Otter "holts" are small underground dens where otters escape danger, take shelter, or raise their young. 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. 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. A male river otter, by comparison, would not exceed 30 pounds. Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. Here's what you need to know about these terrible animals, and why you should fear and hate them. 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. Email: [emailprotected]. Meanest Animals in the World (Disturbing Facts) - UrduFOX Yes, as they build their dens, they can cause significant changes to their environment. Sea otters, unlike other marine mammals, do not have a . For starters, male sea otters have been known to assault and even kill seal pups. "The Fantastic Fur of Sea Otters." Therefore, they are big on tools and will often use rocks to help crack into dinner. Sea otters cannot swim at all for their first month, despite being born in the open sea. Scientists hypothesize that these seemingly counterproductive mating habits might be the result of a population imbalance. Hell, Vox.com once employed its own full-time otter enthusiast. 1. Among the most notable calls: a "hum gradation" used to tell otters to change directions and a "Hah!" Wildlife managers must consider not only the direct impact of otter populations on ecosystems but also the indirect consequences of disease spread. 50 Irresistible Otter Facts That You Never Knew About - Facts.net However, this behavior can also result in conflicts with rival males and female otters, further highlighting the complexities of otter social structures. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. newsletter, the fight against catastrophic climate change. Otters have bodies that are long and slim, and have short limbs. They also love to play. For one thing, sea otters murder other animals even when they don't get food out of it, just for fun or something. National Park Service, 2016. There are two layers of furan undercoat and then longer hairs that we can see. Discover Their Unique Flavor Profile, The Ultimate Guide to Sea Urchin Taste: What to Expect and How to Enjoy It. Fun North American River Otter Facts For Kids | Kidadl These usually show evidence of regular use in the form of tracks, smell, spraints (feces), and general wear-and-tear. An Otter can remain under water for up to 4 minutes. That makes it about a thousand times more dense than human hair. For centuries, fisherman have been training otters to act as herders and chase large schools of fish into the nets. In one prior report on breeding-associated mortality, a tagged territorial male sea otter held a struggling female underwater until her body became limp and then copulated repeatedly with her carcass. Mating with other species is an unusual and disturbing behavior observed in some otters, particularly sea otters. ", 5. Its thought to get its special odor, which some scientists describe as smelling like violets, from the seafood diet otters eat. 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. Their construction activities can lead to the erosion of riverbanks, the destruction of vegetation, and the alteration of water flow in the surrounding area. Read our about page! 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 enormousAmazon creatures if the need arises. These holts can be found along riverbanks, among tree roots, under branches, brush, or boulders. All rights reserved, as many as a million hairs per square inch, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. 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. Otters are mammals of the subfamily Lutrinae, one of two subfamilies contained within the family Mustelidae. Source: Scientific Reasons for B.S Things Our Bodies Do. Pretty wicked! They also use body language and scent marking to communicate ownership and boundaries. 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 . For more news, updates about sea otters and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature Wold News! Furthermore, the potential for disease transmission among otters and other species can complicate conservation efforts. Otters are highly active creatures, and their meat-based diet gives them energy for all sorts of mischief. After raping a baby seal to death, this psycho licked his paws, like Hannibal Lecter or something. Please be respectful of copyright. All otters have webbed feet to help propel them through the water, and most species . Spraint composition is unique to each otter, and the creatures can identify each other by the smells. And I don't just mean in the way carnivorous species always are to their prey. It isnt surprising, given that they need to eat around 15% of their body weight daily to survive. 11 Adorable Facts about Otters - Fact City So instead, they dropped the pup in with the female otter, and she immediately went into mom mode. 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. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Royal Society Open Science, vol. Life becomes very difficult for female otters when nurturing young pups. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. In some cases, otters may consume invasive species that are harmful to the ecosystem, potentially benefiting the fishing industry in the long run. Concealed beneath those button noses and fluffy fur lies a creature with some really frightening mating habits. 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. How Stuff Works. The presence of a healthy otter population indicates a healthy watershed. Sampling along the coast of Washington State found more than 70 percent of otters there tested positive for H1N1. With their furry faces and charming personalities, they have captured the hearts of many. 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. These efforts include re-introduction programs aimed at bringing them back to their native habitats and increasing their numbers in the wild. They can also be called kits or kittens. Despite spending most of their time in the water, otters cant breathe underwater; as mammals, they need air. They gorge on more than 100 different prey species. 9 Amazing Facts About River Otters In the Aborigine language, the word "koala" actually means no water. Nonetheless, it is another reminder that you should stay away from these vicious beasts. The overall effect isn't that large, but every bit helps, and otters deserve some credit for chipping in. "Giant Otter." In the past, observers have usually set up telescopes on shore to try and monitor otters at sea. Sea otters have an ingenious method to open shellfish. On Nov. 25, 2019, comedian . Like many animals, otters sometimes behave in ways that aren't exactly within the bounds of what humans would consider morally acceptable. What is otter personality? - KnowledgeBurrow.com Otters' big appetites protect kelp forests by eating sea urchins. First, male otters sometimes hold pups ransom to force their mothers to give up some of their food. They will also use hollows under trees or old rabbit holes. Yes, the phenomenon of otters holding hands is completely true. 15 Otter Facts That Are Otterly Amazing - The Fact Site This ordinary woman hid Anne Frankand kept her story alive, This Persian marvel was lost for millennia. 12 Cool Animals That Crawl (Crawl Speed & Pictures), What Eats Leopards (Top 5 Leopard Predators), Are Lions Smart? Mothers groom pups and blow air into the clean coat to create buoyancy. I couldn't find any reports of attacks on humans from sea otters, but that may just be a function of sea otters being much rarer than river otters, and spending less time on or near dry land than river otters do. Rock juggling doesn't improve hunting skills or efficient extraction of meat from shells. For our furry friends, that means getting their meal by any means necessary. Baby otters usually are called pups. 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.. Giant River Otters Live Up to Their Name, 6. Otters (genus Lutra) hail from the subfamily of Lutrinae and are carnivorous mammals. This air has the sometimes undesirable side effect of making them highly buoyant. 5, 2020, p. 200141., doi:10.1098/rsos.200141. 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. Otters have many long, stiff sensitive hairs ('vibrassae') that frame the snout: these help the otter to locate prey. Most females drown in this process. 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. 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. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. Most injuries caused by them are minor, consisting of bites and scratches that can lead to infections. In detail, the male otter will bite down the female otters nose as the ritual begins causing physical injuries. They can also be harmed by entanglement with ghost nets and other rogue fishing gear. Otters have big appetites to account for the great conditions they face. They like to slide off. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. 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. Thats why organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society and other educators are raising awareness about otters and how threats like climate change, illegal hunting, pollution, commercial fishing, the over-development of coastal areas, and waterway runoff are impacting wild populations. The otter has a lithe and slender body with short legs, a strong neck, and a long flattened tail that helps propel the animal gracefully through water. Young and old otters most often juggle rocks. They can also dive up to 300 feet in search of food. Hairy-Nosed Otters Are a Lazarus Species, 9. A cat parasite called toxoplasmosis also poses a threat to these creatures. In areas where otter populations are declining, conservationists may attempt to introduce new individuals to bolster the population. It may be tempting to try and pet the cute and. These territorial animals are more than capable of holding their own in a fight. Allison, Mari-Lisa, et al. It shouldnt be surprising to learn that otters will force themselves on other animals. For years, questions about sea otters' alleged propensity toward cross-species sexual violence have passed through Snopes' inbox. Otters have their cubs in underground burrows, known as 'holts'. Surprisingly, an intriguing fact that distinguishes these creatures is their distinctive nature to live as aquatics and . Sea otters, particularly mothers and pups, sometimes hold hands while floating on their backs. This high demand leaves otter mothers depleted, and many die from minor illnesses. Threats also include habitat degradation, pesticides, and pollution from mining. In the absence of females of their own kind, then, they turned their typical sexual responses toward the seals. As a result, conservation efforts have been put in place to help protect these animals. This ancient marvel rivaled Romes intricate network of roads, For some long COVID patients, exercise is bad medicine, Radioactive dogs? This ancient religion considered otters to be the dogs of the river or sea and had strict rules forbidding the killing of otters. But are otters really as sweet as we think they are, or are otters evil? Sea otters nearly went extinct in the early 1900s because of the fur trade. In . Otter disappearance is evidence of pollutants, habitat fragmentation, or loss of prey due to habitat destruction. U.S. Department of the Interior. The cutest animals in the world are evil The latter is the most common term for a group of otters on land. They live in intricate social structures, with a distinct hierarchy that dictates their interactions. , but one wrong move and you will be hurt. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. Among the endangered are the sea otters along the Californian to Alaskan coasts, which are threatened by "environmental pollutants and disease agents." 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. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. Oracka 4, Nova Iskra, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia The average size of a North American river otter is around 35-51.1 in (88.9-129.7 cm). These power struggles can lead to violent confrontations, further demonstrating the darker aspects of otter society. Even if you find them otherwise adorable, otters' mating habits will no doubt make your stomach turn. "Hairy Nosed Otter." Take a mental break with the newest Vox crossword, Sign up for the 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. Otters prefer water bordered by woods and with wetlands, such as marshes, nearby. 21 Disturbing Facts You Never Wanted To Know About Animals You keep hoping that. Giant otters average a weight of around 75 pounds but some have been noticed to be over six feet long. 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. Poaching for their velvet-like fur caused significant population declines. This combination allows them to have greater nimbleness when foraging. In both cases, the male was swimming, diving, guarding, and copulating with the carcass. Koalas don't drink water. Theres no doubt that otters are cute animals. 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. They can act as carriers of various parasites and pathogens, highlighting the potential risks associated with close interactions between humans and wildlife. If a male is too aggressive during the mate (which he usually is), the female will drown below the surface. 2. This frog will kill you with a single touch. March 28, 2023 by Wilson Singleton. However, there are three species of otter that have blunt claws or none at all. In such cases, medical attention is necessary to prevent infection and ensure proper wound healing. Otters love to eat shelled animals, like clams, but they aren't equipped with the strength to open their food without some help. "North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis): A Technical Conservation Assessment." The Drivers and Functions of Rock Juggling in Otters, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Sea otters are the exception, giving birth in the water. Researchers were not certain how the otters succeeded in getting the virus, but researchers theorize it may have dispersed to otter populations during the time of the H1N1 outbreak in 2009. Interestingly, male otters have also been observed engaging in polygamous behavior, mating with multiple females during the breeding season. We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Facts About Otters | Live Science . Prepare to see these furry creatures in a whole new light. Otters have been known to guard and have sex with the bodies of their victims for up to seven days after they've died. Some otters hold the female's heads underwater during intercourse to force submission. They can also close their small ears and nose when under water. They learn to swim when they are about two months old, when their mother pushes them into the water. All otters are expert hunters that eat fish, crustaceans, and other critters. Sometimes river otters will travel between 10 and 18 miles (16 and 29 km) in search of food. This territorial marking is essential for maintaining the social hierarchy within their group and preventing conflicts with other otters. She is the author of "The Ethiopian Wolf: Hope at the Edge of Extinction. The Romans were notorious for gruesome execution methods. Related Article:Giant Otters Used to Be Fearsome Hunters in Ancient China. The similarities between otters and . They then leave droppings called spraints, which refer to a single bowel evacuation and that researchers describe as smelling like violets. Find out if you are a sea otter specialist by checking your info against these fascinating sea otter facts. Diving into the Science! Copyright 2023 NATURE WORLD NEWS All rights reserved. Furthermore, their presence in an ecosystem can indicate a healthy and balanced environment, which can have positive implications for fishing and other industries. But you can bank on the fact that there is an otter somewhere in a river near you if you live in Britain - a remarkable success story for a species driven to extinction in many parts of the country just decades ago. Forceful mating practices are a disturbing aspect of otter behavior that highlights the darker side of their seemingly innocent and playful appearance.
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