However, theres more to these aquatic mammals than meets the eye. 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. She is the author of "The Ethiopian Wolf: Hope at the Edge of Extinction. Despite spending most of their time in the water, #4 Otters Will Force Themselves on Other Animals. 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. Otters have webbed feet and claws - for swimming underwater. That makes it about a thousand times more dense than human hair. Boyle, Steve. 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. In some cases, otters may consume invasive species that are harmful to the ecosystem, potentially benefiting the fishing industry in the long run. These furry creatures eat meat, such as fish, disproportionately higher rates of fatality. Read our about page! In the downtime, though, otters love to play and will often build themselves slides along the banks of rivers. Spraint composition is unique to each otter, and the creatures can identify each other by the smells. Their nostrils and ears close to keep water out, and waterproof fur keeps them warm. The sea otter must consume between 25 and 40 percent of its body weight daily, just to keep warm. The barbs on each hair strand hold in place the air bubbles that the otters blow into their pelts while groomingwhich they can spend up to five hours doing each day. When the female surfaced, the male stole her food (a clam), after which the female and pup quickly departed.The human equivalent of this is probably going to a grocery store parking lot, finding a woman coming out with a small child, and holding a gun to the kid's head until the mom gives you some of her food. One of the most disturbing facts about otters is their status on the endangered species act list. This provides everyone with easy access to information that they can use to become more informed on natural systems and conservation efforts. Thirteen otter species slide down riverbanks, juggle rocks, and float on their backs in watersheds on five continents. Despite spending most of their time in the water, otters cant breathe underwater; as mammals, they need air. 1. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. 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. Otter families are usually limited to pups and their mothers, and these duos will spend most of their time either feeding or sleeping. 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. They are generally not aggressive towards humans, but they may attack if they feel threatened or cornered, particularly if they are protecting their young or territory. In addition, several international conventions and protocols have been developed over time to help protect these creatures from extinction. While otters appear to be friendly and docile, they can become extremely aggressive when defending their territory or their younglings. 1. "Otter Species." It was thought that otters helped keep water purified by. Sometimes river otters will travel between 10 and 18 miles (16 and 29 km) in search of food. Otters have their cubs in underground dens called holts, which they dig themselves. River otters dont breed until theyre at least five years old. Namely, they are extremely aggressive when they mate. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Additionally, some fish species may prey on their younglings. Poaching for their velvet-like fur caused significant population declines. It's not uncommon for female otters to die as a result of these aggressive encounters, either through drowning or from their wounds becoming infected. Their furry coats, innocent eyes, and tiny paws make them adorable little creatures. The latter is the most common term for a group of otters on land. ", 5. 7, no. Researchers found that playful sliding on a riverbank was not just efficient locomotion, but play. They learn to swim when they are about two months old, when their mother pushes them into the water. They will also use hollows under trees or old rabbit holes. Otters have the densest fur of any animalas many as a million hairs per square inch in places. As a result, conservation efforts have been put in place to help protect these animals. In many places, it is illegal to keep them as pets due to their protected status and potential danger to humans. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. Otter disappearance is evidence of pollutants, habitat fragmentation, or loss of prey due to habitat destruction. otters can infect humans with the H1N1 virus. 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. And I guess I get the appeal. These adorable aquatic mammals are clever, chatty, and oddly aromatic. Their sleek bodies range in size from 2 to 5.9 feet. A group of otters in the water is most often called a raft. They are often mistaken for beavers though. Sea otters nearly went extinct in the early 1900s because of the fur trade. 2. Otters have long been admired for their playful antics and endearing appearance. Copyright 2023 NATURE WORLD NEWS All rights reserved. Do Otters Have Webbed Feet? Unauthorized use is prohibited. Even though mature sea otters weigh roughly 100 pounds, they require about 7,500 calories per day! While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, particularly if they feel threatened or cornered. 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.". They can also close their small ears and nose when under water. Sea otters cannot swim at all for their first month, despite being born in the open sea. As this is a new development in biology, further research is needed to determine precisely how this species started to host the virus. Heres how paradise fought back. Among the endangered are the sea otters along the Californian to Alaskan coasts, which are threatened by "environmental pollutants and disease agents." Otters have been around for at least 5 million years. In . Otters impact on fisheries is a contentious issue that has led to tensions between conservationists and fishing communities. 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. Like many animals, if an otter or its babies feel frightened, they may become aggressive and most events occur while a person was walking or swimming close to water. Female otters are sows, and males are boars. Here are 13 strange and terrifying facts about animals that'll send a shiver down your spine. The mammals like to keep things organized within their communities and will designate certain areas to be used as latrines. All otters are expert hunters that eat fish, crustaceans, and other critters. 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. Scientists Pinpoint Parasite Strain." In the absence of females of their own kind, then, they turned their typical sexual responses toward the seals. "Why are otters playful?" They tuck prey into pockets of loose skin under their arms and use rocks as tools to open shellfish. The male forced the pup under water as if trying to drown it. These furry creatures eat meat, such as fish,frogs, birds, and even mammals. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Life becomes very difficult for female otters when nurturing young pups. In both cases, the male was swimming, diving, guarding, and copulating with the carcass. As a result of their rapid decline, many countries have enacted laws and regulations to protect sea otters. Baby ones raised in captivity squeak when introduced to water for the first time. River otters have many interesting qualities and adaptations that make them wonderful entertainment. This cooperative behavior allows multiple individuals to share a territory and work together to maximize their chances of survival. Support our mission and help keep Vox free for all by making a financial contribution to Vox today. One studyfound that kelp beds where sea otters are present soak up 12 times as much carbon dioxide as beds where they're not. These usually show evidence of regular use in the form of tracks, smell, spraints (feces), and general wear-and-tear. "Sea Otter Society: The Single Moms' Club." With his curiosity, experience, and love for the natural world, Aleksandar brings a unique perspective to his writing. In areas where otter populations are declining, conservationists may attempt to introduce new individuals to bolster the population. First, male otters sometimes hold pups ransom to force their mothers to give up some of their food. They also use body language and scent marking to communicate ownership and boundaries. But maybe the most disturbing fact about otters is that they are known to "mate" with deceased animals. Mating with other species is an unusual and disturbing behavior observed in some otters, particularly sea otters. While this may seem like a cooperative and selfless act, it can also involve more sinister elements. Approximately that brutal. This high demand leaves otter mothers depleted, and many die from minor illnesses. Lets end this on a somewhat less disturbing note! Male otters, known as dogs, have been observed biting the females nose during copulation to keep her in place. 15 Fascinating Facts About Otters. Nonetheless, it is another reminder that you should stay away from these vicious beasts. You bet they do! Otters have big appetites to account for the great conditions they face. They get their needed water and sustenance from eating eucalyptus leaves. Otters may emigrate to find food in that case. The Drivers and Functions of Rock Juggling in Otters, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Despite their innocent appearance, these animals are known for doing pretty disturbing stuff. Curious to learn more? These otters seem to love peat swamp forests, especially those with Melaleuca, the swamp tea-tree. Others, like the marine otters of South America, have had their numbers reduced because of poaching, as well as environmental concerns. This means. 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. These otters also have less webbing between their digits. 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. On top of that, pups have 11 of their own calls that they intersperse with "infant babbling." Some otters hold the female's heads underwater during intercourse to force submission. Humans are the main predator of Otters due to hunting for their pelts. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Hairy-nosed Otter, 2015, doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2015-2.rlts.t12421a21936999.en. 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. When it comes to otters, educating people about their unique place in the environment and how their presence is essential for healthy ecosystems is key. Perhaps the worst (alleged) method was called scaphism, in which a person was force-fed, and covered in, milk and honey, put in a swamp,. 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. The forceful mating practices of otters also have implications for conservation efforts. We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and 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. sea otters, Disturbing facts. Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. Here's what you need to know about these terrible animals, and why you should fear and hate them. In 2014, a study of giant otters found that the river-dwellers have 22 distinct noises they make for different situations. His passion for wildlife stems from a childhood spent in the countryside, where he developed a deep fascination with the behaviors of wild animals. Pretty wicked! Moreover, increased conservation efforts are needed in order to monitor population numbers, reduce polluting activities and stop activities that destroy their habitats. 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. Something went wrong. Learn 15 more facts about these fascinating mammals. One of the most efficient ways to reach a wide audience is through virtual resources such as webinars or interactive quizzes. In the Aborigine language, the word "koala" actually means no water. 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. In particular, it is well known that sea otters will force themselves on baby seals. Otters have a good sense of smell, and one of the more interesting otter facts is that they actually are capable of smelling things underwater. Average Life Span In The Wild: 8 to 9 years. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery . Mothers spend up to 14 hours per day foraging to support a pup's intense nutrition needs. In detail, the male otter will bite down the female otters nose as the ritual begins causing physical injuries. What we can learn from Chernobyl's strays. They are not "wonderful animals," as Ms. Deschanel would have you believe. U.S. Department of the Interior. Thirteen otter species slide down riverbanks, juggle rocks, and float on their backs in watersheds on five continents. How do we reverse the trend? 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. "A Keystone Species, The Sea Otter, Colonizes Glacier Bay." March 28, 2023 by Wilson Singleton. Otters have some interesting relatives. The kelp acts like an anchor and prevents them from floating out to the open ocean. Nature, unfortunately, isn't always pretty. Baby otters usually are called pups. Otters love to eat shelled animals, like clams, but they aren't equipped with the strength to open their food without some help. This impact on fisheries can be particularly significant in areas with already vulnerable fish populations, where otters predation can further destabilize the ecosystem. Skip to the end to watch the video. All. Otters have bodies that are long and slim, and have short limbs. Sea otters murder even when it doesn't provide them with food or offspring, like straight-up sociopathic spree killers. Many species of river and sea otters are . 28 . If a male is too aggressive during the mate (which he usually is), the female will drown below the surface. UC Santa Cruz, 2014. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. These power struggles can lead to violent confrontations, further demonstrating the darker aspects of otter society. Phone: +381 69 283 48 42 His articles have been mentioned by Wikipedia, USA Today, and HuffPost, among others. In fact, females havedisproportionately higher rates of fatality explained by the vicious mating ritual. They use their front paws with a dexterity that nearly rivals humans. 241244. Some otters even die after intercourse from trauma. Some researchers hypothesize that male sea otters may be mistaking the seal pups for female otters during mating season. As a result, if you ever find yourself in proximity to an otter (river or sea), back off. Theres no doubt that otters are cute animals. A mother will often wrap the babies in kelp to keep them in one place while she hunts. Indeed, trauma is the norm from sea otter mating, not the exception. Otters Will Resort to Acute Behaviors Just to Get Some Food, In the Amazon, Giant Otters are the Second Largest and Most Capable Predator, Giant otters average a weight of around 75 pounds but some have been noticed to be over six feet long. This mating behavior is typically driven by the males desire to maximize his chances of passing on his genes to future generations. But don't be deceived by the holding of hands and cheek rubbing sighted in photos used for posters, memes, and throw pillows, otters are still wild animals and can be harmful. 1 The only places without endemic otters are Australia and Antarctica. 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. They love to chow down! Zoroastrians would also hold ceremonies for otters found dead in the wild. Related Article:Giant Otters Used to Be Fearsome Hunters in Ancient China. Each week, we explore unique solutions to some of the world's biggest problems. This behavior has been documented in various locations, including the Aleutian Islands and California. They also love to play. How Stuff Works. 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. A cat parasite called toxoplasmosis also poses a threat to these creatures. 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. One sea otter off the coast of British Columbia apparently raped and murdered a dog. Over the course of a rough winter, he meticulously documented many species, and while some have since gone extinct (like a sea-cow he described that was hunted into extinction), the adorable otter was among his initial discoveries. "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.". Aboard the St. Peter, Steller and other 18th-century explorers crash-landed on modern-day Bering Island after getting separated from its sister ship. The giant otter is an endangered species found in South America, primarily along the Amazon river and the Pantanal. , but one wrong move and you will be hurt. They provide full-time care for their babies for six to eight months, until the babies can survive independently. A new discovery raises a mystery. Pennsylvania Game Commission. People also call it North American river otter. Ocean Conservancy. Use permeable pavers and native plants in landscaping. It is the longest of the otter species. The behavior doesn't stop when the seals die from the trauma. 1. The species' recovery has been considerably slower in California relative to other areas. International Otter Survival Fund. Without sea otters, the urchin population booms and destroys the kelp forest habitat. For more news, updates about sea otters and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature Wold News! There they exchange information via chemical cues in feces. International Otter Survival Fund. Even if that means keeping others pups as hostages. Fish and Wildlife Service and is currently in place to promote recovery efforts across all states in the United States. Yes, as they build their dens, they can cause significant changes to their environment. As otters build their dens, they can cause significant changes to their environment. There are so many cool facts about otters that it's no small wonder they've become a bit of an internet sensation. Sea otters, by contrast, nearly went extinct due to aggressive pelt hunting in the early part of the 20th century. This combination allows them to have greater nimbleness when foraging. For centuries, fisherman have been training otters to act as herders and chase large schools of fish into the nets. Otters - in particular, the sea variety - need to consume huge amounts of food to keep active. This ancient religion considered otters to be the dogs of the river or sea and had strict rules forbidding the killing of otters. 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. The male of this species tends to be larger than the females. Their construction activities can lead to the erosion of riverbanks, the destruction of vegetation, and the alteration of water flow in the surrounding area. They juggle rocks. . Otters natural habitats are regularly disrupted or destroyed due to human activities, making it harder for them to survive. The biological name is Lontra Canadensis. The elusive otter is one of our top predators, feeding mainly on fish (particularly eels and salmonids), waterbirds, amphibians and crustaceans. 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. How this animal can survive is a mystery. 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 thought we knew turtles. 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. Komala - Generation VII. This ordinary woman hid Anne Frankand kept her story alive, This Persian marvel was lost for millennia. Here's how biologists Heidi Pearson and Randall Davis describe it: A male approached a pup floating on the surface while its mother was diving for food. Otters are part of the Mustelidae family, which is a family of carnivorous mammals that includes skunks, weasels, wolverines, and badgers. She wraps the pup with kelp to anchor it while she hunts. Bodkin, J.L. "Asian Short-Clawed Otter." Stephens, Tim. 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. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. For example, the United States has The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 which protects the from any type of hunting or trapping. Nope, they are horrific menaces to other species. Allison, Mari-Lisa, et al. Otters have their cubs in underground burrows, known as 'holts'. 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. . How do otters stay warm? Otters are very social creatures. 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. 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. The history of book bansand their changing targetsin the U.S. Although they may be adorable and hold hands while traveling, dont forget how distressing and evil otters are. Educating the public about wildlife conservation and habitat protection is one of the most effective ways to promote conservation efforts. Do you think that seals are the only species that otters enjoy using? Volunteer as an otter spotter or water monitor. River otters perform "scat dances" by stomping their hind feet and lifting their tail. Otters have long been admired for their playful antics and endearing appearance. There has been at least one report of a male otter copulating and swimming with deceased female otters. 2. Furthermore, the potential for disease transmission among otters and other species can complicate conservation efforts. They hunt for food both in the water such as fish and then also land creatures including small reptiles. Ten months later, this same male was observed with the carcass of another female sea otter. After raping a baby seal to death, this psycho licked his paws, like Hannibal Lecter or something. River otters are common and of "least concern" in California, but are threatened or endangered in some other states . 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? Either due to better reporting or to increased otter savagery, the numbers grew over the decades, from three in the 1980s to 13 in the 1990s to 17 in the 2000s. Otters have as many as 2.6 million hairs per square inch. The presence of a healthy otter population indicates a healthy watershed. Theyll keep baby otters underwater until females give them their food. Otters can have up to one million hairs per square inch. 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. They do it all on their own, with no help from the fathers. Yes, they have natural predators such as large birds of prey, alligators, and crocodiles. Absolutely, many gentle mammals are carnivores including your pet cat! The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. In the past, observers have usually set up telescopes on shore to try and monitor otters at sea. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. 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. 194-201., doi:10.1016/B978-012374473-9.00434-3. Otter "holts" are small underground dens where otters escape danger, take shelter, or raise their young. Otters also excrete something called anal jelly that contains secretions from anal glands and shed intestinal linings. This pace is three times faster than the average human swimmer. Although they do drink some water, koalas aren't highly dependent on this resource. "Hairy Nosed Otter." At six months, the pups are released back into the wild with generally strong results. They are also nocturnal and hunt at night. You can also contribute via. 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. Compared to river otters, sea otters have an average size of 39.6-49.3 in (100.5-125.2 cm), making both the animals similar in size. So instead, they dropped the pup in with the female otter, and she immediately went into mom mode. Some cultures even forbid eating the creatures and were offended when colonial Europeans began hunting the river otters and selling their furs. Two species . For example, they may harbor bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, a disease that can cause severe illness in both animals and humans. A male river otter, by comparison, would not exceed 30 pounds. They hold each others's hands. They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. If a sea otter's fur becomes dirty, it has trouble absorbing the air needed to keep it warm. However, even within these communal groups, otters still exhibit territorial behavior and establish dominance hierarchies, highlighting the importance of resource control in their survival. Diving into the Science! Resting spots, called hovers or couches, are usually little more than a bed of reeds. They can also dive up to 300 feet in search of food.
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