Hefty appetites aren't unique to giant otters: All otters eat 20-33% of their body weight each day. They juggle rocks. That's right, the adorable mammals have been known to exhibit necrophilia, even with members of different species, such as baby seals. 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. Curious to learn more? Among fluffy kittens and puppies with big eyes, one of Earth's most adorable animals is frequently said to be the cuddly small otter. 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. Sea otters murder even when it doesn't provide them with food or offspring, like straight-up sociopathic spree killers. When food is hard to obtain, sea otter mothers will abandon their young and leave them to starve to death. 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 will hold hands while they sleep and drift so that they don't separate! So instead, they dropped the pup in with the female otter, and she immediately went into mom mode. How this animal can survive is a mystery. 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. Support our mission and help keep Vox free for all by making a financial contribution to Vox today. This behavior has been documented in various locations, including the Aleutian Islands and California. Otters can have up to one million hairs per square inch. 6. Theyll keep baby otters underwater until females give them their food. Introduction to Otters. As natural predators of fish, they can consume significant quantities of fish, causing a decline in available stocks and potentially leading to economic losses for local fishing communities. Otters have long been admired for their playful antics and endearing appearance. otters can infect humans with the H1N1 virus. Do Otters Have Webbed Feet? 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. It's been reported in primates like orangutans and chimpanzees, bottlenose. There has been at least one report of a male otter copulating and swimming with deceased female otters. 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.". Webbed feet and powerful tails, which act like rudders, make otters strong swimmers. To be fair, the vast majority 77 percent of the attacks the researchers analyzed involved North American river otters, and none appear to have involved sea otters. This adds an additional layer of complexity to the already challenging task of maintaining balanced ecosystems. They are skilled hunters, feeding on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. You keep hoping that. The Surprising Emotional Life of Frogs, The Ultimate Guide to Sea Urchin Taste: What to Expect and, The Mysterious Nose Scars of Female Sea Otters: Exploring. Otters use their dungknown as spraintto communicate with other otters. The sea otter must consume between 25 and 40 percent of its body weight daily, just to keep warm. Otters have webbed feet and claws - for swimming underwater. . For starters, male sea otters have been known to assault and even kill seal pups. Charismatic otters are the largest members of the weasel family. They are carnivores with a diet that includes a wide range of marine animals. Unfortunately the number of tea-trees is diminishing. Otters have small, rounded ears, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of their prey. Sea otters are members of the family Mustelidae which includes other animals like badgers and weasels. The Drivers and Functions of Rock Juggling in Otters, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. A cat parasite called toxoplasmosis also poses a threat to these creatures. Do not reproduce without permission. 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. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery . Asian Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus) - Native to South China and India, and Southeast . Educating the public about wildlife conservation and habitat protection is one of the most effective ways to promote conservation efforts. These otters also have less webbing between their digits. Male otters, known as dogs, have been observed biting the females nose during copulation to keep her in place. Yes, the phenomenon of otters holding hands is completely true. 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. The reasons behind this behavior are not entirely clear, but scientists believe it may be linked to the sea otters aggressive mating practices with females. It was thought that otters helped keep water purified by eating already dead creatures that might contaminate the water source if they were allowed to rot. On average, river species can live up to 8-9 years in the wild, while sea species can live up to 10-15 years. This semiaquatic mammal has the weight of 11 to 30.9 lb or 5 to 14 kilograms. It underscores the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wild animals and avoiding contact with their feces or bodily fluids, which can harbor disease-causing pathogens. Namely, they are extremely aggressive when they mate. Young and old otters most often juggle rocks. As the world becomes more and more polluted otter populations become more and more at risk. She is the author of "The Ethiopian Wolf: Hope at the Edge of Extinction. River otters are frequently mistaken for sea otters. "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.". Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences, edited by John H. Steele, Second Edition, 2008, pp. 2. The average size of a North American river otter is around 35-51.1 in (88.9-129.7 cm). They learn to swim when they are about two months old, when their mother pushes them into the water. Absolutely, many gentle mammals are carnivores including your pet cat! Most species hunt for three to five hours each day and nursing mothers up to eight hours each day. They bite their female partner's face during copulation to keep her from slipping away, leaving her with substantial facial wounds. However, there's more to these aquatic mammals than meets the eye. All otter species appear on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and only one is listed as "least concern." Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. Theres no doubt that otters are cute animals. They generally forage in the water, but they can also hunt on land. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. Otters can be discovered inhabiting almost every continent on Earth and these imply otter facts are applicable to all 13 species, many of which are sadly endangered because of overhunting, pandemic viruses, and habitat destruction among certain populations of the otter. The transmission of these diseases and parasites from them to other animals or humans is a significant concern for conservation and public health officials. The biggest threats to hairy-nosed otters are poaching and habitat loss from wildfires, dam construction, and clearing swamp forests for oil palm plantations and fish farms. UC Davis, 2019. When faced with a threat, they wont hesitate to use their powerful teeth and strong jaws to inflict serious injury. This high demand leaves otter mothers depleted, and many die from minor illnesses. They mark their territory with scent glands located near their tails, communicating ownership and boundaries to other otters. Some even move in while beavers are still present. They eat mostly aquatic organisms such as frogs, fish, turtles, insects, and some small mammals. While the governments of the US, Canada, Japan, and Russia signed a treaty banning the hunting of sea otters, it took the Endangered Species Act under which sea otters gained protection in 1977 for a recovery to begin in earnest. 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. Otter groups go by a few different monikers, all of which are fairly unique to that crew. Spraint scents can vary, but often are (relatively) pleasantone expert described them as not "dissimilar to jasmine tea." A version of this story originally ran in 2015. These territorial animals are more than capable of holding their own in a fight. 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. In detail, the male otter will bite down the female otters nose as the ritual begins causing physical injuries. Advertisement. 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. And I guess I get the appeal. Otters sometimes take up residence in abandoned beaver lodges or muskrat dens. The lifespan varies depending on the species and region. There they exchange information via chemical cues in feces. Despite spending most of their time in the water, otters cant breathe underwater; as mammals, they need air. March 28, 2023 by Wilson Singleton. However, even within these communal groups, otters still exhibit territorial behavior and establish dominance hierarchies, highlighting the importance of resource control in their survival. Only the North American River Otter has been classified as having a stable population . Their sleek bodies range in size from 2 to 5.9 feet. They also sleep wrapped in long strands of kelp like a blanket. As a result of their rapid decline, many countries have enacted laws and regulations to protect sea otters. This rediscovery, after presumed extinction, makes them a Lazarus species. Email: [emailprotected]. 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. Otters are part of the Mustelidae family, which is a family of carnivorous mammals that includes skunks, weasels, wolverines, and badgers. It shouldnt be surprising to learn that otters will force themselves on other animals. Can Frogs Feel Happy? Average Life Span In The Wild: 8 to 9 years. The behavior doesn't stop when the seals die from the trauma. International Otter Survival Fund. "River Otter, Wildlife Note." Sea otters nearly went extinct in the early 1900s because of the fur trade. 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. Sea otters, unlike other marine mammals, do not have a . International Otter Survival Fund. Something went wrong. Thirteen otter species slide down riverbanks, juggle rocks, and float on their backs in watersheds on five continents. Additionally, education and awareness programs can play a role in preventing these conflicts. They can also be called kits or kittens. River otters as a whole look quite similar to weasels. Sea Otters Have the World's Thickest Fur, 20 Bizarre and Beautiful Starfish Species, 10 US Ecosystems Saved by Endangered Species, 12 Facts About Sea Otters for Sea Otter Awareness Week, How to Tell the Difference Between Sea Otters and River Otters, Whats Killing Sea Otters? Otters are often thought of as cute, cuddly creatures, but there are some disturbing facts about these animals that many people don't know. Hell, Vox.com once employed its own full-time otter enthusiast. Once thought to be gone from the area completely, southern sea ottersknown as California sea ottershave been making a comeback in recent years. At Vox, we believe that everyone deserves access to information that helps them understand and shape the world they live in. "River Otters Take Party Pooping to A New Level." Sliding Behavior in Nearctic River Otters: Locomotion or Play?Northeastern Naturalist, vol. Yes, they can act as carriers for various parasites and pathogens, some of which can potentially infect other animals or even humans. On Nov. 25, 2019, comedian . Please be respectful of copyright. A group of otters is called a raft, according to the San Diego Zoo. Being at the top of the food chain causes pollutants to become concentrated in their bodies, leading to illness and death. Most females drown in this process. They are skilled hunters and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Here's what you need to know about these terrible animals, and why you should fear and hate them. Here are four essential facts about sea otters: They're the largest member of the weasel family Mustelidae, a family of fur-bearing mammals that includes everything from weasels to honey. Unmasking the Dark Side of Otters: Surprising and Disturbing Facts. Stevens, Sadie S., and Thomas L. Serfass. River otters have webbing between their toes to aid them as well. This mating behavior is typically driven by the males desire to maximize his chances of passing on his genes to future generations. Tags These furry creatures eat meat, such as fish,frogs, birds, and even mammals. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 2020. 2. While this predatory behavior is a natural part of their existence, it can sometimes have detrimental effects on their ecosystems. A sea otter will float on its back, place a rock on its chest, then smash the mollusk down on it until it breaks open. While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, highlighting the importance of respecting these wild animals and maintaining a safe distance. They will also use hollows under trees or old rabbit holes. Otter "holts" are small underground dens where otters escape danger, take shelter, or raise their young. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Rape or, as biologists usually call it, "forced copulation" is a disturbing fact of life in the animal kingdom. 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. Otters reach swim speeds of up to 7 miles per hour. Who buys lion bones? The forceful mating practices of otters also have implications for conservation efforts. River otters are frequently mistaken for sea otters. Sampling along the coast of Washington State found more than 70 percent of otters there tested positive for H1N1. This ordinary woman hid Anne Frankand kept her story alive, This Persian marvel was lost for millennia. 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. Forced sex. Most of us could spend an entire day scrolling through cute otter videos on social media. Otters love to eat shelled animals, like clams, but they aren't equipped with the strength to open their food without some help. Mothers spend up to 14 hours per day foraging to support a pup's intense nutrition needs. Unfortunately, it gets worse. 5 Otter Facts. The presence of a healthy otter population indicates a healthy watershed. While these modifications are essential for otter survival, they can have negative consequences for other species that rely on the same habitat. Of the 13 species of otter, IUCN lists five as endangered, five as near-threatened, and two as vulnerable. U.S. Department of the Interior. For years, questions about sea otters' alleged propensity toward cross-species sexual violence have passed through Snopes' inbox. "Why are otters playful?" Otters have their cubs in underground burrows, known as 'holts'. The area in the bay where the scientists observed the most otter-on-seal mating sessions was also where there was a high population of transient male otters, ones that, unlike more dominant males, don't have an established territory filled with potential mates. Their nostrils and ears close to keep water out, and waterproof fur keeps them warm. Resting spots, called hovers or couches, are usually little more than a bed of reeds. Facts about River Otters talk about an animal, which can be found on the coasts or waterways of North America. Carnivore. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Lutrinae contains seven genuses and 12 different species, spanning every continent save Australia and Antarctica; a 13th species, the Japanese river otter, was declared extinct in 2012, like many otter species before it. Otters and their mustelid relatives were once hunted extensively for their fur, many to the point of near extinction. Many species of river and sea otters are . That amount of calories is insane because that is three times what an average human needs. otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family (Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. Ten months later, this same male was observed with the carcass of another female sea otter. Description of the River Otter. They can also dive up to 300 feet in search of food. A 2010 paper talked about 19 cases, including a particularly gruesome instance where a sea otter bit a pup's face, held it underwater, and copulated with it for over an hour until it died. This suggests that the otters must first satisfy their nutritional needs before engaging in playful behaviors. Additionally, some commercial fishing operations may see them as a direct threat to their livelihoods, leading to calls for population control or even eradication. Otters have been around for at least 5 million years. They use their front paws with a dexterity that nearly rivals humans. As natural predators of fish, otters can consume significant quantities of fish, causing a decline in available stocks and potential economic losses for local communities. They gorge on more than 100 different prey species. For centuries, fisherman have been training otters to act as herders and chase large schools of fish into the nets. They are the Asian small-clawed otter, African clawless otter, and Congo clawless otter. It depends. The biological name is Lontra Canadensis. They also force sex with other species. Scientists Pinpoint Parasite Strain." In the past, observers have usually set up telescopes on shore to try and monitor otters at sea. Male sea otters have been known to engage in sexual aggression toward baby seals, an act that can result in severe injuries and even the death of the seal. newsletter, the fight against catastrophic climate change. There has been an incident where an otter had tried to mate with a dog and killed it in the process. Yes, as they build their dens, they can cause significant changes to their environment. What we can learn from Chernobyl's strays. Pretty wicked! They rely on all that fur to trap a layer of air against the surface of their skin, and their fur is perfectly designed to do so because it's dense and spiky. Google Pay. As a wildlife enthusiast with an insatiable curiosity for the natural world, Aleksandar is the man behind the scenes and, together with Kristina, has co-founded Wild Explained. Female otters have a disproportionately higher mortality rate than males, and experts attribute this to their gruesome mating ritual. They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. The male forced the pup under water as if trying to drown it. "The Fantastic Fur of Sea Otters." And I don't just mean in the way carnivorous species always are to their prey. Despite regulations designed to protect them, many species remain at risk from pollution and habitat loss. The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family, yet the smallest marine mammal in North America. In one prior report on breeding-associated mortality, a tagged territorial male sea otter held a struggling female underwater until her body became limp and then copulated repeatedly with her carcass. These efforts include re-introduction programs aimed at bringing them back to their native habitats and increasing their numbers in the wild. However, otters may take their diet a bit too far because. The similarities between otters and . But maybe the most disturbing fact about otters is that they are known to "mate" with deceased animals. shout when a threat is nearby. In particular, it is well known that sea otters will force themselves on baby seals. 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. Support our mission and help keep Vox free for all by making a financial contribution to Vox today. 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. However, if these individuals exhibit aggressive mating behavior, it can lead to harm or even death of the existing population and further threaten the species survival. They also sometimes intertwine their feet with another sea otter, so that they stay together. Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. Rape or, as biologists usually call it, "forced copulation" is a disturbing fact of life in the animal kingdom. Their furry coats, innocent eyes, and tiny paws make them adorable little creatures. 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. In such cases, medical attention is necessary to prevent infection and ensure proper wound healing. They hunt for food both in the water such as fish and then also land creatures including small reptiles. It shouldnt be surprising to learn that otters will force themselves on other animals. - Diving into the Science! In this article, well uncover the lesser-known, disturbing truths about otters, exploring their aggressive tendencies, complex social structures, and the impact they have on their ecosystems. This is quite a unique adaptation because smelling things underwater for most mammals can only result in inhaling water, which puts them at risk of drowning. Male otters' mating techniques are violent. 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. "North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis): A Technical Conservation Assessment." They also use body language and scent marking to communicate ownership and boundaries. They eat 9 pounds of food each day. Found in cat feces, it enters waterways through runoff and flushable cat litter. During which time otters have adapted to live both on land and in water. Therefore, they are big on tools and will often use rocks to help crack into dinner. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Most otter species come ashore to give birth in dens, which sometimes have been used by other animals such as beavers. The river otter is classified as a furbearer (WAC 232-12-007). Take a mental break with the newest Vox crossword, Sign up for the Nature, unfortunately, isn't always pretty. Scientists suspect otters may even be able to determine the sex, age, and reproductive status of the spraint dropper just from a quick whiff. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Not so cute anymore, are they? Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. 9. This law is enforced by the U.S. River otters have many interesting qualities and adaptations that make them wonderful entertainment. However, it is important to note that otters impact on fisheries is not always negative. Source: 14 Fascinating, Super-Disturbing Facts About The Human Body. Most injuries caused by them are minor, consisting of bites and scratches that can lead to infections. Some otters even die after intercourse from trauma. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. you cant distinguish between healthy and infected otters, making them even more dangerous. Unlike other weasels, otters are semi-aquatic. It's been reported in primates like orangutans and chimpanzees, bottlenose dolphins, and ducks, among many other species. 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. From their aggressive behavior to their complex social structures and potential impacts on ecosystems, these fascinating creatures demonstrate that the natural world is full of surprises, both delightful and disturbing. Though most live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the sea otter and the smaller marine otter are found in the Pacific Ocean. Otters have bodies that are long and slim, and have short limbs. 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 Otters have been known to guard and have sex with the bodies of their victims for up to seven days after they've died. During mating, male otters hold onto the female and bite her nose, sometimes even hard enough that blood starts gushing out and causes deep wounds. For example, they may harbor bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, a disease that can cause severe illness in both animals and humans. Undisputedly, otters are one of nature's wonders that are particularly friendly-looking and cute, even having their charismatic gestures capable of stimulating dopamine hormone in the human body. Prepare to see these furry creatures in a whole new light. Their diets are primarily carnivorous, but at times can be omnivorous (1). Otters also have particularly stinky poop, which even has its own name: spraints. It may be tempting to try and pet the cute and. 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. Even though mature sea otters weigh roughly 100 pounds, they require about 7,500 calories per day! But are otters really as sweet as we think they are, or are otters evil? 5, 2020, p. 200141., doi:10.1098/rsos.200141. If you thought that otters, like beavers, eat a plant-based diet, you are mistaken. This combination allows them to have greater nimbleness when foraging. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. With their furry faces and charming personalities, they have captured the hearts of many. Baby ones raised in captivity squeak when introduced to water for the first time. A river otter has a long, stream-lined body, short legs, and webbed feet. The only places without endemic otters are Australia and Antarctica. Giant otters grow to as long as 6 feet and weigh as much as 75 pounds. But some, particularly in present-day Canada and Alaska, viewed the river otter "with awe and dread" and associated the creatures with the undead and drowning. Otters - in particular, the sea variety - need to consume huge amounts of food to keep active. 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. They communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, including whistles, growls, and chirps. Its thought to get its special odor, which some scientists describe as smelling like violets, from the seafood diet otters eat. Indeed, trauma is the norm from sea otter mating, not the exception. The sea otter and pup rolled violently in the water for approximately 15 min, while the pup struggled to free itself from the sea otters grasp. In the downtime, though, otters love to play and will often build themselves slides along the banks of rivers. 2. "Hairy-nosed Otter." Although experts say otter attacks on humans are infrequent, there are a number of recorded occurrences. As a result, conservation efforts have been put in place to help protect these animals.

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