disturbing facts about otters

There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. 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. It's not uncommon for female otters to die as a result of these aggressive encounters, either through drowning or from their wounds becoming infected. 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. 1. So that aspect of otter sexuality isn't too unusual. IUCN Otter Specialist Group. Wild Explained is the go-to source for all things related to wildlife. 6. River otters are especially playful, gamboling on land and splashing into rivers and streams. So instead, they dropped the pup in with the female otter, and she immediately went into mom mode. 29 . At 105 min into the encounter, the sea otter released the pup, now dead, and began grooming.You read that correctly. Their sleek bodies range in size from 2 to 5.9 feet. Additionally, they can host parasites such as lungworms, which can infect domestic dogs and lead to respiratory issues. Sea Otters Have the World's Thickest Fur, 20 Bizarre and Beautiful Starfish Species, 10 US Ecosystems Saved by Endangered Species, 12 Facts About Sea Otters for Sea Otter Awareness Week, How to Tell the Difference Between Sea Otters and River Otters, Whats Killing Sea Otters? 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. Strange as it may seem, mating is a relatively common cause of death for female sea otters as well. This means. 5 Otter Facts. Community outreach can also be an invaluable resource when it comes to engaging people around meaningful conversation efforts for threatened species like otters. Source: 14 Fascinating, Super-Disturbing Facts About The Human Body. Indeed, trauma is the norm from sea otter mating, not the exception. 15 Fascinating Facts About Otters. Their diets are primarily carnivorous, but at times can be omnivorous (1). As the world becomes more and more polluted otter populations become more and more at risk. 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. All rights reserved, as many as a million hairs per square inch, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. In many places, it is illegal to keep them as pets due to their protected status and potential danger to humans. They are often mistaken for beavers though. "12 Facts About Sea Otters for Sea Otter Awareness Week." These power struggles can lead to violent confrontations, further demonstrating the darker aspects of otter society. Only the North American River Otter has been classified as having a stable population . Creating activities such as beach cleanups or nature walks where there might be an opportunity for an encounter with this species can help pique peoples interest in helping protect their habitat from further degradation. Related Article:Giant Otters Used to Be Fearsome Hunters in Ancient China. The similarities between otters and . These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery . Sea otters live exclusively in the ocean along coastlines. Otters are often elusive, with large ranges and nocturnal behaviour making spotting them a rare and wonderful experience. Skip to the end to watch the video. Photo by Nathan Varley A one parent operation Fathers do not play a role in parenting. Otters can hold their breath for 3-4 minutes, closing their nostrils and ears to keep out water. Otters have their cubs in underground dens called holts, which they dig themselves. The male of this species tends to be larger than the females. To prevent these conflicts, it is important to avoid approaching them or their dens, particularly during breeding season when they may be more aggressive. 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. Unfortunately, it gets worse. "Hairy-nosed Otter." While this predatory behavior is a natural part of their existence, it can sometimes have detrimental effects on their ecosystems. Many species of river and sea otters are . They do it all on their own, with no help from the fathers. 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. Predatory behavior towards non-prey species can lead to imbalances in the food chain and can cause unintended consequences for other species in the ecosystem. In addition to their unexpected ferocity when defending their territory, they also exhibit unique territorial behavior. How do otters stay warm? Do not reproduce without permission. Each week, we explore unique solutions to some of the world's biggest problems. Namely, they are extremely aggressive when they mate. Otters are well suited to a life on the water as they have . Their furry coats, innocent eyes, and tiny paws make them adorable little creatures. There is no conclusive evidence as to why they do this. Keeping an eye on otters in the wild is a tricky task. Prey shortages are very damaging due to high caloric needs. In water as warm as 10 C (50 F), an otter needs to catch 100 g (3.5 oz) of fish per hour to survive. Additionally, education and awareness programs can play a role in preventing these conflicts. 7, no. Otter families are usually limited to pups and their mothers, and these duos will spend most of their time either feeding or sleeping. Otters have long been admired for their playful antics and endearing appearance. Male sea otters typically grasp the female from behind and bite her face, and this rough. With their furry faces and charming personalities, they have captured the hearts of many. These usually show evidence of regular use in the form of tracks, smell, spraints (feces), and general wear-and-tear. It's been reported in primates like orangutans and chimpanzees, bottlenose dolphins, and ducks, among many other species. Nonetheless, it is another reminder that you should stay away from these vicious beasts. His articles have been mentioned by Wikipedia, USA Today, and HuffPost, among others. The area in the bay where the scientists observed the most otter-on-seal mating sessions was also where there was a high population of transient male otters, ones that, unlike more dominant males, don't have an established territory filled with potential mates. Most females drown in this process. People also call it North American river otter. Otters also have particularly stinky poop, which even has its own name: spraints. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 2020. 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. The behavior doesn't stop when the seals die from the trauma. 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. Others, like the marine otters of South America, have had their numbers reduced because of poaching, as well as environmental concerns. Now, just because an animal is a carnivore doesnt mean its evil, right? That amount of calories is insane because that is three times what an average human needs. 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. 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. In the past, observers have usually set up telescopes on shore to try and monitor otters at sea. 1. On average, river species can live up to 8-9 years in the wild, while sea species can live up to 10-15 years.

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. They eat mostly aquatic organisms such as frogs, fish, turtles, insects, and some small mammals. Their nostrils and ears close to keep water out, and waterproof fur keeps them warm. Regardless of the reasons behind this behavior, the impacts on the ecosystems are significant. Read our about page! In Alaska's Aleutian Islands, the species has seen a marked decline since the 1980s. Here are four essential facts about sea otters: They're the largest member of the weasel family Mustelidae, a family of fur-bearing mammals that includes everything from weasels to honey. Fish and Wildlife Service and is currently in place to promote recovery efforts across all states in the United States. For example, they may harbor bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, a disease that can cause severe illness in both animals and humans. There has been an incident where an otter had tried to mate with a dog and killed it in the process. Description of the River Otter. Clean fluffy fur keeps them warm and traps air, which allows them to float. It depends. Royal Society Open Science, vol. Does eating close to bedtime make you gain weight? They bite their female partner's face during copulation to keep her from slipping away, leaving her with substantial facial wounds. Some otters even die after intercourse from trauma. you cant distinguish between healthy and infected otters, making them even more dangerous. Over the course of a rough winter, he meticulously documented many species, and while some have since gone extinct (like a sea-cow he described that was hunted into extinction), the adorable otter was among his initial discoveries. Sea otters are members of the family Mustelidae which includes other animals like badgers and weasels. These furry creatures eat meat, such as fish,frogs, birds, and even mammals. In the absence of females of their own kind, then, they turned their typical sexual responses toward the seals. Otters may emigrate to find food in that case. Only one otter species seems to be thriving, and that's the North American River Otter. 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. She is the author of "The Ethiopian Wolf: Hope at the Edge of Extinction. These territorial animals are more than capable of holding their own in a fight. But are otters really as sweet as we think they are, or are otters evil? Diving into the Science! Otter disappearance is evidence of pollutants, habitat fragmentation, or loss of prey due to habitat destruction. Charismatic otters are the largest members of the weasel family. 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 . However, otters may take their diet a bit too far because. 1. They move clumsily on land, paddle with their hind feet and tail, and are significantly bigger than most river otters, with some males weighing as much as 100 pounds. They also use body language and scent marking to communicate ownership and boundaries. Spraint scents can vary, but often are (relatively) pleasantone expert described them as not "dissimilar to jasmine tea." They tuck prey into pockets of loose skin under their arms and use rocks as tools to open shellfish. A group of otters in the water is most often called a raft. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pteronura brasiliensis, 2015, doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2015-2.rlts.t18711a21938411.en, Aadrean, A., et al. Obviously, one report does not mean that all species members will do this, but its still worth noting. Poaching for their velvet-like fur caused significant population declines. Since 1875 a study discovered that there have been 39 cases of anecdote attacks on humans announced in newspapers, and four recorded in scientific. Like many animals, otters sometimes behave in ways that aren't exactly within the bounds of what humans would consider morally acceptable. Most of us could spend an entire day scrolling through cute otter videos on social media. "The Drivers and Functions of Rock Juggling in Otters." When its time to nap, sea otters entangle themselves in kelp so they dont float away. The act sometimes involves the male grabbing the female's head underwater and as the two turns and wriggle under the surface. River otters perform "scat dances" by stomping their hind feet and lifting their tail. Otters' big appetites protect kelp forests by eating sea urchins. For example, the United States has The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 which protects the from any type of hunting or trapping. Conservation efforts are in place to protect and preserve these species, but more is needed to ensure their long-term survival. While this predatory behavior is a natural part of their existence, it can sometimes have detrimental effects on their ecosystems. These holts can be found along riverbanks, among tree roots, under branches, brush, or boulders. Hand-holding keeps the otters from drifting away from each other and their food source while they sleep. "Asian Short-Clawed Otter." Approximately that brutal. Such disputes can lead to significant injuries or even death for the individuals involved. However, there are three species of otter that have blunt claws or none at all. European otters must eat 15% of their body weight each day, and sea otters 20 to 25%, depending on the temperature. Here are 13 strange and terrifying facts about animals that'll send a shiver down your spine. This suggests that the otters must first satisfy their nutritional needs before engaging in playful behaviors. 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. "How to Tell the Difference Between Sea Otters and River Otters." "Energy Demands of Raising a Pup Push Sea Otter Moms to the Limit." They can also dive up to 300 feet in search of food. Sea Otters Eat 25 Percent of Their Body Weight Every Day. They are skilled hunters, feeding on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. 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. Copyright 2023 NATURE WORLD NEWS All rights reserved. Otters have the densest fur of any animalas many as a million hairs per square inch in places. Source: Scientific Reasons for B.S Things Our Bodies Do. Yes, they live in intricate social structures, with a distinct hierarchy that dictates their interactions. In detail, the male otter will bite down the female otters nose as the ritual begins causing physical injuries. When he's not writing or reading, Aleksandar can be found exploring the great outdoors with his trusty dog as a companion. They can also be called kits or kittens. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. If a male is too aggressive during the mate (which he usually is), the female will drown below the surface. 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 have visible ears, swim belly down, use webbed feet to paddle, and move swiftly on land and water. 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. River otters are frequently mistaken for sea otters. A cat parasite called toxoplasmosis also poses a threat to these creatures. Giant otters average a weight of around 75 pounds but some have been noticed to be over six feet long. The other, Mustelinae, includes badgers, weasels, and ferrets, among other similar mammals. Humans are the main predator of Otters due to hunting for their pelts. They provide full-time care for their babies for six to eight months, until the babies can survive independently. Otters survive by hunting, and as such they live in unpolluted waters. Lets end this on a somewhat less disturbing note! River otters live primarily in freshwater, though they do swim and hunt in seawater. Otters also excrete something called anal jelly that contains secretions from anal glands and shed intestinal linings. This law is enforced by the U.S. They live mainly on land that is very close to bodies of water. Excellent and lithe swimmers, the young are in the water by 10 weeks of age. Interestingly, male otters have also been observed engaging in polygamous behavior, mating with multiple females during the breeding season. Average Life Span In The Wild: 8 to 9 years. Pennsylvania Game Commission. While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, particularly if they feel threatened or cornered. In this post, well talk about why otters are evil and why they arent the cuddlers they appear to be. Otters have long been admired for their playful antics and endearing appearance. They gorge on more than 100 different prey species. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . 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. Cassidy, Josh. Sea otters don't just have the densest fur of all ottersthey have the densest fur of all animals. The biological name is Lontra Canadensis. Even though mature sea otters weigh roughly 100 pounds, they require about 7,500 calories per day! 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. For one thing, sea otters murder other animals even when they don't get food out of it, just for fun or something. Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. 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. 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. These furry creatures eat meat, such as fish, disproportionately higher rates of fatality. The mammals like to keep things organized within their communities and will designate certain areas to be used as latrines. They mark their territory with scent glands located near their tails, communicating ownership and boundaries to other otters. However, it is important to note that otters impact on fisheries is not always negative. Otter pups have so much air trapped in there, they actually cant dive under water, even if they want to. Most injuries caused by them are minor, consisting of bites and scratches that can lead to infections. Otter groups are called a family, bevy, lodge, or a romp. explained by the vicious mating ritual. Hell, Vox.com once employed its own full-time otter enthusiast. This ordinary woman hid Anne Frankand kept her story alive, This Persian marvel was lost for millennia. Yes, the phenomenon of otters holding hands is completely true. Otters impact on fisheries is a contentious issue that has led to tensions between conservationists and fishing communities. 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. Rape or, as biologists usually call it, "forced copulation" is a disturbing fact of life in the animal kingdom. Nature, unfortunately, isn't always pretty. Without sea otters, the urchin population booms and destroys the kelp forest habitat. Sea otters murder even when it doesn't provide them with food or offspring, like straight-up sociopathic spree killers. This ancient religion considered otters to be the dogs of the river or sea and had strict rules forbidding the killing of otters. This is quite a unique adaptation because smelling things underwater for most mammals can only result in inhaling water, which puts them at risk of drowning. They communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, including whistles, growls, and chirps. They also take over the riverbank dens of foxes, badgers, and rabbits. STDs are at a shocking high. The other 12 otter species were recently identified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as having decreasing populations, and five otter species are already on the endangered list. The Surprising Emotional Life of Frogs, The Ultimate Guide to Sea Urchin Taste: What to Expect and, The Mysterious Nose Scars of Female Sea Otters: Exploring. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. This high demand leaves otter mothers depleted, and many die from minor illnesses. Thirteen otter species slide down riverbanks, juggle rocks, and float on their backs in watersheds on five continents. Sea otters are generally violent and aggressive when mating. A mother will often wrap the babies in kelp to keep them in one place while she hunts. Otters have some interesting relatives. This frog will kill you with a single touch. Ten months later, this same male was observed with the carcass of another female sea otter. Rock juggling doesn't improve hunting skills or efficient extraction of meat from shells. 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. 5, 2020, p. 200141., doi:10.1098/rsos.200141. "Otter Species." 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. These adorable aquatic mammals are clever, chatty, and oddly aromatic. Please be respectful of copyright. Sea otters have an ingenious method to open shellfish. Kerlin, Kat. Koalas don't drink water. Baby ones raised in captivity squeak when introduced to water for the first time. 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. Their construction activities can lead to the erosion of riverbanks, the destruction of vegetation, and the alteration of water flow in the surrounding area. They can also be harmed by entanglement with ghost nets and other rogue fishing gear. Jaymi Heimbuch is a writer and photographer specializing in wildlife conservation, technology, and food. "The Fantastic Fur of Sea Otters." They have webbed feet and the ability to close their nose and ears underwater.Twelve out of thirteen otter species are in decline. And I guess I get the appeal. You keep hoping that. Thirteen otter species slide down riverbanks, juggle rocks, and float on their backs in watersheds on five continents. 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. These conflicts are a sobering reminder of the brutality of the natural world and the lengths to which animals will go to protect their resources. The forceful mating practices of otters also have implications for conservation efforts. 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. 28 . At six months, the pups are released back into the wild with generally strong results. Don't flush hazardous chemicals or cat litter. For years, questions about sea otters' alleged propensity toward cross-species sexual violence have passed through Snopes' inbox. Otters love to eat shelled animals, like clams, but they aren't equipped with the strength to open their food without some help. 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. shout when a threat is nearby. It was thought that otters helped keep water purified by. The overall effect isn't that large, but every bit helps, and otters deserve some credit for chipping in. The only places without endemic otters are Australia and Antarctica. 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. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Hairy-nosed Otter, 2015, doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2015-2.rlts.t12421a21936999.en. Occasionally an otter must grab on to a rock or some kelp to remain submerged while swimming. 2. Dominant males often establish themselves as the head of a group, while subordinate males may attempt to challenge the leaders position. 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. Most species hunt for three to five hours each day and nursing mothers up to eight hours each day. While this may seem like a cooperative and selfless act, it can also involve more sinister elements. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. And weve reached the most disturbing fact about these adorable creatures.

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