This means you cant distinguish between healthy and infected otters, making them even more dangerous. 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. Numerous threats to otters exist and primarily include pollution, habitat destruction, overfishing, and poaching. Womble, Jamie. The sea otter must consume between 25 and 40 percent of its body weight daily, just to keep warm. They have webbed feet and the ability to close their nose and ears underwater.Twelve out of thirteen otter species are in decline. In detail, the male otter will bite down the female otters nose as the ritual begins causing physical injuries. On top of that, pups have 11 of their own calls that they intersperse with "infant babbling." Furthermore, their presence in an ecosystem can indicate a healthy and balanced environment, which can have positive implications for fishing and other industries. 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. Each week, we explore unique solutions to some of the world's biggest problems. A group of otters is called a raft, according to the San Diego Zoo. They mark their territory with scent glands located near their tails, communicating ownership and boundaries to other otters. Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. There are two layers of furan undercoat and then longer hairs that we can see. Otters have big appetites to account for the great conditions they face. It shouldnt be surprising to learn that otters will force themselves on other animals. This impact on fisheries can be particularly significant in areas with already vulnerable fish populations, where otters predation can further destabilize the ecosystem. Can Frogs Feel Happy? Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. 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. Yes, as they build their dens, they can cause significant changes to their environment. For one thing, sea otters murder other animals even when they don't get food out of it, just for fun or something. Otters are often elusive, with large ranges and nocturnal behaviour making spotting them a rare and wonderful experience. Facing a lack of female partners, male otters may be engaging in what researchers call "misdirected sexual activity." Their furry coats, innocent eyes, and tiny paws make them adorable little creatures. 5, 2020, p. 200141., doi:10.1098/rsos.200141. Forest Service, 2006. shout when a threat is nearby. Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. "12 Facts About Sea Otters for Sea Otter Awareness Week." His passion for wildlife stems from a childhood spent in the countryside, where he developed a deep fascination with the behaviors of wild animals. And, according to a study published in Emerging and . They're merciless hellspawn who use their intellects for great evil. This ancient religion considered otters to be the dogs of the river or sea and had strict rules forbidding the killing of otters. Description of the River 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. This provides everyone with easy access to information that they can use to become more informed on natural systems and conservation efforts. Skip to the end to watch the video. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. In Brazil's Pantanal, we get the rare opportunity to film a family of rare and elusive giant otters. 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. Stephens, Tim. Hairy-nosed otters are an endangered species found in Asia. Introduction to Otters. Unfortunately, it gets worse. Thirteen otter species slide down riverbanks, juggle rocks, and float on their backs in watersheds on five continents. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Poaching for their velvet-like fur caused significant population declines. Yes, the phenomenon of otters holding hands is completely true. Sea Otter Savvy. Giant river otters hunt in a group of nine and hunt together, and also store food, giving them the nickname "lobos de ro" or "river wolves". U.S.D.A. As a wildlife enthusiast with an insatiable curiosity for the natural world, Aleksandar is the man behind the scenes and, together with Kristina, has co-founded Wild Explained. Only one otter species seems to be thriving, and that's the North American River Otter. 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. Baby ones raised in captivity squeak when introduced to water for the first time. It may be tempting to try and pet the cute andfriendly otter, but one wrong move and you will be hurt. Mothers spend up to 14 hours per day foraging to support a pup's intense nutrition needs. 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. They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. These adorable aquatic mammals are clever, chatty, and oddly aromatic. A new discovery raises a mystery. They provide full-time care for their babies for six to eight months, until the babies can survive independently. This means. Otters sometimes take up residence in abandoned beaver lodges or muskrat dens. Otter "holts" are small underground dens where otters escape danger, take shelter, or raise their young. Unauthorized use is prohibited. explained by the vicious mating ritual. Or a family or a raft. It was thought that otters helped keep water purified by. 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. you cant distinguish between healthy and infected otters, making them even more dangerous. Some even move in while beavers are still present. Otters have long been admired for their playful antics and endearing appearance. 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. But some, particularly in present-day Canada and Alaska, viewed the river otter "with awe and dread" and associated the creatures with the undead and drowning. There is no conclusive evidence as to why they do this. They live in intricate social structures, with a distinct hierarchy that dictates their interactions. All otter species appear on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and only one is listed as "least concern." Since 1875 a study discovered that there have been 39 cases of anecdote attacks on humans announced in newspapers, and four recorded in scientific. Males, in particular, are known to take a female otters food by threatening to kill her baby. 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. They hold each others's hands. Several organizations fund research projects that better understand the ecology of sea otters in order to create meaningful conservation solutions moving forward. Sliding Behavior in Nearctic River Otters: Locomotion or Play? This frog will kill you with a single touch. Otters won't act naturally with humans nearby, and using a telescope on a boat can get tricky in the rollicking ocean. 1 The only places without endemic otters are Australia and Antarctica. In addition, several international conventions and protocols have been developed over time to help protect these creatures from extinction. Otters natural habitats are regularly disrupted or destroyed due to human activities, making it harder for them to survive. Mating with other species is an unusual and disturbing behavior observed in some otters, particularly sea otters. But the last 40 years haven't consisted of unerring progress for the sea otter. "Living With Otters: River Otters." Nope, they are horrific menaces to other species. Educating the public about wildlife conservation and habitat protection is one of the most effective ways to promote conservation efforts. 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. 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. "Giant Otter." Being at the top of the food chain causes pollutants to become concentrated in their bodies, leading to illness and death. This may not surprise those who know the animal well, but its important to note that otters are carnivores. 15 Fascinating Facts About Otters. Asian Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus) - Native to South China and India, and Southeast . Second, otters can give you H1N1, better known as "swine flu," as our friends at The Verge have reported. This law is enforced by the U.S. Heres how paradise fought back. They learn to swim when they are about two months old, when their mother pushes them into the water. Surprisingly, an intriguing fact that distinguishes these creatures is their distinctive nature to live as aquatics and . Learn 15 more facts about these fascinating mammals. "A Keystone Species, The Sea Otter, Colonizes Glacier Bay." Although they may be adorable and hold hands while traveling, dont forget how distressing and evil otters are. These usually show evidence of regular use in the form of tracks, smell, spraints (feces), and general wear-and-tear. In addition to their unexpected ferocity when defending their territory, they also exhibit unique territorial behavior. 5 Otter Facts. However, theres more to these aquatic mammals than meets the eye. Do not reproduce without permission. While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, highlighting the importance of respecting these wild animals and maintaining a safe distance. Additionally, they can host parasites such as lungworms, which can infect domestic dogs and lead to respiratory issues. You bet they do! 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. 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. Theyll keep baby otters underwater until females give them their food. In such cases, medical attention is necessary to prevent infection and ensure proper wound healing. Link, Russell. The male forced the pup under water as if trying to drown it. Ten months later, this same male was observed with the carcass of another female sea otter. In 2014, a study of giant otters found that the river-dwellers have 22 distinct noises they make for different situations. "The Drivers and Functions of Rock Juggling in Otters." . His articles have been mentioned by Wikipedia, USA Today, and HuffPost, among others. Spraint scents can vary, but often are (relatively) pleasantone expert described them as not "dissimilar to jasmine tea." Diving into the Science! Otters impact on fisheries is a contentious issue that has led to tensions between conservationists and fishing communities. The similarities between otters 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. Otters have long been admired for their playful antics and endearing appearance. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Hairy-nosed Otter, 2015, doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2015-2.rlts.t12421a21936999.en. They can also close their small ears and nose when under water. Furthermore, the potential for disease transmission among otters and other species can complicate conservation efforts. 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. Excellent and lithe swimmers, the young are in the water by 10 weeks of age. 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. Related Article:Giant Otters Used to Be Fearsome Hunters in Ancient China. Otters have bodies that are long and slim, and have short limbs. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. River otters dont breed until theyre at least five years old. Some Hold Hands While Sleeping. ", 5. Experts estimate that fewer than 8,000 exist. The other, Mustelinae, includes badgers, weasels, and ferrets, among other similar mammals. 7, no. Baby otters usually are called pups. All. Otters are highly active creatures, and their meat-based diet gives them energy for all sorts of mischief. 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? They like to slide off. Additionally, some commercial fishing operations may see them as a direct threat to their livelihoods, leading to calls for population control or even eradication. Most otters have sharp claws at the end of each toe, which helps them to grab prey. Interestingly, male otters have also been observed engaging in polygamous behavior, mating with multiple females during the breeding season. 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. You can also contribute via. The act sometimes involves the male grabbing the female's head underwater and as the two turns and wriggle under the surface. Otter groups are called a family, bevy, lodge, or a romp. Absolutely, many gentle mammals are carnivores including your pet cat! Weve mentioned above that otters will try to mate not only with other otters but also with members of entirely different species, even if the other party is unwilling. They are carnivores with a diet that includes a wide range of marine animals. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. This mating behavior is typically driven by the males desire to maximize his chances of passing on his genes to future generations. 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 latter is the most common term for a group of otters on land. Yes, they have natural predators such as large birds of prey, alligators, and crocodiles. Webbed feet and powerful tails, which act like rudders, make otters strong swimmers. Advertisement. For years, questions about sea otters' alleged propensity toward cross-species sexual violence have passed through Snopes' inbox. In both cases, the male was swimming, diving, guarding, and copulating with the carcass. After raping a baby seal to death, this psycho licked his paws, like Hannibal Lecter or something. 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. Please be respectful of copyright. 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. Otters have been around for at least 5 million years. Strange as it may seem, mating is a relatively common cause of death for female sea otters as well. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. The transmission of these diseases and parasites from them to other animals or humans is a significant concern for conservation and public health officials. 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. These power struggles can lead to violent confrontations, further demonstrating the darker aspects of otter society. This semiaquatic mammal has the weight of 11 to 30.9 lb or 5 to 14 kilograms. Otter pups have so much air trapped in there, they actually cant dive under water, even if they want to. 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. 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. While otters appear to be friendly and docile, they can become extremely aggressive when defending their territory or their younglings. Otters have many long, stiff sensitive hairs ('vibrassae') that frame the snout: these help the otter to locate prey. What we can learn from Chernobyl's strays. "Hairy Nosed Otter." 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. Depending on how hungry they are and how much they have access to food, otters arent too picky with their meals! The history of book bansand their changing targetsin the U.S. I just think otters are jerks. Indeed, trauma is the norm from sea otter mating, not the exception. Some otters even die after intercourse from trauma. This pace is three times faster than the average human swimmer. There are around 13 extant species, out of which some of them are aquatic, semiaquatic, and marine, and their diet mainly consists of fish and invertebrates. It's been reported in primates like orangutans and chimpanzees, bottlenose. 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. Occasionally an otter must grab on to a rock or some kelp to remain submerged while swimming.
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disturbing facts about otters