As it turns out, otters can be quite evil. Sea otters nearly went extinct in the early 1900s because of the fur trade. Forced sex. . All otters are expert hunters that eat fish, crustaceans, and other critters. She wraps the pup with kelp to anchor it while she hunts. 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. Average Life Span In The Wild: 8 to 9 years. Giant River Otters Live Up to Their Name, 6. Additionally, they can host parasites such as lungworms, which can infect domestic dogs and lead to respiratory issues. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. They also love to play. 1. No, they are wild animals and should not be kept as pets. Playfulness does disappear, though, when food is scarce. 28 . Hand-holding keeps the otters from drifting away from each other and their food source while they sleep. The only places without endemic otters are Australia and Antarctica. A 2011 study found 39 anecdotal reports of river otter attacks in North America, 35 of which occurred after 1980. They also force sex with other species. How Stuff Works. 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". 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.. 5 Otter Facts. 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. 1. International Otter Survival Fund. Once thought to be gone from the area completely, southern sea ottersknown as California sea ottershave been making a comeback in recent years. Sea otters live exclusively in the ocean along coastlines. They juggle rocks. Its thought to get its special odor, which some scientists describe as smelling like violets, from the seafood diet otters eat. 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. That amount of calories is insane because that is three times what an average human needs. Yes, they live in intricate social structures, with a distinct hierarchy that dictates their interactions. otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family (Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. Some cultures even forbid eating the creatures and were offended when colonial Europeans began hunting the river otters and selling their furs. 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. National Park Service, 2016. Even if you find them otherwise adorable, otters' mating habits will no doubt make your stomach turn. Do you think that seals are the only species that otters enjoy using? River otters dont breed until theyre at least five years old. These efforts include re-introduction programs aimed at bringing them back to their native habitats and increasing their numbers in the wild. 42 Horrifying Human Body Facts We Wish We Never Learned These otters seem to love peat swamp forests, especially those with Melaleuca, the swamp tea-tree. 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. Approximately that brutal. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. Furthermore, their presence in an ecosystem can indicate a healthy and balanced environment, which can have positive implications for fishing and other industries. Baby ones raised in captivity squeak when introduced to water for the first time. 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. The Drivers and Functions of Rock Juggling in Otters, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Or a family or a raft. They bite their female partner's face during copulation to keep her from slipping away, leaving her with substantial facial wounds. The act sometimes involves the male grabbing the female's head underwater and as the two turns and wriggle under the surface. A male river otter, by comparison, would not exceed 30 pounds. "Sea Otters." Nature, unfortunately, isn't always pretty. 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. His articles have been mentioned by Wikipedia, USA Today, and HuffPost, among others. And, according to a study published in Emerging and . - Diving into the Science! These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery . They have webbed feet and the ability to close their nose and ears underwater.Twelve out of thirteen otter species are in decline. 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. Ocean Conservancy. What we can learn from Chernobyl's strays. 2 hours of sleep? Among the most notable calls: a "hum gradation" used to tell otters to change directions and a "Hah!" Otters can be found living on almost every continent on Earth and these mean otter facts apply to all 13 species, many of which are unfortunately endangered due to over hunting, habitat destruction, and pandemic viruses among certain otter populations. 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. The giant otter is an endangered species found in South America, primarily along the Amazon river and the Pantanal. With his curiosity, experience, and love for the natural world, Aleksandar brings a unique perspective to his writing. Sea otter, dolphin, and penguin behavior: Your favorite animals are jerks. They do it all on their own, with no help from the fathers. Otters have long been admired for their playful antics and endearing appearance. That's why we keep our work free. They hold each others's hands. They live mainly on land that is very close to bodies of water. 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. Otter groups go by a few different monikers, all of which are fairly unique to that crew. Hairy-Nosed Otters Are a Lazarus Species, 9. Wildlife managers must consider not only the direct impact of otter populations on ecosystems but also the indirect consequences of disease spread. 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. "A Keystone Species, The Sea Otter, Colonizes Glacier Bay." On average, river species can live up to 8-9 years in the wild, while sea species can live up to 10-15 years. As a result of their rapid decline, many countries have enacted laws and regulations to protect sea otters. 15 Fun Facts About Sea Otters That Will Amaze You Nonetheless, it is another reminder that you should stay away from these vicious beasts. The latter is the most common term for a group of otters on land. Some researchers hypothesize that male sea otters may be mistaking the seal pups for female otters during mating season. On Nov. 25, 2019, comedian . They are carnivores with a diet that includes a wide range of marine animals. Male otters' mating techniques are violent. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Interestingly, male otters have also been observed engaging in polygamous behavior, mating with multiple females during the breeding season. Rock juggling doesn't improve hunting skills or efficient extraction of meat from shells. A new discovery raises a mystery. 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. Otters won't act naturally with humans nearby, and using a telescope on a boat can get tricky in the rollicking ocean. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. European otters must eat 15% of their body weight each day, and sea otters 20 to 25%, depending on the temperature. Do not reproduce without permission.

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. 6. In some cases, otters may consume invasive species that are harmful to the ecosystem, potentially benefiting the fishing industry in the long run. River otters as a whole look quite similar to weasels. Most otter species come ashore to give birth in dens, which sometimes have been used by other animals such as beavers. As with all wildlife, it is essential to strike a balance between admiration and respect, acknowledging the complexities of the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it. How do otters stay warm? Furthermore, the potential for disease transmission among otters and other species can complicate conservation efforts. 1. Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences, edited by John H. Steele, Second Edition, 2008, pp. Most injuries caused by them are minor, consisting of bites and scratches that can lead to infections. You keep hoping that. They must carefully groom their fur and furry undercoat to keep them clean and sealed off to water, because theyre not covered in a fatty layer like other seagoing creatures. Copyright 2023 NATURE WORLD NEWS All rights reserved. If a sea otter's fur becomes dirty, it has trouble absorbing the air needed to keep it warm. All rights reserved. In such cases, medical attention is necessary to prevent infection and ensure proper wound healing. 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. Otters are adorable creatures that live both on land and in the water. In Bangladesh, otters help fisherman maximize their haul. Please enter a valid email and try again. One sea otter off the coast of British Columbia apparently raped and murdered a dog. Male sea otters typically grasp the female from behind and bite her face, and this rough. Heres how paradise fought back. Only the North American river otter is a species of least concern. IUCN Otter Specialist Group. River otters are nocturnal hunters. I just think otters are jerks. If you thought that these are the worst disturbing facts about otters, youd be mistaken were just getting started with the absolute worst these animals do. They are not "wonderful animals," as Ms. Deschanel would have you believe. If you thought that otters, like beavers, eat a plant-based diet, you are mistaken. There are so many cool facts about otters that it's no small wonder they've become a bit of an internet sensation. Otters sometimes take up residence in abandoned beaver lodges or muskrat dens. Support our mission and help keep Vox free for all by making a financial contribution to Vox today. 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 . Komala - Generation VII. Sea otters are also among the most ravenous animals. Community outreach can also be an invaluable resource when it comes to engaging people around meaningful conversation efforts for threatened species like otters. Stevens, Sadie S., and Thomas L. Serfass. They rely on all that fur to trap a layer of air against the surface of their skin, and their fur is perfectly designed to do so because it's dense and spiky. That makes it about a thousand times more dense than human hair. Some otters hold the female's heads underwater during intercourse to force submission. All otters have webbed feet to help propel them through the water, and most species . Otters are making themselves at home in UK cities There are two layers of furan undercoat and then longer hairs that we can see. 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. For more news, updates about sea otters and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature Wold News! Such disputes can lead to significant injuries or even death for the individuals involved. Sea otters, unlike other marine mammals, do not have a . In the downtime, though, otters love to play and will often build themselves slides along the banks of rivers. The sea otter is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, pressured by pollution, pesticides, and conflicts with fishermen who kill them for eating their fish. Charismatic otters are the largest members of the weasel family. As this is a new development in biology, further research is needed to determine precisely how this species started to host the virus. Male otters, known as dogs, have been observed biting the females nose during copulation to keep her in place. 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). Furthermore, they have been observed engaging in territorial disputes over prime foraging spots, often resulting in violent confrontations. otters can infect humans with the H1N1 virus. Otters may emigrate to find food in that case. Otters are very social creatures. 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. When a pup is small, the mother will hold it on her belly to keep it from floating away. This suggests that the otters must first satisfy their nutritional needs before engaging in playful behaviors. Sea otters cannot swim at all for their first month, despite being born in the open sea. In this post, well talk about why otters are evil and why they arent the cuddlers they appear to be. They get their needed water and sustenance from eating eucalyptus leaves. Numerous threats to otters exist and primarily include pollution, habitat destruction, overfishing, and poaching. They are often mistaken for beavers though. A varied diet It's no surprise that otters love fish, but they're also partial to amphibians, turtles and crayfish. "Energy Demands of Raising a Pup Push Sea Otter Moms to the Limit." Introduction to Otters - BioExpedition However, theres more to these aquatic mammals than meets the eye. Mothers groom pups and blow air into the clean coat to create buoyancy. German zoologist and botanist Georg Wilhelm Steller was the first to scientifically describe numerous new animals on the 1741 explorative voyage from Russia. Kerlin, Kat. Experts estimate that fewer than 8,000 exist. 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. It may be tempting to try and pet the cute and. "Why are otters playful?" 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. These holts can be found along riverbanks, among tree roots, under branches, brush, or boulders. Take a mental break with the newest Vox crossword, Sign up for the The transmission of these diseases and parasites from them to other animals or humans is a significant concern for conservation and public health officials. Email: [emailprotected]. Weight: 11 to 30 pounds. Each week, we explore unique solutions to some of the world's biggest problems. This behavior can result in severe injuries to the female otter and can even lead to death in extreme cases. Unfortunately, it gets worse. 194-201., doi:10.1016/B978-012374473-9.00434-3. 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 species' recovery has been considerably slower in California relative to other areas. They were considered extinct until 1998 when a scientist in Thailand found small populations. Despite spending most of their time in the water, #4 Otters Will Force Themselves on Other Animals. The sea otter must consume between 25 and 40 percent of its body weight daily, just to keep warm. Cute Otters - 10 Facts about the Otter for Kids! - YouTube 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. For our furry friends, that means getting their meal by any means necessary. Their diets are primarily carnivorous, but at times can be omnivorous (1). Baby otters usually are called pups. River Otter - Facts and Beyond | Biology Dictionary Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. Most of us could spend an entire day scrolling through cute otter videos on social media. She is the author of "The Ethiopian Wolf: Hope at the Edge of Extinction. 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 enormous Amazon creatures if the need arises. March 28, 2023 by Wilson Singleton. 2023 NatureWorldNews.com All rights reserved. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. 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. Are female otters the only species that males try to copulate with? In Brazil's Pantanal, we get the rare opportunity to film a family of rare and elusive giant otters. River otters have webbing between their toes to aid them as well. 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. Otters have some interesting relatives. 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.