Educating the public about wildlife conservation and habitat protection is one of the most effective ways to promote conservation efforts. Among the most notable calls: a "hum gradation" used to tell otters to change directions and a "Hah!" 1. They hold each others's hands. Additionally, some commercial fishing operations may see them as a direct threat to their livelihoods, leading to calls for population control or even eradication. Support our mission and help keep Vox free for all by making a financial contribution to Vox today. This law is enforced by the U.S. 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. Cassidy, Josh. Moreover, increased conservation efforts are needed in order to monitor population numbers, reduce polluting activities and stop activities that destroy their habitats. Stevens, Sadie S., and Thomas L. Serfass. Therefore, sea otters are obsessive about keeping their fur clean, and groom themselves . River otters are common and of "least concern" in California, but are threatened or endangered in some other states . 1. otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family (Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. After raping a baby seal to death, this psycho licked his paws, like Hannibal Lecter or something. Something went wrong. German zoologist and botanist Georg Wilhelm Steller was the first to scientifically describe numerous new animals on the 1741 explorative voyage from Russia. Source: 14 Fascinating, Super-Disturbing Facts About The Human Body. While the governments of the US, Canada, Japan, and Russia signed a treaty banning the hunting of sea otters, it took the Endangered Species Act under which sea otters gained protection in 1977 for a recovery to begin in earnest. If you thought that otters, like beavers, eat a plant-based diet, you are mistaken. His articles have been mentioned by Wikipedia, USA Today, and HuffPost, among others. "Otter Species." Generally, a group of otters on land will go by a romp, while a group hanging in the water is called a raft. They're merciless hellspawn who use their intellects for great evil. 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. Sea otters are members of the family Mustelidae which includes other animals like badgers and weasels. River otters generally live along rivers, as their name implies, but they're also found near streams and lakes. Sea otters nearly went extinct in the early 1900s because of the fur trade. For example, otters have been known to kill and eat kittens, and they have also been known to attack and kill humans. Surprisingly, an intriguing fact that distinguishes these creatures is their distinctive nature to live as aquatics and . Community outreach can also be an invaluable resource when it comes to engaging people around meaningful conversation efforts for threatened species like otters. 2, 2005, pp. 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. If you thought that otters, like beavers, eat a plant-based diet, you are mistaken. Advertisement. 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. This may sound disturbing, but is successful. Most otter species come ashore to give birth in dens, which sometimes have been used by other animals such as beavers. "How to Tell the Difference Between Sea Otters and River Otters." 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. And, according to a study published in Emerging and . They are skilled hunters and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Interestingly, they have been known to engage in communal living, particularly in areas with abundant food sources. 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. Please enter a valid email and try again. The other, Mustelinae, includes badgers, weasels, and ferrets, among other similar mammals. They have visible ears, swim belly down, use webbed feet to paddle, and move swiftly on land and water. Hell, Vox.com once employed its own full-time otter enthusiast. Support our mission and help keep Vox free for all by making a financial contribution to Vox today. International Otter Survival Fund. She wraps the pup with kelp to anchor it while she hunts. The forceful mating practices of otters also have implications for conservation efforts. We thought we knew turtles. Otters (genus Lutra) hail from the subfamily of Lutrinae and are carnivorous mammals. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. River otters dont breed until theyre at least five years old. She is the author of "The Ethiopian Wolf: Hope at the Edge of Extinction. Otters sometimes take up residence in abandoned beaver lodges or muskrat dens. Facing a lack of female partners, male otters may be engaging in what researchers call "misdirected sexual activity." Approximately that brutal. Do not reproduce without permission. In addition to their unexpected ferocity when defending their territory, they also exhibit unique territorial behavior. 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.". It may be tempting to try and pet the cute and. This air has the sometimes undesirable side effect of making them highly buoyant. As a result, if you ever find yourself in proximity to an otter (river or sea), back off. Please be respectful of copyright. 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. Now, just because an animal is a carnivore doesnt mean its evil, right? Among the endangered are the sea otters along the Californian to Alaskan coasts, which are threatened by "environmental pollutants and disease agents." shout when a threat is nearby. During which time otters have adapted to live both on land and in water. Scientists suspect otters may even be able to determine the sex, age, and reproductive status of the spraint dropper just from a quick whiff. There are so many cool facts about otters that it's no small wonder they've become a bit of an internet sensation. 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 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. As natural predators of fish, otters can consume significant quantities of fish, causing a decline in available stocks and potential economic losses for local communities. Giant River Otters Live Up to Their Name, 6. Generally the tail will make up about one third of the body. The researchers found four prior scientific publications documenting attacks, including one that reported a deadly otter attack in India. Humans are the main predator of Otters due to hunting for their pelts. In fact, females havedisproportionately higher rates of fatality explained by the vicious mating ritual. Even if you find them otherwise adorable, otters' mating habits will no doubt make your stomach turn. While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, particularly if they feel threatened or cornered. A river otter has a long, stream-lined body, short legs, and webbed feet. . Sampling along the coast of Washington State found more than 70 percent of otters there tested positive for H1N1. Most species hunt for three to five hours each day and nursing mothers up to eight hours each day. 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. The history of book bansand their changing targetsin the U.S. (Exploring the Intelligence of Lions), 11 Powerful Animals With No Natural Predators. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. Researchers found that playful sliding on a riverbank was not just efficient locomotion, but play. Some cultures even forbid eating the creatures and were offended when colonial Europeans began hunting the river otters and selling their furs. Keeping an eye on otters in the wild is a tricky task. It isnt surprising, given that they need to eat around 15% of their body weight daily to survive. 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). Koalas don't drink water. As otters build their dens, they can cause significant changes to their environment. On Nov. 25, 2019, comedian . 15 Fascinating Facts About Otters. Forest Service, 2006. Additionally, if an otter approaches, it is important to maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding or interacting with the animal. They also sometimes intertwine their feet with another sea otter, so that they stay together. 6. Strange as it may seem, mating is a relatively common cause of death for female sea otters as well. When he's not writing or reading, Aleksandar can be found exploring the great outdoors with his trusty dog as a companion. Tags Learn 15 more facts about these fascinating mammals. Since 1875 a study discovered that there have been 39 cases of anecdote attacks on humans announced in newspapers, and four recorded in scientific. That amount of calories is insane because that is three times what an average human needs. It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. A sea otter will float on its back, place a rock on its chest, then smash the mollusk down on it until it breaks open. When faced with a threat, they wont hesitate to use their powerful teeth and strong jaws to inflict serious injury. Otters have big appetites to account for the great conditions they face. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery . Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences, edited by John H. Steele, Second Edition, 2008, pp. Although they may be adorable and hold hands while traveling, dont forget how distressing and evil otters are. Groenendijk, J., et al. They live in intricate social structures, with a distinct hierarchy that dictates their interactions. These efforts include re-introduction programs aimed at bringing them back to their native habitats and increasing their numbers in the wild. They are small animals that average . It shouldnt be surprising to learn that otters will force themselves on other animals. This combination allows them to have greater nimbleness when foraging. Otters are part of the Mustelidae family, which is a family of carnivorous mammals that includes skunks, weasels, wolverines, and badgers. On top of that, pups have 11 of their own calls that they intersperse with "infant babbling." Oh, sure they do. Sea otters are the exception, giving birth in the water. If a sea otter's fur becomes dirty, it has trouble absorbing the air needed to keep it warm. 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. Even mothers, though, have their dark sides. In the past, observers have usually set up telescopes on shore to try and monitor otters at sea. They can also dive up to 300 feet in search of food. Use permeable pavers and native plants in landscaping. Otters have their cubs in underground burrows, known as 'holts'. Otters - in particular, the sea variety - need to consume huge amounts of food to keep active. 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 ( Enhydra lutris) are primarily found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean in North America and British Columbia. 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. 2. They are also nocturnal and hunt at night. Wild Explained is the go-to source for all things related to wildlife. ", 5. They have webbed feet and the ability to close their nose and ears underwater.Twelve out of thirteen otter species are in decline. They are often mistaken for beavers though. Their construction activities can lead to the erosion of riverbanks, the destruction of vegetation, and the alteration of water flow in the surrounding area. That makes it about a thousand times more dense than human hair. Read our about page! Stephens, Tim. 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. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. Creepy and evil otters will forcefully copulate with a corpse. International Otter Survival Fund. 5 Otter Facts. To prevent these conflicts, it is important to avoid approaching them or their dens, particularly during breeding season when they may be more aggressive. Concealed beneath those button noses and fluffy fur lies a creature with some really frightening mating habits. Theyll keep baby otters underwater until females give them their food. "The Drivers and Functions of Rock Juggling in Otters." As the sea otter thrust his pelvis, his penis was extruded and intromission was observed. They provide full-time care for their babies for six to eight months, until the babies can survive independently. This suggests that the otters must first satisfy their nutritional needs before engaging in playful behaviors. All otters are expert hunters that eat fish, crustaceans, and other critters. Although experts say otter attacks on humans are infrequent, there are a number of recorded occurrences. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family, yet the smallest marine mammal in North America. However, there's more to these aquatic mammals than meets the eye. In . Otters will hold hands while they sleep and drift so that they don't separate! Otters have small, rounded ears, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of their prey. 1. Otters love to eat shelled animals, like clams, but they aren't equipped with the strength to open their food without some help. Pretty wicked! Take a mental break with the newest Vox crossword, Sign up for the Wildlife managers must consider not only the direct impact of otter populations on ecosystems but also the indirect consequences of disease spread. Or a family or a raft. "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.". Otters have long been admired for their playful antics and endearing appearance. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. 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. Today you will find out some history facts that you may not have heard of before, and they come with a twist, as Redditor Doyouareisstupid asked, "What is the weirdest/most disturbing fact about our world's history that you know?" It's a perfect read for the spooky season we are now in because people have knowledge about some . River otters perform "scat dances" by stomping their hind feet and lifting their tail. In this post, well talk about why otters are evil and why they arent the cuddlers they appear to be. Google Pay. This ancient religion considered otters to be the dogs of the river or sea and had strict rules forbidding the killing of otters. However, in rare cases, otter attacks can result in more severe injuries, particularly if the victim is a child or elderly person. They live mainly on land that is very close to bodies of water. Hairy-Nosed Otters Are a Lazarus Species, 9. STDs are at a shocking high. Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. They get their needed water and sustenance from eating eucalyptus leaves. More otters -> fewer sea urchins -> more kelp -> less global warming. A group of otters in the water is most often called a raft. The biological name is Lontra Canadensis. 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. Source: 14 Fascinating, Super-Disturbing Facts About The Human Body. 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. Their construction activities can lead to the erosion of riverbanks, the destruction of vegetation, and the alteration of water flow in the surrounding area. Here are 13 strange and terrifying facts about animals that'll send a shiver down your spine. 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. It is known as the common otter or northern river otter. These holts can be found along riverbanks, among tree roots, under branches, brush, or boulders. Otters use their dungknown as spraintto communicate with other otters. For centuries, fisherman have been training otters to act as herders and chase large schools of fish into the nets. Here's just one: A weaned harbor seal pup was resting onshore when an untagged male sea otter approached it, grasped it with its teeth and forepaws, bit it on the nose, and flipped it over. 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. The Romans were notorious for gruesome execution methods. A 2010 paper talked about 19 cases, including a particularly gruesome instance where a sea otter bit a pup's face, held it underwater, and copulated with it for over an hour until it died. They are not "wonderful animals," as Ms. Deschanel would have you believe. Otters are mammals of the subfamily Lutrinae, one of two subfamilies contained within the family Mustelidae. Not so cute anymore, are they? We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and 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. Threats also include habitat degradation, pesticides, and pollution from mining. One sea otter off the coast of British Columbia apparently raped and murdered a dog. This ordinary woman hid Anne Frankand kept her story alive, This Persian marvel was lost for millennia. They were considered extinct until 1998 when a scientist in Thailand found small populations. Some researchers hypothesize that male sea otters may be mistaking the seal pups for female otters during mating season. Furthermore, their presence in an ecosystem can indicate a healthy and balanced environment, which can have positive implications for fishing and other industries. "Sea Otter Society: The Single Moms' Club." "The Fantastic Fur of Sea Otters." This means you cant distinguish between healthy and infected otters, making them even more dangerous. Introduction to Otters. You bet they do! Sea otters are generally violent and aggressive when mating. They then leave droppings called spraints, which refer to a single bowel evacuation and that researchers describe as smelling like violets. Diving into the Science! Otters won't act naturally with humans nearby, and using a telescope on a boat can get tricky in the rollicking ocean. Boyle, Steve. Harris cites another study that finds that about 11 percent of sea otters found dead on the California coast from 1998 to 2001 were killed, at least in part, by trauma associated with mating. Male otters have also been known to violently copulate with other speciesmost notably, baby seals [PDF]. All otters have webbed feet to help propel them through the water, and most species . They can also be harmed by entanglement with ghost nets and other rogue fishing gear. 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. Otters have many long, stiff sensitive hairs ('vibrassae') that frame the snout: these help the otter to locate prey. Several organizations fund research projects that better understand the ecology of sea otters in order to create meaningful conservation solutions moving forward. You keep hoping that. Additionally, some fish species may prey on their younglings. Like many animals, otters sometimes behave in ways that aren't exactly within the bounds of what humans would consider morally acceptable. Otters have webbed feet and claws - for swimming underwater. While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, highlighting the importance of respecting these wild animals and maintaining a safe distance. Spraint composition is unique to each otter, and the creatures can identify each other by the smells. 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.
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