not certain how the otters succeeded in getting the virus, but researchers theorize it may have dispersed to otter populations during the time of the H1N1 outbreak in 2009. Several organizations fund research projects that better understand the ecology of sea otters in order to create meaningful conservation solutions moving forward. Dominant males often establish themselves as the head of a group, while subordinate males may attempt to challenge the leaders position. Otters will hold hands while they sleep and drift so that they don't separate! There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. Diving into the Science! Otters Are Not Here For Your Cute Memes - They're Bloodthirsty Terrorists Most females drown in this process. Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences, edited by John H. Steele, Second Edition, 2008, pp. They get their needed water and sustenance from eating eucalyptus leaves. Please enter a valid email and try again. Creating activities such as beach cleanups or nature walks where there might be an opportunity for an encounter with this species can help pique peoples interest in helping protect their habitat from further degradation. Sea otter, dolphin, and penguin behavior: Your favorite animals are jerks. Weight: 11 to 30 pounds. 5 Disturbing Facts About Sea Otters: They're Not as Cuddly as They Seem There are around 13 extant species, out of which some of them are aquatic, semiaquatic, and marine, and their diet mainly consists of fish and invertebrates. For whatever reason, Pokmon Sun and Moon seem to have the most depressing Pokdex entries to date, and Komala is no exception: it's simply never awake, Sun tells us . Otter Facts for Kids A group of otters in the water is most often called a raft. Otters and their mustelid relatives were once hunted extensively for their fur, many to the point of near extinction. For our furry friends, that means getting their meal by any means necessary. , but one wrong move and you will be hurt. The two species found in North America are river otters and sea otters, the latter of which are also found in Japan and the Pacific coast of Russia. Rats invaded paradise. Unfortunately the number of tea-trees is diminishing. Otter Animal Facts | Lutra Canadensis - AZ Animals Male otters, known as dogs, have been observed biting the females nose during copulation to keep her in place. Asian Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus) - Native to South China and India, and Southeast . This law is enforced by the U.S. Unmasking the Dark Side of Otters: Surprising and Disturbing Facts Yes, the phenomenon of otters holding hands is completely true. About 12-20 in (30-50 cm) can be dedicated to its long tail. Most are small, with short ears and noses, elongated bodies, long tails, and. Moreover, increased conservation efforts are needed in order to monitor population numbers, reduce polluting activities and stop activities that destroy their habitats. Don't flush hazardous chemicals or cat litter. The biological name is Lontra Canadensis. Creepy Facts About Animals That Will Keep You Up At Night Forced interspecies sex. Their fur is super dense. Poaching for their velvet-like fur caused significant population declines. Some tribes consider the otter to be a lucky animal and a symbol of "loyalty and honesty." Although they may be adorable and hold hands while traveling, dont forget how distressing and evil otters are. Female otters are sows, and males are boars. This means. The forceful mating practices of otters also have implications for conservation efforts. Google Pay.
A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K.
, The little-known history of the Florida panther. Facts About Otters | Live Science Hairy-Nosed Otters Are a Lazarus Species, 9. Male otters have also been known to violently copulate with other speciesmost notably, baby seals [PDF]. Otters have small, rounded ears, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of their prey. You keep hoping that. They also force sex with other species. 99 Creepy And Disturbing Facts That Will Scare You Pennsylvania Game Commission. A decent share of the attacking otters have been rabid; in the '90s, 46 percent of otter attacks involved rabies, and in the '00s, 24 percent did. As a sometimes aquatic creature, it shouldn't be a surprise that otters can swim up to seven miles per hour and dive down 60 feet. Furthermore, they have been observed engaging in territorial disputes over prime foraging spots, often resulting in violent confrontations. The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family, yet the smallest marine mammal in North America. Despite spending most of their time in the water, otters cant breathe underwater; as mammals, they need air. Excellent and lithe swimmers, the young are in the water by 10 weeks of age. We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Found in cat feces, it enters waterways through runoff and flushable cat litter. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pteronura brasiliensis, 2015, doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2015-2.rlts.t18711a21938411.en, Aadrean, A., et al. The golden poison dart frog (Phyllobates . These furry creatures eat meat, such as fish, frogs, birds, and even mammals. However, there are three species of otter that have blunt claws or none at all. There is no conclusive evidence as to why they do this. Volunteer as an otter spotter or water monitor. This air has the sometimes undesirable side effect of making them highly buoyant. While these modifications are essential for otter survival, they can have negative consequences for other species that rely on the same habitat. Meet the world's newest H1N1 flu carrier: the sea otter Wisconsin River Otters The otters were examined in 2011 and none of the population showed any symptoms of the virus, but antibodies for the virus were discovered within 70 percent of 51 otters sampled. Namely, they are extremely aggressive when they mate. 1 The only places without endemic otters are Australia and Antarctica. Dolphins Even though mature sea otters weigh roughly 100 pounds, they require about 7,500 calories per day! Creepiest Pokmon: The 10 most disturbing of all time This impact on fisheries can be particularly significant in areas with already vulnerable fish populations, where otters predation can further destabilize the ecosystem. While otters appear to be friendly and docile, they can become extremely aggressive when defending their territory or their younglings. Curious to learn more? As it turns out, otters can be quite evil. The transmission of these diseases and parasites from them to other animals or humans is a significant concern for conservation and public health officials. Conservation efforts are in place to protect and preserve these species, but more is needed to ensure their long-term survival. But you can bank on the fact that there is an otter somewhere in a river near you if you live in Britain - a remarkable success story for a species driven to extinction in many parts of the country just decades ago. They will also use hollows under trees or old rabbit holes. Some otters hold the female's heads underwater during intercourse to force submission. Theres no doubt that otters are cute animals. With their furry faces and charming personalities, they have captured the hearts of many. Otter pups have so much air trapped in there, they actually cant dive under water, even if they want to. To save chestnut trees, we may have to play God, Why you should add native plants to your garden, What you can do right now to advocate for the planet, Why poison ivy is an unlikely climate change winner. Harris cites another study that finds that about 11 percent of sea otters found dead on the California coast from 1998 to 2001 were killed, at least in part, by trauma associated with mating. 30 . They mark their territory with scent glands located near their tails, communicating ownership and boundaries to other otters. Just like when they mate, otters bite the baby seal and hold it down with their sharp claws, causing injuries and death in most cases. Webbed feet and powerful tails, which act like rudders, make otters strong swimmers. The behavior doesn't stop when the seals die from the trauma. Thats why organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society and other educators are raising awareness about otters and how threats like climate change, illegal hunting, pollution, commercial fishing, the over-development of coastal areas, and waterway runoff are impacting wild populations. STDs are at a shocking high. They are the smallest marine mammals on earth, but they consume about a quarter of their own body mass daily and most of the energy is used just to keep their little otter bodies warm. Wisconsin River Otter Name: River Otters Scientific Name: Lutra canadensis Measurements: length: 2-4ft, weight: 44-82lbs, tail length: 1-1.5ft Habitat: anywhere near water Photo by Nathan Varley A one parent operation Fathers do not play a role in parenting. North American River Otter | National Geographic Zoroastrians would also hold ceremonies for otters found dead in the wild. Their construction activities can lead to the erosion of riverbanks, the destruction of vegetation, and the alteration of water flow in the surrounding area. 10 Facts about River Otters | Facts of World As the sea otter thrust his pelvis, his penis was extruded and intromission was observed. 15 Otter Facts That Are Otterly Amazing - The Fact Site When faced with a threat, they wont hesitate to use their powerful teeth and strong jaws to inflict serious injury. 15 Fascinating Facts About Otters. River otters are not currently threatened, and are pervasive in Canada and the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas in the US. Lohan, Katrina and Karen McDonald. The fight to make it harder for landlords to evict their tenants, On Succession, Sisyphus rolls the rock uphill, Ecuadors political instability, explained, In Sudan, the US government finally begins evacuating its citizens. They rape baby seals and hold each others pups hostage for food. While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, highlighting the importance of respecting these wild animals and maintaining a safe distance. 5 Otter Facts. In water as warm as 10 C (50 F), an otter needs to catch 100 g (3.5 oz) of fish per hour to survive. Although river otters are primarily responsible for these attacks (80%), sea otters can be just as dangerous incidents are more infrequent. They eat mostly aquatic organisms such as frogs, fish, turtles, insects, and some small mammals. Seven Quick Facts About River Otters - National Forest Foundation For one thing, sea otters murder other animals even when they don't get food out of it, just for fun or something. Otters are often elusive, with large ranges and nocturnal behaviour making spotting them a rare and wonderful experience. These holts can be found along riverbanks, among tree roots, under branches, brush, or boulders. U.S. Department of the Interior. 2. Others, like the marine otters of South America, have had their numbers reduced because of poaching, as well as environmental concerns. For the record, I'm not actually against attempts to save sea otters as a species. "Energy Demands of Raising a Pup Push Sea Otter Moms to the Limit." . They generally forage in the water, but they can also hunt on land. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Scientists hypothesize that these seemingly counterproductive mating habits might be the result of a population imbalance. And, according to a study published in Emerging and . Meanest Animals in the World (Disturbing Facts) - UrduFOX All otters are expert hunters that eat fish, crustaceans, and other critters. U.S.D.A. As explained by the National Wildlife Foundation's Robyn Carmichael, sea otters frequently eat sea urchins, which in turn are known for eating massive amounts of kelp, which is very good at taking in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. A mother will often wrap the babies in kelp to keep them in one place while she hunts. This adds an additional layer of complexity to the already challenging task of maintaining balanced ecosystems. Asian otter species also face threats from the illegal pet trade. They eat 9 pounds of food each day. Support our mission and help keep Vox free for all by making a financial contribution to Vox today. Description of the River Otter. If your brainstem (the part of the brain that mediates most motor control for all of the body) is damaged, you can get "locked-in" syndrome. Otters guide: how to identify and species facts | BBC Wildlife Magazine Because of their high metabolic rates, as was already mentioned, these creatures require a lot of food and will use whatever methods are needed to get it. sea otters, Disturbing facts. Scientists Pinpoint Parasite Strain." Male otters' mating techniques are violent. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. But with their numbers hovering around just a few thousand, researchers have kept a close eye on the population and their studies have revealed an interesting social structure. Only the North American river otter is a species of least concern. Mothers spend up to 14 hours per day foraging to support a pup's intense nutrition needs. By understanding the less endearing aspects of otter behavior, we can better appreciate the full spectrum of their existence and develop more effective conservation strategies. A river otter has a long, stream-lined body, short legs, and webbed feet. Oracka 4, Nova Iskra, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia Once thought to be gone from the area completely, southern sea ottersknown as California sea ottershave been making a comeback in recent years. I just think otters are jerks. Rape or, as biologists usually call it, "forced copulation" is a disturbing fact of life in the animal kingdom. Sea Otters ( Enhydra lutris) are primarily found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean in North America and British Columbia. It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. They also sometimes intertwine their feet with another sea otter, so that they stay together. There they exchange information via chemical cues in feces. So instead, they dropped the pup in with the female otter, and she immediately went into mom mode. Otters use their dungknown as spraintto communicate with other otters. They eat up to 9 pounds of food in a day and their sharp teeth and powerful tail let them swim fast when they are hunting and can even confront caiman or other enormous Amazon creatures if the need arises. Sliding Behavior in Nearctic River Otters: Locomotion or Play?Northeastern Naturalist, vol. The act sometimes involves the male grabbing the female's head underwater and as the two turns and wriggle under the surface. National Park Service, 2016. In both cases, the male was swimming, diving, guarding, and copulating with the carcass. UC Davis, 2019. Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. Sliding Behavior in Nearctic River Otters: Locomotion or Play? Otters love to sunbath during the day and they are very active at night. Male sea otters typically grasp the female from behind and bite her face, and this rough. The history of book bansand their changing targetsin the U.S. River otters have webbing between their toes to aid them as well. Fish and Wildlife Service and is currently in place to promote recovery efforts across all states in the United States. Facts about River Otters talk about an animal, which can be found on the coasts or waterways of North America. 241244. Forceful mating practices are a disturbing aspect of otter behavior that highlights the darker side of their seemingly innocent and playful appearance. They can also close their small ears and nose when under water. As the sea otter thrust his pelvis, his penis was extruded and intromission was observed. Fine, fine, I'll give them this much: they appear to be helpful in the fight against catastrophic climate change. Source: 14 Fascinating, Super-Disturbing Facts About The Human Body. Do Otters Have Webbed Feet? I couldn't find any reports of attacks on humans from sea otters, but that may just be a function of sea otters being much rarer than river otters, and spending less time on or near dry land than river otters do. 9 Amazing Facts About River Otters But maybe the most disturbing fact about otters is that they are known to "mate" with deceased animals. They can also dive up to 300 feet in search of food. The similarities between otters and . Concealed beneath those button noses and fluffy fur lies a creature with some really frightening mating habits. They juggle rocks. 6 Reasons Why Otters Are Evil #1 Otters are Voracious Carnivores This may not surprise those who know the animal well, but it's important to note that otters are carnivores. Among the most notable calls: a "hum gradation" used to tell otters to change directions and a "Hah!" Learn 15 more facts about these fascinating mammals. There has been at least one report of a male otter copulating and swimming with deceased female otters. However, in rare cases, otter attacks can result in more severe injuries, particularly if the victim is a child or elderly person.
