They also take over the riverbank dens of foxes, badgers, and rabbits. River otters are common and of "least concern" in California, but are threatened or endangered in some other states . ", 5. This may sound disturbing, but is successful. A group of otters is called a raft, according to the San Diego Zoo. Experts estimate that fewer than 8,000 exist. This behavior has been documented in various locations, including the Aleutian Islands and California. It's been reported in primates like orangutans and chimpanzees, bottlenose dolphins, and ducks, among many other species. There they exchange information via chemical cues in feces. That's why we keep our work free. Dominant males often establish themselves as the head of a group, while subordinate males may attempt to challenge the leaders position. That's right, the adorable mammals have been known to exhibit necrophilia, even with members of different species, such as baby seals. While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, highlighting the importance of respecting these wild animals and maintaining a safe distance. 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. 2023 NatureWorldNews.com All rights reserved. Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. 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. Nonetheless, it is another reminder that you should stay away from these vicious beasts. In the Aborigine language, the word "koala" actually means no water. For example, they may harbor bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, a disease that can cause severe illness in both animals and humans. 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. 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. Although they do drink some water, koalas aren't highly dependent on this resource. Facts about River Otters talk about an animal, which can be found on the coasts or waterways of North America. Fine, fine, I'll give them this much: they appear to be helpful in the fight against catastrophic climate change. Sea otters don't just have the densest fur of all ottersthey have the densest fur of all animals. Boyle, Steve. They mark their territory with scent glands located near their tails, communicating ownership and boundaries to other otters. The researchers found four prior scientific publications documenting attacks, including one that reported a deadly otter attack in India. Several organizations fund research projects that better understand the ecology of sea otters in order to create meaningful conservation solutions moving forward. Otters have big appetites to account for the great conditions they face. "The Drivers and Functions of Rock Juggling in Otters." 1 The only places without endemic otters are Australia and Antarctica. Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. Support our mission and help keep Vox free for all by making a financial contribution to Vox today. 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, Giant river otters hunt in a group of nine and hunt together, and also store food, giving them the nickname "lobos de ro" or ", Smart Animals: Sea Otters Used Tools Even Before Dolphins and Humans Did, Study Says, Giant Otters Used to Be Fearsome Hunters in Ancient China, Severe Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Large Hail Threaten 15 Million Residents in Texas, Antarctica During Dinosaur Era Ravaged by Frequent Forest Fires [Study], Air Pollution Kills 1200 Children Yearly, European Study Says, $20k Reward Money Up For Finding Boat Operator Who Drove Over California Sea Lions in the Columbia River, Virtual Reality Reduces the Use of Sedatives During Surgery. Furthermore, they are also threatened by poaching and overfishing. Life becomes very difficult for female otters when nurturing young pups. Otters can be discovered inhabiting almost every continent on Earth and these imply otter facts are applicable to all 13 species, many of which are sadly endangered because of overhunting, pandemic viruses, and habitat destruction among certain populations of the otter. The giant otter is an endangered species found in South America, primarily along the Amazon river and the Pantanal. A mother will often wrap the babies in kelp to keep them in one place while she hunts. They are the smallest marine mammals on earth, but they consume about a quarter of their own body mass daily and most of the energy is used just to keep their little otter bodies warm. Who buys lion bones? International Otter Survival Fund. 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. For centuries, fisherman have been training otters to act as herders and chase large schools of fish into the nets. Rock juggling doesn't improve hunting skills or efficient extraction of meat from shells. They love to chow down! Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. Otters have their cubs in underground burrows, known as 'holts'. For our furry friends, that means getting their meal by any means necessary. For example, the introduction of non-native otters to a region can lead to a decline in local fish populations, causing an imbalance in the food chain. 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. No, they are wild animals and should not be kept as pets. They are skilled hunters and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Read our about page! They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. There are two layers of furan undercoat and then longer hairs that we can see. Most otters have sharp claws at the end of each toe, which helps them to grab prey. This semiaquatic mammal has the weight of 11 to 30.9 lb or 5 to 14 kilograms. Despite their innocent appearance, these animals are known for doing pretty disturbing stuff. Lets end this on a somewhat less disturbing note! In this post, well talk about why otters are evil and why they arent the cuddlers they appear to be. As a result, conservation efforts have been put in place to help protect these animals. It depends. They like to slide off. Please enter a valid email and try again. Their construction activities can lead to the erosion of riverbanks, the destruction of vegetation, and the alteration of water flow in the surrounding area. The forceful mating practices of otters also have implications for conservation efforts. Among the most notable calls: a "hum gradation" used to tell otters to change directions and a "Hah!" Otters are often elusive, with large ranges and nocturnal behaviour making spotting them a rare and wonderful experience. If you thought that otters, like beavers, eat a plant-based diet, you are mistaken. This behavior can result in severe injuries to the female otter and can even lead to death in extreme cases. Indeed, trauma is the norm from sea otter mating, not the exception. Approximately that brutal. 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. In . 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 . As the sea otter thrust his pelvis, his penis was extruded and intromission was observed. This adds an additional layer of complexity to the already challenging task of maintaining balanced ecosystems. 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. 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. While otters appear to be friendly and docile, they can become extremely aggressive when defending their territory or their younglings. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pteronura brasiliensis, 2015, doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2015-2.rlts.t18711a21938411.en, Aadrean, A., et al. The average size of a North American river otter is around 35-51.1 in (88.9-129.7 cm). Otters are adorable creatures that live both on land and in the water. Spraint scents can vary, but often are (relatively) pleasantone expert described them as not "dissimilar to jasmine tea." Community outreach can also be an invaluable resource when it comes to engaging people around meaningful conversation efforts for threatened species like otters. Being at the top of the food chain causes pollutants to become concentrated in their bodies, leading to illness and death. They communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, including whistles, growls, and chirps. Although river otters are primarily responsible for these attacks (80%), sea otters can be just as dangerous incidents are more infrequent. Otters have their cubs in underground dens called holts, which they dig themselves. 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. Their construction activities can lead to the erosion of riverbanks, the destruction of vegetation, and the alteration of water flow in the surrounding area. 2 hours of sleep? With his curiosity, experience, and love for the natural world, Aleksandar brings a unique perspective to his writing. "Asian Short-Clawed Otter." Otters have many long, stiff sensitive hairs ('vibrassae') that frame the snout: these help the otter to locate prey. For one thing, sea otters murder other animals even when they don't get food out of it, just for fun or something. Do Otters Have Webbed Feet? 1. 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. Baby otters, called pups or kittens, stay with their mothers until theyre up to a year old, or until she has another litter. 1. newsletter, the fight against catastrophic climate change. Zoroastrians would also hold ceremonies for otters found dead in the wild. you cant distinguish between healthy and infected otters, making them even more dangerous. Yes, they can act as carriers for various parasites and pathogens, some of which can potentially infect other animals or even humans. 15 Fascinating Facts About Otters. In Alaska's Aleutian Islands, the species has seen a marked decline since the 1980s. 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). 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. This law is enforced by the U.S. Hell, Vox.com once employed its own full-time otter enthusiast. 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. I just think otters are jerks. Not so cute anymore, are they? And since otters have superb metabolisms and can easily eat up to 15 percent of their body weight each day, there's a lot of spraint to go around. sea otters, Disturbing facts. However, it is important to note that otters impact on fisheries is not always negative. Among fluffy kittens and puppies with big eyes, one of Earth's most adorable animals is frequently said to be the cuddly small otter. Source: 14 Fascinating, Super-Disturbing Facts About The Human Body. 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.. River otters have webbing between their toes to aid them as well. Otters have been known to guard and have sex with the bodies of their victims for up to seven days after they've died. Learn 15 more facts about these fascinating mammals. Jaymi Heimbuch is a writer and photographer specializing in wildlife conservation, technology, and food. An Otter can remain under water for up to 4 minutes. Otter families are usually limited to pups and their mothers, and these duos will spend most of their time either feeding or sleeping. This ancient religion considered otters to be the dogs of the river or sea and had strict rules forbidding the killing of otters. Do Otters Have Webbed Feet? Second, otters can give you H1N1, better known as "swine flu," as our friends at The Verge have reported. Otters survive by hunting, and as such they live in unpolluted waters. Also Read:Smart Animals: Sea Otters Used Tools Even Before Dolphins and Humans Did, Study Says. UC Davis, 2019. Forceful mating practices are a disturbing aspect of otter behavior that highlights the darker side of their seemingly innocent and playful appearance. 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. 6 Reasons Why Otters Are Evil #1 Otters are Voracious Carnivores This may not surprise those who know the animal well, but it's important to note that otters are carnivores. Sea otters murder even when it doesn't provide them with food or offspring, like straight-up sociopathic spree killers. The other, Mustelinae, includes badgers, weasels, and ferrets, among other similar mammals. In some cases, otters may consume invasive species that are harmful to the ecosystem, potentially benefiting the fishing industry in the long run. Hefty appetites aren't unique to giant otters: All otters eat 20-33% of their body weight each day. Even if you find them otherwise adorable, otters' mating habits will no doubt make your stomach turn. Most females drown in this process. Rape or, as biologists usually call it, "forced copulation" is a disturbing fact of life in the animal kingdom. Volunteer as an otter spotter or water monitor. "The Fantastic Fur of Sea Otters." If a male is too aggressive during the mate (which he usually is), the female will drown below the surface. Re-introduction attempts have been successful and have seen promising outcomes in terms of species survival, population growth, and overall improved environmental quality. They have visible ears, swim belly down, use webbed feet to paddle, and move swiftly on land and water. They eat mostly aquatic organisms such as frogs, fish, turtles, insects, and some small mammals. - Diving into the Science! Do not reproduce without permission. They do it all on their own, with no help from the fathers. 1. Groenendijk, J., et al. Humans are the main predator of Otters due to hunting for their pelts. Thirteen otter species slide down riverbanks, juggle rocks, and float on their backs in watersheds on five continents. Tags
They are carnivores with a diet that includes a wide range of marine animals. The elusive otter is one of our top predators, feeding mainly on fish (particularly eels and salmonids), waterbirds, amphibians and crustaceans. Description of the River Otter. 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. Nope, they are horrific menaces to other species. But few species are violent in quite as disturbing a way as the otter. But now, scientists are using unmanned drones with cameras to get an aerial look at otters in their element, making it easier to monitor the creatures as they dive for food and go about their day. A varied diet It's no surprise that otters love fish, but they're also partial to amphibians, turtles and crayfish. 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. Thirteen otter species slide down riverbanks, juggle rocks, and float on their backs in watersheds on five continents. Otter disappearance is evidence of pollutants, habitat fragmentation, or loss of prey due to habitat destruction. 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. All otter species appear on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and only one is listed as "least concern." While these modifications are essential for otter survival, they can have negative consequences for other species that rely on the same habitat. explained by the vicious mating ritual. Discover Their Unique Flavor Profile, The Ultimate Guide to Sea Urchin Taste: What to Expect and How to Enjoy It. 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. Namely, they are extremely aggressive when they mate. "12 Facts About Sea Otters for Sea Otter Awareness Week." In Bangladesh, otters help fisherman maximize their haul. Skip to the end to watch the video. Yes, the phenomenon of otters holding hands is completely true. Komala - Generation VII. To save chestnut trees, we may have to play God, Why you should add native plants to your garden, What you can do right now to advocate for the planet, Why poison ivy is an unlikely climate change winner. This frog will kill you with a single touch. While they hunt for food underwater, theyll often store a rock in the skin under their arms for later use. They can also be called kits or kittens. They generally forage in the water, but they can also hunt on land. These adorable aquatic mammals are clever, chatty, and oddly aromatic. A river otter has a long, stream-lined body, short legs, and webbed feet. With their furry faces and charming personalities, they have captured the hearts of many. This means. Numerous threats to otters exist and primarily include pollution, habitat destruction, overfishing, and poaching. Stephens, Tim. 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. A decent share of the attacking otters have been rabid; in the '90s, 46 percent of otter attacks involved rabies, and in the '00s, 24 percent did. Pennsylvania Game Commission. 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. 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. Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences, edited by John H. Steele, Second Edition, 2008, pp. They are often mistaken for beavers though. Baby otters usually are called pups. Photo by Nathan Varley A one parent operation Fathers do not play a role in parenting. 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. Koalas don't drink water. Source: Scientific Reasons for B.S Things Our Bodies Do. Unlike other weasels, otters are semi-aquatic. Here are 13 strange and terrifying facts about animals that'll send a shiver down your spine. Otters sometimes rape baby seals. 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. Sea otters are members of the family Mustelidae which includes other animals like badgers and weasels. One sea otter off the coast of British Columbia apparently raped and murdered a dog. National Park Service, 2016. They juggle rocks. Surprisingly, an intriguing fact that distinguishes these creatures is their distinctive nature to live as aquatics and . 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. They are also nocturnal and hunt at night. Womble, Jamie. Perhaps the worst (alleged) method was called scaphism, in which a person was force-fed, and covered in, milk and honey, put in a swamp,. Otters sometimes take up residence in abandoned beaver lodges or muskrat dens. Their sleek bodies range in size from 2 to 5.9 feet. Most are small, with short ears and noses, elongated bodies, long tails, and. "Why are otters playful?" We thought we knew turtles. 12, no. As this is a new development in biology, further research is needed to determine precisely how this species started to host the virus. Spraint composition is unique to each otter, and the creatures can identify each other by the smells. When faced with a threat, they wont hesitate to use their powerful teeth and strong jaws to inflict serious injury. Although they may be adorable and hold hands while traveling, dont forget how distressing and evil otters are. 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. As it turns out, otters can be quite evil. 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. They bite their female partner's face during copulation to keep her from slipping away, leaving her with substantial facial wounds. Related Article:Giant Otters Used to Be Fearsome Hunters in Ancient China. Young and old otters most often juggle rocks. Forest Service, 2006. This cooperative behavior allows multiple individuals to share a territory and work together to maximize their chances of survival. In some cases, dominant otters may kidnap pups from subordinate members of the group, forcing them to provide care for the stolen young. Charismatic otters are the largest members of the weasel family. There has been an incident where an otter had tried to mate with a dog and killed it in the process. The lifespan varies depending on the species and region. Additionally, if an otter approaches, it is important to maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding or interacting with the animal. 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. Male sea otters have been known to engage in sexual aggression toward baby seals, an act that can result in severe injuries and even the death of the seal. Unmasking the Dark Side of Otters: Surprising and Disturbing Facts, What Do Sea Grapes Taste Like? People also call it North American river otter. River otters as a whole look quite similar to weasels. Otters have the densest fur of any animalas many as a million hairs per square inch in places. Otters Will Resort to Acute Behaviors Just to Get Some Food, In the Amazon, Giant Otters are the Second Largest and Most Capable Predator, Giant otters average a weight of around 75 pounds but some have been noticed to be over six feet long. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 2020. 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.
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