But maybe the most disturbing fact about otters is that they are known to "mate" with deceased animals. Otters can dive as deep as 14m under the surface and spend 4-6 hours a day in water foraging. They eat mostly aquatic organisms such as frogs, fish, turtles, insects, and some small mammals. Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences, edited by John H. Steele, Second Edition, 2008, pp. Otters have small, rounded ears, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of their prey. "Asian Short-Clawed Otter." Their fur is super dense. Otters have the densest fur of any animalas many as a million hairs per square inch in places. Experts estimate that fewer than 8,000 exist. Their sleek bodies range in size from 2 to 5.9 feet. For example, they may harbor bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, a disease that can cause severe illness in both animals and humans. Otters are adorable and cute creatures that love to play and swim together. Otters are mammals of the subfamily Lutrinae, one of two subfamilies contained within the family Mustelidae. Pretty wicked! A new discovery raises a mystery. Furthermore, the potential for disease transmission among otters and other species can complicate conservation efforts. This suggests that the otters must first satisfy their nutritional needs before engaging in playful behaviors. "Living With Otters: River Otters." Otters natural habitats are regularly disrupted or destroyed due to human activities, making it harder for them to survive. Unlike other weasels, otters are semi-aquatic. Once thought to be gone from the area completely, southern sea ottersknown as California sea ottershave been making a comeback in recent years. They like to slide off. 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. Even if that means keeping others pups as hostages. Although they may be adorable and hold hands while traveling, dont forget how distressing and evil otters are. 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? "The Drivers and Functions of Rock Juggling in Otters." Otters survive by hunting, and as such they live in unpolluted waters. Male sea otters typically grasp the female from behind and bite her face, and this rough. 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. Dolphins International Otter Survival Fund. Otters can have up to one million hairs per square inch. Despite spending most of their time in the water, otters cant breathe underwater; as mammals, they need air. 1. As explained by the National Wildlife Foundation's Robyn Carmichael, sea otters frequently eat sea urchins, which in turn are known for eating massive amounts of kelp, which is very good at taking in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. Why Are Otters Evil? (6 Disturbing Facts About Otters) They mark their territory with scent glands located near their tails, communicating ownership and boundaries to other otters. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. However, there are three species of otter that have blunt claws or none at all. National Park Service, 2016. In Bangladesh, otters help fisherman maximize their haul. They also use body language and scent marking to communicate ownership and boundaries. They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. How do we reverse the trend? European otters must eat 15% of their body weight each day, and sea otters 20 to 25%, depending on the temperature. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. 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. North American river otter | Smithsonian's National Zoo Support our mission and help keep Vox free for all by making a financial contribution to Vox today. Baby ones raised in captivity squeak when introduced to water for the first time. They rape baby seals and hold each others pups hostage for food. otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family (Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. Otters are animals with thick fur that helps them float in the water; Otters often use rocks to crack open food; The male otter bites the female when they are breeding; While eating and resting otters often hold hands; Types of Otters. As it turns out, otters can be quite evil. The elusive otter is one of our top predators, feeding mainly on fish (particularly eels and salmonids), waterbirds, amphibians and crustaceans. Source: Scientific Reasons for B.S Things Our Bodies Do. Otters also have particularly stinky poop, which even has its own name: spraints. Survival of the fittest is a tale as old as time. The latter is the most common term for a group of otters on land. Poaching for their velvet-like fur caused significant population declines. Learn 15 more facts about these fascinating mammals. 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. 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. 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. Sea otters, particularly mothers and pups, sometimes hold hands while floating on their backs. It shouldnt be surprising to learn that otters will force themselves on other animals. The Romans were notorious for gruesome execution methods. She wraps the pup with kelp to anchor it while she hunts. Sea Otters as Keystone Species | A World Unseen: the diversity of life While they hunt for food underwater, theyll often store a rock in the skin under their arms for later use. Their nostrils and ears close to keep water out, and waterproof fur keeps them warm. For example, otters have been known to kill and eat kittens, and they have also been known to attack and kill humans. Facing a lack of female partners, male otters may be engaging in what researchers call "misdirected sexual activity." Sea Otter Savvy. Giant otters average a weight of around 75 pounds but some have been noticed to be over six feet long. For whatever reason, Pokmon Sun and Moon seem to have the most depressing Pokdex entries to date, and Komala is no exception: it's simply never awake, Sun tells us . Clean fluffy fur keeps them warm and traps air, which allows them to float. 12 Cool Animals That Crawl (Crawl Speed & Pictures), What Eats Leopards (Top 5 Leopard Predators), Are Lions Smart? Among fluffy kittens and puppies with big eyes, one of Earth's most adorable animals is frequently said to be the cuddly small otter. 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. In . For our furry friends, that means getting their meal by any means necessary. They can also dive up to 300 feet in search of food. Bodkin, J.L. The similarities between otters and . The mammals like to keep things organized within their communities and will designate certain areas to be used as latrines. This cooperative behavior allows multiple individuals to share a territory and work together to maximize their chances of survival. Sliding Behavior in Nearctic River Otters: Locomotion or Play?Northeastern Naturalist, vol. Such disputes can lead to significant injuries or even death for the individuals involved. Lohan, Katrina and Karen McDonald. They Aren't All Sea Otters. This frog will kill you with a single touch. Second, otters can give you H1N1, better known as "swine flu," as our friends at The Verge have reported. Resting spots, called hovers or couches, are usually little more than a bed of reeds. Stephens, Tim. Kerlin, Kat. They are often mistaken for beavers though. They also take over the riverbank dens of foxes, badgers, and rabbits. One of the most disturbing facts about otters is their status on the endangered species act list. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. Four Facts About Sea Otters That Might Surprise You Otter groups go by a few different monikers, all of which are fairly unique to that crew. Otter "holts" are small underground dens where otters escape danger, take shelter, or raise their young. Ten months later, this same male was observed with the carcass of another female sea otter. 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. 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. (Exploring the Intelligence of Lions), 11 Powerful Animals With No Natural Predators. 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. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) lists the Otariidae family as Near Threatened, indicating that their global population is declining steadily but action needs to be taken before this species becomes endangered. It's been reported in primates like orangutans and chimpanzees, bottlenose dolphins, and ducks, among many other species. What's weirder are a) otters's tendencies to menace baby seals, b) the fact that male otters kill an awful lot of the female otters with whom they copulate, and c) the necrophilia. Its thought to get its special odor, which some scientists describe as smelling like violets, from the seafood diet otters eat. We thought we knew turtles. Why you should never, ever go near a California river otter Are Otters Dangerous? - AZ Animals 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. First, male otters sometimes hold pups ransom to force their mothers to give up some of their food. Moreover, increased conservation efforts are needed in order to monitor population numbers, reduce polluting activities and stop activities that destroy their habitats. By submitting your email, you agree to our, The case against otters: necrophiliac, serial-killing fur monsters of the sea, The secret delegate battle that will decide the 2024 Republican nominee, The Dark Brandonmeme and why the Biden campaign has embraced it explained. 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. For centuries, fisherman have been training otters to act as herders and chase large schools of fish into the nets. 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. They live mainly on land that is very close to bodies of water. "North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis): A Technical Conservation Assessment." The species' recovery has been considerably slower in California relative to other areas. For starters, male sea otters have been known to assault and even kill seal pups. These otters seem to love peat swamp forests, especially those with Melaleuca, the swamp tea-tree. 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. 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. These conflicts are a sobering reminder of the brutality of the natural world and the lengths to which animals will go to protect their resources. 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. Most injuries caused by them are minor, consisting of bites and scratches that can lead to infections. You can also contribute via. Otter Facts for Kids Discover Their Unique Flavor Profile, The Ultimate Guide to Sea Urchin Taste: What to Expect and How to Enjoy It. Introduction to Otters - BioExpedition They can also close their small ears and nose when under water. The male of this species tends to be larger than the females. Although river otters are primarily responsible for these attacks (80%), sea otters can be just as dangerous incidents are more infrequent. Their furry coats, innocent eyes, and tiny paws make them adorable little creatures. Sea otters murder even when it doesn't provide them with food or offspring, like straight-up sociopathic spree killers. European otter | The Wildlife Trusts 30 Of The Weirdest And The Most Disturbing Facts From Known History Like many animals, otters sometimes behave in ways that aren't exactly within the bounds of what humans would consider morally acceptable. River otters generally live along rivers, as their name implies, but they're also found near streams and lakes. It's been reported in primates like orangutans and chimpanzees, bottlenose. 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. His passion for wildlife stems from a childhood spent in the countryside, where he developed a deep fascination with the behaviors of wild animals. Therefore, sea otters are obsessive about keeping their fur clean, and groom themselves . Humans are the main predator of Otters due to hunting for their pelts. U.S.D.A. 11 Adorable Facts about Otters - Fact City The giant otter is an endangered species found in South America, primarily along the Amazon river and the Pantanal. The harbor seal moved toward the water with the sea otter following closely. Use permeable pavers and native plants in landscaping. A mother will often wrap the babies in kelp to keep them in one place while she hunts. "Weird and Fascinating Ways Animals Use Poop." The other, Mustelinae, includes badgers, weasels, and ferrets, among other similar mammals. 2. Prepare to see these furry creatures in a whole new light. 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. Or, she might rely on human resources and otter ingenuity to find a makeshift "playpen" for her pup. With their furry faces and charming personalities, they have captured the hearts of many. River otters are nocturnal hunters. Scientists Pinpoint Parasite Strain." Few animals play as adults, and otters are one of them. Baby otters usually are called pups. Several organizations fund research projects that better understand the ecology of sea otters in order to create meaningful conservation solutions moving forward. Powerful tails propel them through the water. If weve learned anything until this point, otters are eviler than they seem. It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, highlighting the importance of respecting these wild animals and maintaining a safe distance. Each week, we explore unique solutions to some of the world's biggest problems. When faced with a threat, they wont hesitate to use their powerful teeth and strong jaws to inflict serious injury. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. These injuries can be so deep that they result in the females death. But the last 40 years haven't consisted of unerring progress for the sea otter. They are small animals that average . 16 Playful Facts About Otters | Mental Floss With his curiosity, experience, and love for the natural world, Aleksandar brings a unique perspective to his writing. They juggle rocks. The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family, yet the smallest marine mammal in North America. Don't flush hazardous chemicals or cat litter. The history of book bansand their changing targetsin the U.S. They can also be called kits or kittens. They get their needed water and sustenance from eating eucalyptus leaves. As a result of their rapid decline, many countries have enacted laws and regulations to protect sea otters. Moreover, sea otters have in at least some cases shown a willingness to attack primates, as in the case of the above sea otters in the Bronx Zoo, which killed a monkey with whom they shared an exhibit. 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. Otters use their dungknown as spraintto communicate with other otters. Conservation efforts are in place to protect and preserve these species, but more is needed to ensure their long-term survival. Predatory behavior towards non-prey species can lead to imbalances in the food chain and can cause unintended consequences for other species in the ecosystem. 2. 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. 15 Fascinating Facts About Otters Unauthorized use is prohibited. And I guess I get the appeal. Sea Otters Do Terrible Things To Baby Seals - The Awl Email: [emailprotected]. Otters sometimes rape baby seals. The Drivers and Functions of Rock Juggling in Otters, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Some even move in while beavers are still present. 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.
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. Occasionally an otter must grab on to a rock or some kelp to remain submerged while swimming. Otters can hold their breath for 3-4 minutes, closing their nostrils and ears to keep out water. Nope, they are horrific menaces to other species. Creepy Facts About Animals That Will Keep You Up At Night Sea otters, by contrast, nearly went extinct due to aggressive pelt hunting in the early part of the 20th century. The average size of a North American river otter is around 35-51.1 in (88.9-129.7 cm). For the record, I'm not actually against attempts to save sea otters as a species. , but one wrong move and you will be hurt. . An Otter can remain under water for up to 4 minutes. 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. Now, just because an animal is a carnivore doesnt mean its evil, right? This means. There are two layers of furan undercoat and then longer hairs that we can see. River otters are frequently mistaken for sea otters. 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. 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.. So that aspect of otter sexuality isn't too unusual. A river otter has a long, stream-lined body, short legs, and webbed feet. Sometimes river otters will travel between 10 and 18 miles (16 and 29 km) in search of food. However, theres more to these aquatic mammals than meets the eye. Hairy-Nosed Otters Are a Lazarus Species, 9. In addition to their unexpected ferocity when defending their territory, they also exhibit unique territorial behavior. They live in intricate social structures, with a distinct hierarchy that dictates their interactions. Otter | Habitat & Facts | Britannica They also love to play. 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. At six months, the pups are released back into the wild with generally strong results. Asian otter species also face threats from the illegal pet trade. Yes, they have natural predators such as large birds of prey, alligators, and crocodiles. Otters are part of the Mustelidae family, which is a family of carnivorous mammals that includes skunks, weasels, wolverines, and badgers. Asian Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus) - Native to South China and India, and Southeast . For years, questions about sea otters' alleged propensity toward cross-species sexual violence have passed through Snopes' inbox. This ancient marvel rivaled Romes intricate network of roads, For some long COVID patients, exercise is bad medicine, Radioactive dogs? When he's not writing or reading, Aleksandar can be found exploring the great outdoors with his trusty dog as a companion. They also sleep wrapped in long strands of kelp like a blanket. Sea otters nearly went extinct in the early 1900s because of the fur trade. 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. Sea otters are also among the most ravenous animals. Otters and their mustelid relatives were once hunted extensively for their fur, many to the point of near extinction. 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. Also Read:Smart Animals: Sea Otters Used Tools Even Before Dolphins and Humans Did, Study Says. River otters perform "scat dances" by stomping their hind feet and lifting their tail. Unmasking the Dark Side of Otters: Surprising and Disturbing Facts Facts About Otters | Live Science Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. With their furry faces and charming personalities, they have captured the hearts of many. This behavior can result in severe injuries to the female otter and can even lead to death in extreme cases. Creepiest Pokmon: The 10 most disturbing of all time 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. Educating the public about wildlife conservation and habitat protection is one of the most effective ways to promote conservation efforts. Ocean Conservancy. But are otters really as sweet as we think they are, or are otters evil? 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. Forced interspecies sex. They also force sex with other species. It was thought that otters helped keep water purified by. They also sometimes intertwine their feet with another sea otter, so that they stay together. 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. . 2, 2005, pp. And, according to a study published in Emerging and . 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. 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.". Sea otters are members of the family Mustelidae which includes other animals like badgers and weasels. Theres no doubt that otters are cute animals. Excellent and lithe swimmers, the young are in the water by 10 weeks of age. They are skilled hunters, feeding on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The male forced the pup under water as if trying to drown it. Are Otters Mean? The Pros And Cons Of Keeping An Otter As A Pet 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. Read our about page! 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 impact on fisheries is a contentious issue that has led to tensions between conservationists and fishing communities. 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. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 2020. Community outreach can also be an invaluable resource when it comes to engaging people around meaningful conversation efforts for threatened species like otters. Giant otters average a weight of around 75 pounds but some have been noticed to be over six feet long. Playfulness does disappear, though, when food is scarce. 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. It depends. During which time otters have adapted to live both on land and in water. 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. Absolutely, many gentle mammals are carnivores including your pet cat! 42 Horrifying Human Body Facts We Wish We Never Learned The other 12 otter species were recently identified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as having decreasing populations, and five otter species are already on the endangered list. Sea otters are the exception, giving birth in the water. At Vox, we believe that everyone deserves access to information that helps them understand and shape the world they live in. Not so cute anymore, are they? Sea Otters ( Enhydra lutris) are primarily found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean in North America and British Columbia. In addition to re-introduction programs, other measures are also taken by conservationists such as habitat protection, awareness campaigns targeting local communities about how their activities target or affect the animals populations, monitoring and control over toxins released into water bodies with where otters live or breed and enforcement of laws against hunting or poaching.