This suggests that the otters must first satisfy their nutritional needs before engaging in playful behaviors. So instead, they dropped the pup in with the female otter, and she immediately went into mom mode. Approximately that brutal. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. They eat 9 pounds of food each day. And weve reached the most disturbing fact about these adorable creatures. "The saving of the sea otter," writes Glenn Vanblaricom of the University of Washington in his book on the animal, "is indeed one of the great success stories in marine conservation.". This ordinary woman hid Anne Frankand kept her story alive, This Persian marvel was lost for millennia. Weve mentioned these species worst behaviors, but did you know that there have been numerous reports of otters harming humans that they come in contact with? River otters dont breed until theyre at least five years old. explained by the vicious mating ritual. For one thing, sea otters murder other animals even when they don't get food out of it, just for fun or something. However, there are three species of otter that have blunt claws or none at all. Does eating close to bedtime make you gain weight? 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 The mammals like to keep things organized within their communities and will designate certain areas to be used as latrines. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. It may be tempting to try and pet the cute and. Royal Society Open Science, vol. Advertisement. 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. Some Hold Hands While Sleeping. Some researchers hypothesize that male sea otters may be mistaking the seal pups for female otters during mating season. Boyle, Steve. Can Frogs Feel Happy? It's been reported in primates like orangutans and chimpanzees, bottlenose dolphins, and ducks, among many other species. In 2001, a female otter at the Monterey Bay Aquarium gave birth to a stillborn pup on the same day a stranded pup was discovered in the wild nearby. People also call it North American river otter. Unfortunately the number of tea-trees is diminishing. And since otters have superb metabolisms and can easily eat up to 15 percent of their body weight each day, there's a lot of spraint to go around. Many species of river and sea otters are . They also sometimes intertwine their feet with another sea otter, so that they stay together. I've discovered it improves your ability to focus, it's more calming, you retain more information, and it gives you a more balanced and nuanced view of the world." #16. Their furry coats, innocent eyes, and tiny paws make them adorable little creatures. Yes, they live in intricate social structures, with a distinct hierarchy that dictates their interactions. 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. Otters use their dungknown as spraintto communicate with other otters. With his curiosity, experience, and love for the natural world, Aleksandar brings a unique perspective to his writing. 1. While the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species classifies otters as vulnerable, they are considered endangered in some areas due to habitat destruction, hunting, and pollution. A male river otter, by comparison, would not exceed 30 pounds. In California's Monterey Bay, where scientists observed otters trying to copulate with the week-old bodies of dead baby seals, there are far more male otters than females. Since 1875 a study discovered that there have been 39 cases of anecdote attacks on humans announced in newspapers, and four recorded in scientific. Yes, they have natural predators such as large birds of prey, alligators, and crocodiles. 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. That's why we keep our work free. Here's just one: A weaned harbor seal pup was resting onshore when an untagged male sea otter approached it, grasped it with its teeth and forepaws, bit it on the nose, and flipped it over. Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. The Romans were notorious for gruesome execution methods. Koalas don't drink water. "Sea Otter Society: The Single Moms' Club." European otters must eat 15% of their body weight each day, and sea otters 20 to 25%, depending on the temperature. Otters have many long, stiff sensitive hairs ('vibrassae') that frame the snout: these help the otter to locate prey. Something went wrong. To prevent injuries caused by otters, it is important to avoid approaching them or their dens, particularly during breeding season when they may be more aggressive. Being at the top of the food chain causes pollutants to become concentrated in their bodies, leading to illness and death. It isnt surprising, given that they need to eat around 15% of their body weight daily to survive. Instead, researchers learned, they are more likely to juggle rocks when hungry or bored. You can also contribute via. Ten months later, this same male was observed with the carcass of another female sea otter. The kelp acts like an anchor and prevents them from floating out to the open ocean. For years, questions about sea otters' alleged propensity toward cross-species sexual violence have passed through Snopes' inbox. Otters have been known to guard and have sex with the bodies of their victims for up to seven days after they've died. 2. One of the most efficient ways to reach a wide audience is through virtual resources such as webinars or interactive quizzes. Prepare to see these furry creatures in a whole new light. Komala - Generation VII. Take a mental break with the newest Vox crossword, Sign up for the The forceful mating practices of otters also have implications for conservation efforts. This semiaquatic mammal has the weight of 11 to 30.9 lb or 5 to 14 kilograms. Otter "holts" are small underground dens where otters escape danger, take shelter, or raise their young. Otters also have particularly stinky poop, which even has its own name: spraints. Womble, Jamie. The average size of a North American river otter is around 35-51.1 in (88.9-129.7 cm). When faced with a threat, they wont hesitate to use their powerful teeth and strong jaws to inflict serious injury. A cat parasite called toxoplasmosis also poses a threat to these creatures. National Park Service, 2016. In both cases, the male was swimming, diving, guarding, and copulating with the carcass. Additionally, providing a variety of educational materials such as brochures that link otters to topics like freshwater ecosystems or climate change can have a powerful impact on how people understand conservation issues. As the world becomes more and more polluted otter populations become more and more at risk. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, highlighting the importance of respecting these wild animals and maintaining a safe distance. Langley, Liz. Sliding Behavior in Nearctic River Otters: Locomotion or Play? Average Life Span In The Wild: 8 to 9 years. Thirteen otter species slide down riverbanks, juggle rocks, and float on their backs in watersheds on five continents. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. For the record, I'm not actually against attempts to save sea otters as a species. The otter has a lithe and slender body with short legs, a strong neck, and a long flattened tail that helps propel the animal gracefully through water. As it turns out, otters can be quite evil. These furry creatures eat meat, such as fish,frogs, birds, and even mammals. They then leave droppings called spraints, which refer to a single bowel evacuation and that researchers describe as smelling like violets. Most injuries caused by them are minor, consisting of bites and scratches that can lead to infections. Do you think that seals are the only species that otters enjoy using? Wild Explained is the go-to source for all things related to wildlife. Like many animals, otters sometimes behave in ways that aren't exactly within the bounds of what humans would consider morally acceptable. They also love to play. Those efforts are admirable and valuable to the ecosystems of which otters are a part. One sea otter off the coast of British Columbia apparently raped and murdered a dog. 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. Introduction to Otters. While they hunt for food underwater, theyll often store a rock in the skin under their arms for later use. Dolphins She is the author of "The Ethiopian Wolf: Hope at the Edge of Extinction. - Diving into the Science! Otters will hold hands while they sleep and drift so that they don't separate! These territorial animals are more than capable of holding their own in a fight. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. Fruit Fly Swarms Are Really Just Massive Orgies Male otters' mating techniques are violent. If you thought that otters, like beavers, eat a plant-based diet, you are mistaken. 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. 2023 NatureWorldNews.com All rights reserved. Otters sometimes take up residence in abandoned beaver lodges or muskrat dens. The latter is the most common term for a group of otters on land. Otters are very social creatures. They rape baby seals and hold each others pups hostage for food. Hairy-nosed otters are an endangered species found in Asia. These usually show evidence of regular use in the form of tracks, smell, spraints (feces), and general wear-and-tear. Skip to the end to watch the video. The similarities between otters and . For example, otters have been known to kill and eat kittens, and they have also been known to attack and kill humans. This pace is three times faster than the average human swimmer. A river otter has a long, stream-lined body, short legs, and webbed feet. No, they are wild animals and should not be kept as pets. As a result, conservation efforts have been put in place to help protect these animals. Four different species of otter live in Central or South America, another three in South and Southeast Asia, two in sub-Saharan Africa, and one in Europe. Their construction activities can lead to the erosion of riverbanks, the destruction of vegetation, and the alteration of water flow in the surrounding area. Survival of the fittest is a tale as old as time. You bet they do! Sliding Behavior in Nearctic River Otters: Locomotion or Play?Northeastern Naturalist, vol. For our furry friends, that means getting their meal by any means necessary. Thirteen otter species slide down riverbanks, juggle rocks, and float on their backs in watersheds on five continents. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Poaching for their velvet-like fur caused significant population declines. Yes, the phenomenon of otters holding hands is completely true. Clean fluffy fur keeps them warm and traps air, which allows them to float. Most females drown in this process. Otters are well suited to a life on the water as they have . Some cultures even forbid eating the creatures and were offended when colonial Europeans began hunting the river otters and selling their furs. Even if that means keeping others pups as hostages. A varied diet It's no surprise that otters love fish, but they're also partial to amphibians, turtles and crayfish. Yeah, that's right. To prevent these conflicts, it is important to avoid approaching them or their dens, particularly during breeding season when they may be more aggressive. 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. 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. otters can infect humans with the H1N1 virus. U.S. Department of the Interior. In areas where otter populations are declining, conservationists may attempt to introduce new individuals to bolster the population. What we can learn from Chernobyl's strays. Nature, unfortunately, isn't always pretty. Finally, the sea otter positioned itself dorsal to the pup's smaller body while grasping it by the head and holding it underwater in a position typical of mating sea otters. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Otters prefer water bordered by woods and with wetlands, such as marshes, nearby. Male otters have also been known to violently copulate with other speciesmost notably, baby seals [PDF]. In particular, it is well known that sea otters will force themselves on baby seals. They can also close their small ears and nose when under water. Otters have some interesting relatives. Sea otters, particularly mothers and pups, sometimes hold hands while floating on their backs. They can also be harmed by entanglement with ghost nets and other rogue fishing gear. Use permeable pavers and native plants in landscaping. All otters are expert hunters that eat fish, crustaceans, and other critters. Sea otters have an ingenious method to open shellfish. They hunt for food both in the water such as fish and then also land creatures including small reptiles. Sea otters are the exception, giving birth in the water. 1. 21 Disturbing Facts You Never Wanted To Know About Animals By Mark Hand September 8, 2017 Nature can be beautiful, but sometimes if you take a moment to scratch just below the surface what you'll find might disgust you. They use their front paws with a dexterity that nearly rivals humans. Here are 13 weird or interesting facts about koalas to make you love them even more. Fine, fine, I'll give them this much: they appear to be helpful in the fight against catastrophic climate change. The lifespan varies depending on the species and region. This cooperative behavior allows multiple individuals to share a territory and work together to maximize their chances of survival. In addition, several international conventions and protocols have been developed over time to help protect these creatures from extinction. This means. According to the Smithsonian, these mammals are the world's newest carriers of H1N1, the flu strain that lead to a human pandemic back in 2009. It is the longest of the otter species. The river otter is classified as a furbearer (WAC 232-12-007). An Otter can remain under water for up to 4 minutes. With their furry faces and charming personalities, they have captured the hearts of many. Within their social groups, otters exhibit a behavior known as alloparenting, where individuals other than the parents help raise the young. KQED. "North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis): A Technical Conservation Assessment." Most otters have sharp claws at the end of each toe, which helps them to grab prey. Carnivore. Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. The history of book bansand their changing targetsin the U.S. Oh, sure they do. River otters live primarily in freshwater, though they do swim and hunt in seawater. Scientists suspect otters may even be able to determine the sex, age, and reproductive status of the spraint dropper just from a quick whiff. 5, 2020, p. 200141., doi:10.1098/rsos.200141. The sea otter is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, pressured by pollution, pesticides, and conflicts with fishermen who kill them for eating their fish. Once thought to be gone from the area completely, southern sea ottersknown as California sea ottershave been making a comeback in recent years. One of the most disturbing facts about otters is their status on the endangered species act list. That amount of calories is insane because that is three times what an average human needs. 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. This ancient religion considered otters to be the dogs of the river or sea and had strict rules forbidding the killing of otters. As otters build their dens, they can cause significant changes to their environment. There is no conclusive evidence as to why they do this. 2, 2005, pp. IUCN Otter Specialist Group. Otters are part of the Mustelidae family, which is a family of carnivorous mammals that includes skunks, weasels, wolverines, and badgers. Even if you find them otherwise adorable, otters' mating habits will no doubt make your stomach turn. They are the Asian small-clawed otter, African clawless otter, and Congo clawless otter. In addition to their unexpected ferocity when defending their territory, they also exhibit unique territorial behavior. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. In detail, the male otter will bite down the female otters nose as the ritual begins causing physical injuries. 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. Here's Harris again: Copulation normally occurs in the water where the male sea otter will approach the female from behind, grip her around the chest with his forepaws, and grasp her nose or the side of her face with his teeth.Facial biting by the male commonly results in the development of skin and soft tissue lacerations of the female's nose and face that can occasionally be fatal.The problem is worse for females, of course, but younger males often mimic mating behavior with each other, which can cause similar injuries. Otters also excrete something called anal jelly that contains secretions from anal glands and shed intestinal linings. Find out if you are a sea otter specialist by checking your info against these fascinating sea otter facts. They learn to swim when they are about two months old, when their mother pushes them into the water. Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. They are not "wonderful animals," as Ms. Deschanel would have you believe. Their sleek bodies range in size from 2 to 5.9 feet. From blood-squirting lizards to deceivingly cute killer sea otters, there are plenty of creepy behaviours in the natural world, that far outdo the supernatural. For example, the United States has The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 which protects the from any type of hunting or trapping. 1 The only places without endemic otters are Australia and Antarctica. Rape or, as biologists usually call it, "forced copulation" is a disturbing fact of life in the animal kingdom. However, otters may take their diet a bit too far because. Photo by Nathan Varley A one parent operation Fathers do not play a role in parenting. Male sea otters typically grasp the female from behind and bite her face, and this rough. While this may seem like a cooperative and selfless act, it can also involve more sinister elements. Groenendijk, J., et al. These furry creatures eat meat, such as fish, disproportionately higher rates of fatality. Otter disappearance is evidence of pollutants, habitat fragmentation, or loss of prey due to habitat destruction. Despite spending most of their time in the water, #4 Otters Will Force Themselves on Other Animals. However, even within these communal groups, otters still exhibit territorial behavior and establish dominance hierarchies, highlighting the importance of resource control in their survival. 2. At 105 min into the encounter, the sea otter released the pup, now dead, and began grooming.You read that correctly. Heres how paradise fought back. They bite their female partner's face during copulation to keep her from slipping away, leaving her with substantial facial wounds. They spend around five hours each day foraging. Otters can dive as deep as 14m under the surface and spend 4-6 hours a day in water foraging. Although experts say otter attacks on humans are infrequent, there are a number of recorded occurrences. Some otters hold the female's heads underwater during intercourse to force submission. Facts about River Otters talk about an animal, which can be found on the coasts or waterways of North America. It's been reported in primates like orangutans and chimpanzees, bottlenose. Forced sex. Their droppings are known as spraints and can be identified by an odour that is said to range from musky mown hay to jasmine tea to rotting fish. Unfortunately, it gets worse. Cassidy, Josh. Generally the tail will make up about one third of the body. Finally, the sea otter positioned itself dorsal to the pups smaller body while grasping it by the head and holding it underwater in a position typical of mating sea otters. We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and This territorial marking is essential for maintaining the social hierarchy within their group and preventing conflicts with other otters. On top of that, pups have 11 of their own calls that they intersperse with "infant babbling." The aquarium staff had previously tried raising pups themselves but found that hand-raised otters became too attached to humans to be released back into the wild. This adds an additional layer of complexity to the already challenging task of maintaining balanced ecosystems. The biological name is Lontra Canadensis. The only places without endemic otters are Australia and Antarctica. This means you cant distinguish between healthy and infected otters, making them even more dangerous. Otters have long been admired for their playful antics and endearing appearance. Weve mentioned above that otters will try to mate not only with other otters but also with members of entirely different species, even if the other party is unwilling. Among the endangered are the sea otters along the Californian to Alaskan coasts, which are threatened by "environmental pollutants and disease agents." These efforts are necessary so that we can ensure this species can continue to flourish despite outside threats they face due to over-harvesting and human interference. Otter families are usually limited to pups and their mothers, and these duos will spend most of their time either feeding or sleeping. 1. All otter species appear on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and only one is listed as "least concern." They love to chow down! In 2010, veterinarian Heather Harris and her co-authors Stori Oates, Michelle Staedler, Tim Tinker, David Jessup, James Harvey, and Melissa Miller published an article in Aquatic Mammals documenting about 19 cases of sea otters attacking baby seals. Google Pay. As a result, if you ever find yourself in proximity to an otter (river or sea), back off. I just think otters are jerks. Sea Otters Eat 25 Percent of Their Body Weight Every Day. Male otters, known as dogs, have been observed biting the females nose during copulation to keep her in place. Forest Service, 2006. 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. The aquarium has since devised a system of hand-rearing pups for the first six to eight weeksmostly for bottle feeding purposesbefore handing the pups off to female otters for raising. They generally forage in the water, but they can also hunt on land. People love otters. Scientists Pinpoint Parasite Strain, Weird and Fascinating Ways Animals Use Poop, River Otters Take Party Pooping to A New Level, A Keystone Species, The Sea Otter, Colonizes Glacier Bay, Energy Demands of Raising a Pup Push Sea Otter Moms to the Limit. They involve the reintroduction of captive-bred adult otters into carefully selected and monitored habitats that offer suitable conditions such as prey availability, the presence of suitable dens for accommodation, predator presence, and levels of toxic pollutants. Otter groups go by a few different monikers, all of which are fairly unique to that crew. 1. Lohan, Katrina and Karen McDonald. Once in the water, the sea otter gripped the harbor seals head with its forepaws and repeatedly bit it on the nose, causing a deep laceration. Second, otters can give you H1N1, better known as "swine flu," as our friends at The Verge have reported. They mark their territory with scent glands located near their tails, communicating ownership and boundaries to other otters. In Alaska's Aleutian Islands, the species has seen a marked decline since the 1980s. Sea otters are members of the family Mustelidae which includes other animals like badgers and weasels. Males, in particular, are known to take a female otters food by threatening to kill her baby.
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