Sea Otters ( Enhydra lutris) are primarily found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean in North America and British Columbia. Diving into the Science! They hunt for food both in the water such as fish and then also land creatures including small reptiles. Wisconsin River Otter Name: River Otters Scientific Name: Lutra canadensis Measurements: length: 2-4ft, weight: 44-82lbs, tail length: 1-1.5ft Habitat: anywhere near water First, male otters sometimes hold pups ransom to force their mothers to give up some of their food. Giant otters average a weight of around 75 pounds but some have been noticed to be over six feet long. 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. 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. Kerlin, Kat. Uniquely Koala: 13 Weird Facts about Koalas The Koala Mom While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, highlighting the importance of respecting these wild animals and maintaining a safe distance. Stephens, Tim. In Brazil's Pantanal, we get the rare opportunity to film a family of rare and elusive giant otters. Bodkin, J.L. 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. A group of otters in the water is most often called a raft. Although river otters are primarily responsible for these attacks (80%), sea otters can be just as dangerous incidents are more infrequent. The male of this species tends to be larger than the females. Otters have some interesting relatives. Meet the world's newest H1N1 flu carrier: the sea otter Discover Their Unique Flavor Profile, The Ultimate Guide to Sea Urchin Taste: What to Expect and How to Enjoy It. Meanest Animals in the World (Disturbing Facts) - UrduFOX Unauthorized use is prohibited. 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. Otters have webbed feet and claws - for swimming underwater. If you thought that otters, like beavers, eat a plant-based diet, you are mistaken. In particular, it is well known that sea otters will force themselves on baby seals. Most otters have sharp claws at the end of each toe, which helps them to grab prey. Approximately that brutal. Otters prefer water bordered by woods and with wetlands, such as marshes, nearby. Sea Otters as Keystone Species | A World Unseen: the diversity of life Each week, we explore unique solutions to some of the world's biggest problems. 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. In both cases, the male was swimming, diving, guarding, and copulating with the carcass. 29 . March 28, 2023 by Wilson Singleton. About 12-20 in (30-50 cm) can be dedicated to its long tail. In the past, observers have usually set up telescopes on shore to try and monitor otters at sea. These otters also have less webbing between their digits. They are small animals that average . In addition, several international conventions and protocols have been developed over time to help protect these creatures from extinction. Even though mature sea otters weigh roughly 100 pounds, they require about 7,500 calories per day! A male river otter, by comparison, would not exceed 30 pounds. Otter "holts" are small underground dens where otters escape danger, take shelter, or raise their young. 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. Tags Carnivore. 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. There has been at least one report of a male otter copulating and swimming with deceased female otters. Obviously, one report does not mean that all species members will do this, but its still worth noting. A new discovery raises a mystery. When its time to nap, sea otters entangle themselves in kelp so they dont float away. Webbed feet and powerful tails, which act like rudders, make otters strong swimmers. Please be respectful of copyright. River otters generally live along rivers, as their name implies, but they're also found near streams and lakes. "Energy Demands of Raising a Pup Push Sea Otter Moms to the Limit." These territorial animals are more than capable of holding their own in a fight. If a sea otter's fur becomes dirty, it has trouble absorbing the air needed to keep it warm. They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. Introduction to Otters. 15 Fascinating Facts About Otters All rights reserved, as many as a million hairs per square inch, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Many species of river and sea otters are . "River Otters Take Party Pooping to A New Level." On top of that, pups have 11 of their own calls that they intersperse with "infant babbling." Koalas don't drink water. 7, no. Although they may be adorable and hold hands while traveling, dont forget how distressing and evil otters are. 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. National Geographic, 2017. In fact, females havedisproportionately higher rates of fatality explained by the vicious mating ritual. These furry creatures eat meat, such as fish,frogs, birds, and even mammals. Oracka 4, Nova Iskra, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia This rediscovery, after presumed extinction, makes them a Lazarus species. The transmission of these diseases and parasites from them to other animals or humans is a significant concern for conservation and public health officials. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. They have webbed feet and the ability to close their nose and ears underwater.Twelve out of thirteen otter species are in decline. While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, particularly if they feel threatened or cornered. "North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis): A Technical Conservation Assessment." As this is a new development in biology, further research is needed to determine precisely how this species started to host the virus. 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. While otters appear to be friendly and docile, they can become extremely aggressive when defending their territory or their younglings. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. Five Fast Facts about Otters My Green World The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. It shouldnt be surprising to learn that otters will force themselves on other animals. Additionally, if an otter approaches, it is important to maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding or interacting with the animal. When food is hard to obtain, sea otter mothers will abandon their young and leave them to starve to death. Furthermore, they are also threatened by poaching and overfishing. They mark their territory with scent glands located near their tails, communicating ownership and boundaries to other otters. Hand-holding keeps the otters from drifting away from each other and their food source while they sleep. Otters are making themselves at home in UK cities Unmasking the Dark Side of Otters: Surprising and Disturbing Facts. 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. 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. 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. Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. Forced interspecies sex. Among the most notable calls: a "hum gradation" used to tell otters to change directions and a "Hah!" The latter is the most common term for a group of otters on land. They also sleep wrapped in long strands of kelp like a blanket. Furthermore, the potential for disease transmission among otters and other species can complicate conservation efforts. KQED. They have visible ears, swim belly down, use webbed feet to paddle, and move swiftly on land and water. Experts estimate that fewer than 8,000 exist. They are generally not aggressive towards humans, but they may attack if they feel threatened or cornered, particularly if they are protecting their young or territory. you cant distinguish between healthy and infected otters, making them even more dangerous. It shouldnt be surprising to learn that otters will force themselves on other animals. Do not reproduce without permission. This frog will kill you with a single touch. Otters also have particularly stinky poop, which even has its own name: spraints. "The Drivers and Functions of Rock Juggling in Otters." STDs are at a shocking high. 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. That's why we keep our work free. 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). Several organizations fund research projects that better understand the ecology of sea otters in order to create meaningful conservation solutions moving forward. If a male is too aggressive during the mate (which he usually is), the female will drown below the surface. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . For starters, male sea otters have been known to assault and even kill seal pups. Only one otter species seems to be thriving, and that's the North American River Otter. Does eating close to bedtime make you gain weight? Female otters are sows, and males are boars. And weve reached the most disturbing fact about these adorable creatures. You can also contribute via. Males, in particular, are known to take a female otters food by threatening to kill her baby. Most species hunt for three to five hours each day and nursing mothers up to eight hours each day. River otters are frequently mistaken for sea otters. 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. 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. Curious to learn more? In Alaska's Aleutian Islands, the species has seen a marked decline since the 1980s. River otters dont breed until theyre at least five years old. They can also be called kits or kittens. Volunteer as an otter spotter or water monitor. "Giant Otter." Otter pups have so much air trapped in there, they actually cant dive under water, even if they want to. 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. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. Some Hold Hands While Sleeping. The species' recovery has been considerably slower in California relative to other areas. Their diets are primarily carnivorous, but at times can be omnivorous (1). How do otters stay warm? Related Article:Giant Otters Used to Be Fearsome Hunters in Ancient China. Sometimes river otters will travel between 10 and 18 miles (16 and 29 km) in search of food. 1. Creepy Facts About Animals That Will Keep You Up At Night Playfulness does disappear, though, when food is scarce. Creepiest Pokmon: The 10 most disturbing of all time They do it all on their own, with no help from the fathers. Source: 14 Fascinating, Super-Disturbing Facts About The Human Body. Threats also include habitat degradation, pesticides, and pollution from mining. Mothers spend up to 14 hours per day foraging to support a pup's intense nutrition needs. otters can infect humans with the H1N1 virus. Rape or, as biologists usually call it, "forced copulation" is a disturbing fact of life in the animal kingdom. Otters are often elusive, with large ranges and nocturnal behaviour making spotting them a rare and wonderful experience. What we didnt mention, though, is thatotters can infect humans with the H1N1 virus. Within their social groups, otters exhibit a behavior known as alloparenting, where individuals other than the parents help raise the young. While these modifications are essential for otter survival, they can have negative consequences for other species that rely on the same habitat. Some researchers hypothesize that male sea otters may be mistaking the seal pups for female otters during mating season. In 2001, a female otter at the Monterey Bay Aquarium gave birth to a stillborn pup on the same day a stranded pup was discovered in the wild nearby. 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. Their construction activities can lead to the erosion of riverbanks, the destruction of vegetation, and the alteration of water flow in the surrounding area. Creepy and evil otters will forcefully copulate with a corpse. 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 . Learn 15 more facts about these fascinating mammals. 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. Educating the public about wildlife conservation and habitat protection is one of the most effective ways to promote conservation efforts. 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. Oh, sure they do. otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family (Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. Generally the tail will make up about one third of the body. A 2011 study found 39 anecdotal reports of river otter attacks in North America, 35 of which occurred after 1980. If you thought that otters, like beavers, eat a plant-based diet, you are mistaken. Most females drown in this process. Depending on how hungry they are and how much they have access to food, otters arent too picky with their meals! Unmasking the Dark Side of Otters: Surprising and Disturbing Facts However, theres more to these aquatic mammals than meets the eye. Otters have many long, stiff sensitive hairs ('vibrassae') that frame the snout: these help the otter to locate prey. Don't flush hazardous chemicals or cat litter. "Otter Species." These holts can be found along riverbanks, among tree roots, under branches, brush, or boulders. ", 5. 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. "Hairy-nosed Otter." The elusive otter is one of our top predators, feeding mainly on fish (particularly eels and salmonids), waterbirds, amphibians and crustaceans. Lohan, Katrina and Karen McDonald. A cat parasite called toxoplasmosis also poses a threat to these creatures. They learn to swim when they are about two months old, when their mother pushes them into the water. This mating behavior is typically driven by the males desire to maximize his chances of passing on his genes to future generations. On Nov. 25, 2019, comedian . 5 Otter Facts. Its thought to get its special odor, which some scientists describe as smelling like violets, from the seafood diet otters eat. No, they are wild animals and should not be kept as pets. That thick coat is needed because otters are the only marine mammal without a blubber layer for insulation. These furry creatures eat meat, such as fish, frogs, birds, and even mammals. Facts About Otters | Live Science This ordinary woman hid Anne Frankand kept her story alive, This Persian marvel was lost for millennia. Prepare to see these furry creatures in a whole new light. When faced with a threat, they wont hesitate to use their powerful teeth and strong jaws to inflict serious injury. Otters have the densest fur of any animalas many as a million hairs per square inch in places. Unfortunately, it gets worse. As the world becomes more and more polluted otter populations become more and more at risk. Rape or, as biologists usually call it, "forced copulation" is a disturbing fact of life in the animal kingdom. - Diving into the Science! 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. Instead, researchers learned, they are more likely to juggle rocks when hungry or bored. Sea otters murder even when it doesn't provide them with food or offspring, like straight-up sociopathic spree killers. shout when a threat is nearby. As we delve deeper into their behavior and life in the wild, you may be surprised to learn that these seemingly adorable animals have a darker side. 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. Read our about page! Otters guide: how to identify and species facts | BBC Wildlife Magazine North American river otter | Smithsonian's National Zoo They also love to play. Some even move in while beavers are still present. Most otter species come ashore to give birth in dens, which sometimes have been used by other animals such as beavers. Their nostrils and ears close to keep water out, and waterproof fur keeps them warm. UC Santa Cruz, 2014. It may be tempting to try and pet the cute andfriendly otter, but one wrong move and you will be hurt. Four Incredible Facts About Sea Otters On average, river species can live up to 8-9 years in the wild, while sea species can live up to 10-15 years. At six months, the pups are released back into the wild with generally strong results. The only places without endemic otters are Australia and Antarctica. This suggests that the otters must first satisfy their nutritional needs before engaging in playful behaviors. Who buys lion bones? Or, she might rely on human resources and otter ingenuity to find a makeshift "playpen" for her pup. They gorge on more than 100 different prey species. As natural predators of fish, they can consume significant quantities of fish, causing a decline in available stocks and potentially leading to economic losses for local fishing communities. One of the most disturbing facts about otters is their status on the endangered species act list. 1. 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. How Stuff Works. Source: Scientific Reasons for B.S Things Our Bodies Do. Sea otters cannot swim at all for their first month, despite being born in the open sea. Rock juggling doesn't improve hunting skills or efficient extraction of meat from shells. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery . They are skilled hunters and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Prey shortages are very damaging due to high caloric needs. Sea Otters Eat 25 Percent of Their Body Weight Every Day. Otters have long been admired for their playful antics and endearing appearance. Of the 13 species of otter, IUCN lists five as endangered, five as near-threatened, and two as vulnerable. 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. However, this behavior can also result in conflicts with rival males and female otters, further highlighting the complexities of otter social structures. Unfortunately the number of tea-trees is diminishing. Those efforts are admirable and valuable to the ecosystems of which otters are a part. From their aggressive behavior to their complex social structures and potential impacts on ecosystems, these fascinating creatures demonstrate that the natural world is full of surprises, both delightful and disturbing. They also use body language and scent marking to communicate ownership and boundaries. Nope, they are horrific menaces to other species. In this article, well uncover the lesser-known, disturbing truths about otters, exploring their aggressive tendencies, complex social structures, and the impact they have on their ecosystems. 30 . Otters and their mustelid relatives were once hunted extensively for their fur, many to the point of near extinction. They then leave droppings called spraints, which refer to a single bowel evacuation and that researchers describe as smelling like violets. . 1. So that aspect of otter sexuality isn't too unusual. A mother will often wrap the babies in kelp to keep them in one place while she hunts. Indeed, trauma is the norm from sea otter mating, not the exception. In this post, well talk about why otters are evil and why they arent the cuddlers they appear to be. Otters Are Not Here For Your Cute Memes - They're Bloodthirsty Terrorists 99 Creepy And Disturbing Facts That Will Scare You They can also be harmed by entanglement with ghost nets and other rogue fishing gear. Yes, they can act as carriers for various parasites and pathogens, some of which can potentially infect other animals or even humans. Additionally, they can host parasites such as lungworms, which can infect domestic dogs and lead to respiratory issues. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. After raping a baby seal to death, this psycho licked his paws, like Hannibal Lecter or something. Yes, the phenomenon of otters holding hands is completely true. Rats invaded paradise. Facts about River Otters talk about an animal, which can be found on the coasts or waterways of North America.