Otters have been around for at least 5 million years. River otters perform "scat dances" by stomping their hind feet and lifting their tail. 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. 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. Most species hunt for three to five hours each day and nursing mothers up to eight hours each day. It is known as the common otter or northern river otter. Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. They provide full-time care for their babies for six to eight months, until the babies can survive independently. The cutest animals in the world are evil They have webbed feet and the ability to close their nose and ears underwater.Twelve out of thirteen otter species are in decline. But maybe the most disturbing fact about otters is that they are known to "mate" with deceased animals. A river otter has a long, stream-lined body, short legs, and webbed feet. 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. If weve learned anything until this point, otters are eviler than they seem. And, according to a study published in Emerging and . Skip to the end to watch the video. A group of otters is called a raft, according to the San Diego Zoo. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Hairy-nosed Otter, 2015, doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2015-2.rlts.t12421a21936999.en. River otters generally live along rivers, as their name implies, but they're also found near streams and lakes. This cooperative behavior allows multiple individuals to share a territory and work together to maximize their chances of survival. Female otters have a disproportionately higher mortality rate than males, and experts attribute this to their gruesome mating ritual. "Living With Otters: River Otters." Although they may be adorable and hold hands while traveling, dont forget how distressing and evil otters are. Introduction to Otters - BioExpedition These furry creatures eat meat, such as fish, disproportionately higher rates of fatality. 2 hours of sleep? In some cases, otters may consume invasive species that are harmful to the ecosystem, potentially benefiting the fishing industry in the long run. Otters will hold hands while they sleep and drift so that they don't separate! If a male is too aggressive during the mate (which he usually is), the female will drown below the surface. They also love to play. Are female otters the only species that males try to copulate with? Creepy Facts About Animals That Will Keep You Up At Night Otter Animal Facts | Lutra Canadensis - AZ Animals They communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, including whistles, growls, and chirps. Oracka 4, Nova Iskra, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. sea otters, Disturbing facts. In fact, females havedisproportionately higher rates of fatality explained by the vicious mating ritual. 15 Otter Facts That Are Otterly Amazing - The Fact Site 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. A version of this story originally ran in 2015. It shouldnt be surprising to learn that otters will force themselves on other animals. Though most live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the sea otter and the smaller marine otter are found in the Pacific Ocean. Obviously, one report does not mean that all species members will do this, but its still worth noting. If you thought that otters, like beavers, eat a plant-based diet, you are mistaken. River otters as a whole look quite similar to weasels. 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. Royal Society Open Science, vol. Zoroastrians would also hold ceremonies for otters found dead in the wild. Dominant males often establish themselves as the head of a group, while subordinate males may attempt to challenge the leaders position. Their diets are primarily carnivorous, but at times can be omnivorous (1). They tuck prey into pockets of loose skin under their arms and use rocks as tools to open shellfish. 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. UC Davis, 2019. 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. Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences, edited by John H. Steele, Second Edition, 2008, pp. Their nostrils and ears close to keep water out, and waterproof fur keeps them warm. Source: Scientific Reasons for B.S Things Our Bodies Do. Even if that means keeping others pups as hostages. His passion for wildlife stems from a childhood spent in the countryside, where he developed a deep fascination with the behaviors of wild animals. Otters can hold their breath for 3-4 minutes, closing their nostrils and ears to keep out water. This behavior has been documented in various locations, including the Aleutian Islands and California. Otters may emigrate to find food in that case. In Brazil's Pantanal, we get the rare opportunity to film a family of rare and elusive giant otters. The presence of a healthy otter population indicates a healthy watershed. Average Life Span In The Wild: 8 to 9 years. They bite their female partner's face during copulation to keep her from slipping away, leaving her with substantial facial wounds. Otters can have up to one million hairs per square inch. Did you know that otters hold hands while sleeping to prevent drifting apart? "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.". Learn 15 more facts about these fascinating mammals. Are Otters Mean? The Pros And Cons Of Keeping An Otter As A Pet It isnt surprising, given that they need to eat around 15% of their body weight daily to survive. A cat parasite called toxoplasmosis also poses a threat to these creatures. At six months, the pups are released back into the wild with generally strong results. 5 Disturbing Facts About Sea Otters: They're Not as Cuddly as They Seem The other, Mustelinae, includes badgers, weasels, and ferrets, among other similar mammals. Groenendijk, J., et al. Most otters have sharp claws at the end of each toe, which helps them to grab prey. These furry creatures eat meat, such as fish,frogs, birds, and even mammals. One of the most efficient ways to reach a wide audience is through virtual resources such as webinars or interactive quizzes. Most of us could spend an entire day scrolling through cute otter videos on social media. River otter | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Additionally, the disturbing behavior of mating with other species can impact conservation efforts and public perception of these animals, further highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing this behavior. Jaymi Heimbuch is a writer and photographer specializing in wildlife conservation, technology, and food. Unauthorized use is prohibited. After raping a baby seal to death, this psycho licked his paws, like Hannibal Lecter or something. National Park Service, 2016. Dolphins Additionally, they can host parasites such as lungworms, which can infect domestic dogs and lead to respiratory issues. The similarities between otters and . Sea otters, unlike other marine mammals, do not have a . In detail, the male otter will bite down the female otters nose as the ritual begins causing physical injuries. Forceful mating practices are a disturbing aspect of otter behavior that highlights the darker side of their seemingly innocent and playful appearance. "12 Facts About Sea Otters for Sea Otter Awareness Week." 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. Swimming ability is further enhanced in most species by four webbed feet. However, otters may take their diet a bit too far because. This behavior can result in severe injuries to the female otter and can even lead to death in extreme cases. 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. explained by the vicious mating ritual. Baby otters, called pups or kittens, stay with their mothers until theyre up to a year old, or until she has another litter. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. 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. This mating behavior is typically driven by the males desire to maximize his chances of passing on his genes to future generations. Otters are often elusive, with large ranges and nocturnal behaviour making spotting them a rare and wonderful experience. Lets end this on a somewhat less disturbing note! As a result of their rapid decline, many countries have enacted laws and regulations to protect sea otters. While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, highlighting the importance of respecting these wild animals and maintaining a safe distance. For our furry friends, that means getting their meal by any means necessary. Once thought to be gone from the area completely, southern sea ottersknown as California sea ottershave been making a comeback in recent years. North American river otter | Smithsonian's National Zoo Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem? 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. Among fluffy kittens and puppies with big eyes, one of Earth's most adorable animals is frequently said to be the cuddly small otter. For starters, male sea otters have been known to assault and even kill seal pups. Otters Are Not Here For Your Cute Memes - They're Bloodthirsty Terrorists Among the most notable calls: a "hum gradation" used to tell otters to change directions and a "Hah!" The average size of a North American river otter is around 35-51.1 in (88.9-129.7 cm). 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. They gorge on more than 100 different prey species. 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. 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. Baby otters usually are called pups. Unfortunately, it gets worse. 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. 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. 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. Although they do drink some water, koalas aren't highly dependent on this resource. Otter groups are called a family, bevy, lodge, or a romp. They live in intricate social structures, with a distinct hierarchy that dictates their interactions. National Geographic, 2017. Pennsylvania Game Commission. When faced with a threat, they wont hesitate to use their powerful teeth and strong jaws to inflict serious injury. Hairy-nosed otters are an endangered species found in Asia. 9 Amazing Facts About River Otters Oops. Therefore, sea otters are obsessive about keeping their fur clean, and groom themselves . Theres no doubt that otters are cute animals. 99 Creepy And Disturbing Facts That Will Scare You Fish and Wildlife Service and is currently in place to promote recovery efforts across all states in the United States. March 28, 2023 by Wilson Singleton. Fine, fine, I'll give them this much: they appear to be helpful in the fight against catastrophic climate change. They also use body language and scent marking to communicate ownership and boundaries. There are so many cool facts about otters that it's no small wonder they've become a bit of an internet sensation. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pteronura brasiliensis, 2015, doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2015-2.rlts.t18711a21938411.en, Aadrean, A., et al. However, there are three species of otter that have blunt claws or none at all. This provides everyone with easy access to information that they can use to become more informed on natural systems and conservation efforts. Does eating close to bedtime make you gain weight? In the past, observers have usually set up telescopes on shore to try and monitor otters at sea. Additionally, some fish species may prey on their younglings. It is the longest of the otter species. Otters prefer water bordered by woods and with wetlands, such as marshes, nearby. They are small animals that average . They hunt for food both in the water such as fish and then also land creatures including small reptiles. When food is hard to obtain, sea otter mothers will abandon their young and leave them to starve to death. 12 Cool Animals That Crawl (Crawl Speed & Pictures), What Eats Leopards (Top 5 Leopard Predators), Are Lions Smart? Rats invaded paradise. 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 . 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. 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.". 5 Otter Facts. The kelp acts like an anchor and prevents them from floating out to the open ocean. 21 Disturbing Facts You Never Wanted To Know About Animals Male otters' mating techniques are violent. Source: 14 Fascinating, Super-Disturbing Facts About The Human Body. Why Are Otters Evil? (6 Disturbing Facts About Otters) Absolutely, many gentle mammals are carnivores including your pet cat! The sea otter must consume between 25 and 40 percent of its body weight daily, just to keep warm. Otters love to eat shelled animals, like clams, but they aren't equipped with the strength to open their food without some help. These furry creatures eat meat, such as fish, frogs, birds, and even mammals. They are skilled hunters, feeding on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. His articles have been mentioned by Wikipedia, USA Today, and HuffPost, among others. Mothers spend up to 14 hours per day foraging to support a pup's intense nutrition needs. Keeping an eye on otters in the wild is a tricky task. They can also close their small ears and nose when under water. Charismatic otters are the largest members of the weasel family. Additionally, education and awareness programs can play a role in preventing these conflicts. At Vox, we believe that everyone deserves access to information that helps them understand and shape the world they live in. . 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. 1. 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. Why you should never, ever go near a California river otter 15 Fascinating Facts About Otters. In . "Why are otters playful?" No permit is necessary; however . Second, otters can give you H1N1, better known as "swine flu," as our friends at The Verge have reported. Some otters hold the female's heads underwater during intercourse to force submission. 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. , but one wrong move and you will be hurt. Occasionally an otter must grab on to a rock or some kelp to remain submerged while swimming. 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. In this post, well talk about why otters are evil and why they arent the cuddlers they appear to be. Sea otters cannot swim at all for their first month, despite being born in the open sea. The species' recovery has been considerably slower in California relative to other areas. The golden poison dart frog (Phyllobates . 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. This may sound disturbing, but is successful. This suggests that the otters must first satisfy their nutritional needs before engaging in playful behaviors. Male otters have also been known to violently copulate with other speciesmost notably, baby seals [PDF]. They are carnivores with a diet that includes a wide range of marine animals. How do otters stay warm? Otters have a communal latrine area. 2. Therefore, they are big on tools and will often use rocks to help crack into dinner. Otters are adorable and cute creatures that love to play and swim together. That is, a male otter will bite the female's snout and place her head underwater - often drowning her or seriously injuring her in the process. 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. Wildlife managers must consider not only the direct impact of otter populations on ecosystems but also the indirect consequences of disease spread. But few species are violent in quite as disturbing a way as the otter. Facts about River Otters talk about an animal, which can be found on the coasts or waterways of North America. 2. Are Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney in love, or are they good actors? 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. Otters are mammals of the subfamily Lutrinae, one of two subfamilies contained within the family Mustelidae. Advertisement. A varied diet It's no surprise that otters love fish, but they're also partial to amphibians, turtles and crayfish. Tags
The lifespan varies depending on the species and region. Use permeable pavers and native plants in landscaping. They then leave droppings called spraints, which refer to a single bowel evacuation and that researchers describe as smelling like violets. 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. While they hunt for food underwater, theyll often store a rock in the skin under their arms for later use. All rights reserved. Meanest Animals in the World (Disturbing Facts) - UrduFOX "Whats Killing Sea Otters? River otters have many interesting qualities and adaptations that make them wonderful entertainment. Others, like the marine otters of South America, have had their numbers reduced because of poaching, as well as environmental concerns. That makes it about a thousand times more dense than human hair. 7, no. 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. Source: 14 Fascinating, Super-Disturbing Facts About The Human Body. Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. The history of book bansand their changing targetsin the U.S. Most injuries caused by them are minor, consisting of bites and scratches that can lead to infections. Clean fluffy fur keeps them warm and traps air, which allows them to float. Otters are well suited to a life on the water as they have . Their droppings are known as spraints and can be identified by an odour that is said to range from musky mown hay to jasmine tea to rotting fish. Otters have their cubs in underground burrows, known as 'holts'. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. Sea otters murder even when it doesn't provide them with food or offspring, like straight-up sociopathic spree killers. Their construction activities can lead to the erosion of riverbanks, the destruction of vegetation, and the alteration of water flow in the surrounding area. Ten months later, this same male was observed with the carcass of another female sea otter. Even if you find them otherwise adorable, otters' mating habits will no doubt make your stomach turn. That amount of calories is insane because that is three times what an average human needs. 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. Once in the water, the sea otter gripped the harbor seals head with its forepaws and repeatedly bit it on the nose, causing a deep laceration. They juggle rocks. Two species . 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. 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. These injuries can be so deep that they result in the females death. Description of the River Otter. "River Otters Take Party Pooping to A New Level." For years, questions about sea otters' alleged propensity toward cross-species sexual violence have passed through Snopes' inbox. Otters - in particular, the sea variety - need to consume huge amounts of food to keep active. Among the endangered are the sea otters along the Californian to Alaskan coasts, which are threatened by "environmental pollutants and disease agents." 42 Horrifying Human Body Facts We Wish We Never Learned 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. Womble, Jamie. 28 . Stevens, Sadie S., and Thomas L. Serfass. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. 16 Playful Facts About Otters | Mental Floss This may not surprise those who know the animal well, but its important to note that otters are carnivores. The male of this species tends to be larger than the females. Some Hold Hands While Sleeping. Theories for what's behind the drop range widely, but the US Fish and Wildlife Survey's recovery plan for the species highlights predation, in particular from killer whales, as the most important factor behind the decline. 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. Otters also have particularly stinky poop, which even has its own name: spraints. They are also nocturnal and hunt at night. Weight: 11 to 30 pounds. Giant otters average a weight of around 75 pounds but some have been noticed to be over six feet long. In addition to their unexpected ferocity when defending their territory, they also exhibit unique territorial behavior. For centuries, fisherman have been training otters to act as herders and chase large schools of fish into the nets. Sea otters have an ingenious method to open shellfish. So that aspect of otter sexuality isn't too unusual. In the absence of females of their own kind, then, they turned their typical sexual responses toward the seals. 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. Yes, the phenomenon of otters holding hands is completely true. That thick coat is needed because otters are the only marine mammal without a blubber layer for insulation. In some cases, dominant otters may kidnap pups from subordinate members of the group, forcing them to provide care for the stolen young. Otters have some interesting relatives. 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. 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. 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. The river otter is classified as a furbearer (WAC 232-12-007). For example, they may harbor bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, a disease that can cause severe illness in both animals and humans. Hand-holding keeps the otters from drifting away from each other and their food source while they sleep. 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. 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.
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