Use permeable pavers and native plants in landscaping. A version of this story originally ran in 2015. Langley, Liz. This ancient marvel rivaled Romes intricate network of roads, For some long COVID patients, exercise is bad medicine, Radioactive dogs? 10 Facts about River Otters | Facts of World Furthermore, their presence in an ecosystem can indicate a healthy and balanced environment, which can have positive implications for fishing and other industries. While they hunt for food underwater, theyll often store a rock in the skin under their arms for later use. Unlike other weasels, otters are semi-aquatic. As a result of their rapid decline, many countries have enacted laws and regulations to protect sea otters. These otters seem to love peat swamp forests, especially those with Melaleuca, the swamp tea-tree. They also use body language and scent marking to communicate ownership and boundaries. In the downtime, though, otters love to play and will often build themselves slides along the banks of rivers. In this post, well talk about why otters are evil and why they arent the cuddlers they appear to be. Also Read:Smart Animals: Sea Otters Used Tools Even Before Dolphins and Humans Did, Study Says. What we can learn from Chernobyl's strays. 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. While these modifications are essential for otter survival, they can have negative consequences for other species that rely on the same habitat. Discover Their Unique Flavor Profile, The Ultimate Guide to Sea Urchin Taste: What to Expect and How to Enjoy It. All otter species appear on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and only one is listed as "least concern." There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. This means. March 28, 2023 by Wilson Singleton. The kelp acts like an anchor and prevents them from floating out to the open ocean. Within their social groups, otters exhibit a behavior known as alloparenting, where individuals other than the parents help raise the young. Facts About Otters | Live Science During which time otters have adapted to live both on land and in water. 12, no. The lifespan varies depending on the species and region. - Diving into the Science! Stephens, Tim. Unmasking the Dark Side of Otters: Surprising and Disturbing Facts, What Do Sea Grapes Taste Like? 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. This may sound disturbing, but is successful. Otters have as many as 2.6 million hairs per square inch. Otters have long been celebrated for their playful nature and captivating appearance, but as this article has revealed, they have a darker side that is often overlooked. Otter disappearance is evidence of pollutants, habitat fragmentation, or loss of prey due to habitat destruction. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. In Bangladesh, otters help fisherman maximize their haul. The biological name is Lontra Canadensis. Young and old otters most often juggle rocks. Prepare to see these furry creatures in a whole new light. Resting spots, called hovers or couches, are usually little more than a bed of reeds. They provide full-time care for their babies for six to eight months, until the babies can survive independently. Curious to learn more? 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. Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem? For example, they may harbor bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, a disease that can cause severe illness in both animals and humans. Otters are often thought of as cute, cuddly creatures, but there are some disturbing facts about these animals that many people don't know. They communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, including whistles, growls, and chirps. River otters are not currently threatened, and are pervasive in Canada and the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas in the US. . The elusive otter is one of our top predators, feeding mainly on fish (particularly eels and salmonids), waterbirds, amphibians and crustaceans. Despite regulations designed to protect them, many species remain at risk from pollution and habitat loss. 29 . In particular, it is well known that sea otters will, As a result, if you ever find yourself in proximity to an otter (river or sea), back off. European otter | The Wildlife Trusts Otters have many long, stiff sensitive hairs ('vibrassae') that frame the snout: these help the otter to locate prey. River otters perform "scat dances" by stomping their hind feet and lifting their tail. 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,. Obviously, one report does not mean that all species members will do this, but its still worth noting. River Otter In some cases, dominant otters may kidnap pups from subordinate members of the group, forcing them to provide care for the stolen young. Scientists hypothesize that these seemingly counterproductive mating habits might be the result of a population imbalance. They then leave droppings called spraints, which refer to a single bowel evacuation and that researchers describe as smelling like violets. Heres how paradise fought back. 5. 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. When food is hard to obtain, sea otter mothers will abandon their young and leave them to starve to death. Occasionally an otter must grab on to a rock or some kelp to remain submerged while swimming. "Why are otters playful?" Are Otters Dangerous? - AZ Animals 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. Male otters have also been known to violently copulate with other speciesmost notably, baby seals [PDF]. They mark their territory with scent glands located near their tails, communicating ownership and boundaries to other otters. This may not surprise those who know the animal well, but its important to note that otters are carnivores. One of the most efficient ways to reach a wide audience is through virtual resources such as webinars or interactive quizzes. 12 Cool Animals That Crawl (Crawl Speed & Pictures), What Eats Leopards (Top 5 Leopard Predators), Are Lions Smart? 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 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. A river otter has an average weight of 20 pounds and is 4 feet long, while a sea otter weighs 70-80 pounds and is 6 feet long. How do we reverse the trend? International Otter Survival Fund. 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. 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. The similarities between otters and . Yes, they live in intricate social structures, with a distinct hierarchy that dictates their interactions. National Geographic, 2017. UC Santa Cruz, 2014. Komala - Generation VII. Otters' big appetites protect kelp forests by eating sea urchins. Some even move in while beavers are still present. Theres no doubt that otters are cute animals. 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 enormousAmazon creatures if the need arises. They move clumsily on land, paddle with their hind feet and tail, and are significantly bigger than most river otters, with some males weighing as much as 100 pounds. 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. All otters are expert hunters that eat fish, crustaceans, and other critters. Sea otters don't just have the densest fur of all ottersthey have the densest fur of all animals. Do not reproduce without permission. Tags
As the sea otter thrust his pelvis, his penis was extruded and intromission was observed. This ancient religion considered otters to be the dogs of the river or sea and had strict rules forbidding the killing of otters. 99 Creepy And Disturbing Facts That Will Scare You 13 Terrifying animal facts | 13 Terrifying animal facts | WWF Australia 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. Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. Legend has it they save human lives on occasion: But there comes a point at which rational people have to put adorable hijinks aside and recognize otters for what they are: disease-ridden, murderous, necrophilic aqua-weasels whose treachery knows few bounds. Being at the top of the food chain causes pollutants to become concentrated in their bodies, leading to illness and death. And, according to a study published in Emerging and . When a pup is small, the mother will hold it on her belly to keep it from floating away. 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. 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. They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. 15 Fascinating Facts About Otters. The researchers found four prior scientific publications documenting attacks, including one that reported a deadly otter attack in India. The presence of a healthy otter population indicates a healthy watershed. 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. The average size of a North American river otter is around 35-51.1 in (88.9-129.7 cm). Among fluffy kittens and puppies with big eyes, one of Earth's most adorable animals is frequently said to be the cuddly small otter. Sea otters are the exception, giving birth in the water. Some researchers hypothesize that male sea otters may be mistaking the seal pups for female otters during mating season. However, it is important to note that otters impact on fisheries is not always negative. Who buys lion bones? 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. 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. People also call it North American river otter. 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. Absolutely, many gentle mammals are carnivores including your pet cat! These injuries can be so deep that they result in the females death. Even if that means keeping others pups as hostages. Copyright 2023 NATURE WORLD NEWS All rights reserved. Photo by Nathan Varley A one parent operation Fathers do not play a role in parenting. Although river otters are primarily responsible for these attacks (80%), sea otters can be just as dangerous incidents are more infrequent. 9. They also take over the riverbank dens of foxes, badgers, and rabbits. River otters are frequently mistaken for sea otters. A property owner or the owner's immediate family, employee, or tenant may kill or trap a river otter on that property if it is damaging crops or domestic animals (RCW 77.36.030). Forest Service, 2006. It is the longest of the otter species. Sea Otters as Keystone Species | A World Unseen: the diversity of life newsletter, the fight against catastrophic climate change. Educating the public about wildlife conservation and habitat protection is one of the most effective ways to promote conservation efforts. It was thought that otters helped keep water purified by. Facing a lack of female partners, male otters may be engaging in what researchers call "misdirected sexual activity." This territorial marking is essential for maintaining the social hierarchy within their group and preventing conflicts with other otters. 241244. Even mothers, though, have their dark sides. Otters have long been admired for their playful antics and endearing appearance. Are female otters the only species that males try to copulate with? For centuries, fisherman have been training otters to act as herders and chase large schools of fish into the nets. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 2020. Their nostrils and ears close to keep water out, and waterproof fur keeps them warm. One of the most disturbing facts about otters is their status on the endangered species act list. Some tribes consider the otter to be a lucky animal and a symbol of "loyalty and honesty." These holts can be found along riverbanks, among tree roots, under branches, brush, or boulders. You can also contribute via. Yes, as they build their dens, they can cause significant changes to their environment. Jaymi Heimbuch is a writer and photographer specializing in wildlife conservation, technology, and food. It shouldnt be surprising to learn that otters will force themselves on other animals. 7, no. Strange as it may seem, mating is a relatively common cause of death for female sea otters as well. Webbed feet and powerful tails, which act like rudders, make otters strong swimmers. Meanest Animals in the World (Disturbing Facts) - UrduFOX 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Keeping an eye on otters in the wild is a tricky task. Thirteen otter species slide down riverbanks, juggle rocks, and float on their backs in watersheds on five continents. 1 The only places without endemic otters are Australia and Antarctica. The other, Mustelinae, includes badgers, weasels, and ferrets, among other similar mammals. Nature, unfortunately, isn't always pretty. 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. In many places, it is illegal to keep them as pets due to their protected status and potential danger to humans. Lets end this on a somewhat less disturbing note! 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. On top of that, pups have 11 of their own calls that they intersperse with "infant babbling." A river otter has a long, stream-lined body, short legs, and webbed feet. These otters also have less webbing between their digits. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Rape or, as biologists usually call it, "forced copulation" is a disturbing fact of life in the animal kingdom. It may be tempting to try and pet the cute and. Otter Animal Facts | Lutra Canadensis - AZ Animals Something went wrong. Sea otter, dolphin, and penguin behavior: Your favorite animals are jerks. 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. Seven Quick Facts About River Otters - National Forest Foundation How to see the Lyrid meteor shower at its peak, The Stone of Destiny has a mysterious past beyond British coronations, Ultimate Italy: 14 ways to see the country in a new light, 6 unforgettable Italy hotels, from Lake Como to Rome, A taste of Rioja, from crispy croquettas to piquillo peppers, Trek through this stunning European wilderness, Land of the lemurs: the race to save Madagascar's sacred forests, Photograph by Charlie Hamilton James, Nat Geo Image Collection. 6. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 15 Fun Facts About Sea Otters That Will Amaze You 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. They are skilled hunters and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Life becomes very difficult for female otters when nurturing young pups. Theyll keep baby otters underwater until females give them their food. Furthermore, they are also threatened by poaching and overfishing. They eat 9 pounds of food each day. Do Otters Have Webbed Feet? "Weird and Fascinating Ways Animals Use Poop." Surprisingly, an intriguing fact that distinguishes these creatures is their distinctive nature to live as aquatics and . 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. Dolphins Scientists Pinpoint Parasite Strain." 5, 2020, p. 200141., doi:10.1098/rsos.200141. However, the most jarring fact about that is that they dont care whether the animal is alive or not. The Romans were notorious for gruesome execution methods. Some Hold Hands While Sleeping. Swimming ability is further enhanced in most species by four webbed feet. How this animal can survive is a mystery. Ten months later, this same male was observed with the carcass of another female sea otter. The otters, which need to consume 25 percent to 35 percent of their body weight every day in order to maintain their metabolism and keep themselves warm in the cool waters, are divided into three "dietary guilds": Deep-diving otters that dine on abalone, urchins, and Dungeness crab; medium divers who subsist on clams, worms, and smaller shellfish; and those that stay in shallower waters, feeding on black snails. Read our about page! Advertisement. In the absence of females of their own kind, then, they turned their typical sexual responses toward the seals. Male otters have developed a bad habit of humping and fatally wounding baby seals in their desperation to mate, sometimes continuing to have sex with the seals up to a week after killing them.. They can also close their small ears and nose when under water. Yes, youve read that right. Does eating close to bedtime make you gain weight? Here are 13 strange and terrifying facts about animals that'll send a shiver down your spine. Powerful tails propel them through the water. Their fur is super dense. Generally the tail will make up about one third of the body. Nope, they are horrific menaces to other species. In addition, several international conventions and protocols have been developed over time to help protect these creatures from extinction. Diving into the Science! Researchers found that playful sliding on a riverbank was not just efficient locomotion, but play. Wisconsin River Otters For example, the United States has The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 which protects the from any type of hunting or trapping. Otters can dive as deep as 14m under the surface and spend 4-6 hours a day in water foraging. River otters have many interesting qualities and adaptations that make them wonderful entertainment. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. "A Keystone Species, The Sea Otter, Colonizes Glacier Bay." , but one wrong move and you will be hurt. 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 Cute Otters - 10 Facts about the Otter for Kids! - YouTube Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. Do you think that seals are the only species that otters enjoy using? Sea otters live exclusively in the ocean along coastlines. 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. They are the Asian small-clawed otter, African clawless otter, and Congo clawless otter. It isnt surprising, given that they need to eat around 15% of their body weight daily to survive. All. Sliding Behavior in Nearctic River Otters: Locomotion or Play?Northeastern Naturalist, vol. Otters sometimes take up residence in abandoned beaver lodges or muskrat dens. Otter families are usually limited to pups and their mothers, and these duos will spend most of their time either feeding or sleeping. "12 Facts About Sea Otters for Sea Otter Awareness Week." However, in rare cases, otter attacks can result in more severe injuries, particularly if the victim is a child or elderly person. otters can infect humans with the H1N1 virus. Threats also include habitat degradation, pesticides, and pollution from mining. German zoologist and botanist Georg Wilhelm Steller was the first to scientifically describe numerous new animals on the 1741 explorative voyage from Russia. 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. Two species . Did you know that otters hold hands while sleeping to prevent drifting apart? Sea otters are generally violent and aggressive when mating. Phone: +381 69 283 48 42 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. Otters natural habitats are regularly disrupted or destroyed due to human activities, making it harder for them to survive. 1. What we didnt mention, though, is thatotters can infect humans with the H1N1 virus. 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. The golden poison dart frog (Phyllobates . 18 Otter Facts From the Playful to Slightly Bizarre 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. Otters and their mustelid relatives were once hunted extensively for their fur, many to the point of near extinction. They can also dive up to 300 feet in search of food. 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. That amount of calories is insane because that is three times what an average human needs. Otters impact on fisheries is a contentious issue that has led to tensions between conservationists and fishing communities. Baby otters usually are called pups. This adds an additional layer of complexity to the already challenging task of maintaining balanced ecosystems. A varied diet It's no surprise that otters love fish, but they're also partial to amphibians, turtles and crayfish. They love to chow down! For one thing, sea otters murder other animals even when they don't get food out of it, just for fun or something. Otters have webbed feet and claws - for swimming underwater. The river otter is classified as a furbearer (WAC 232-12-007). Every animal on Earth (including humans) has learned to adapt to its environment, which means sometimes having to make difficult (or gross) choices to survive. One studyfound that kelp beds where sea otters are present soak up 12 times as much carbon dioxide as beds where they're not. Male sea otters typically grasp the female from behind and bite her face, and this rough. . In 2014, the US Geological Survey (USGS) released a study of northern sea otters living close to Washington who were discovered to have possessed H1N1 virus (swine flu) throughout a large number of their population. North American river otter | Smithsonian's National Zoo Sea otters, by contrast, nearly went extinct due to aggressive pelt hunting in the early part of the 20th century. But are otters really as sweet as we think they are, or are otters evil? River otters are common and of "least concern" in California, but are threatened or endangered in some other states . 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. There has been an incident where an otter had tried to mate with a dog and killed it in the process. Otters have the densest fur of any animalas many as a million hairs per square inch in places. 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. Hand-holding keeps the otters from drifting away from each other and their food source while they sleep. For example, otters have been known to kill and eat kittens, and they have also been known to attack and kill humans. They juggle rocks. Otters reach swim speeds of up to 7 miles per hour. The male forced the pup under water as if trying to drown it. explained by the vicious mating ritual. Sea otters murder even when it doesn't provide them with food or offspring, like straight-up sociopathic spree killers. Stevens, Sadie S., and Thomas L. Serfass. U.S.D.A. With his curiosity, experience, and love for the natural world, Aleksandar brings a unique perspective to his writing. Baby otters, called pups or kittens, stay with their mothers until theyre up to a year old, or until she has another litter. Its thought to get its special odor, which some scientists describe as smelling like violets, from the seafood diet otters eat. His passion for wildlife stems from a childhood spent in the countryside, where he developed a deep fascination with the behaviors of wild animals.
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