disturbing facts about otters

River otters are frequently mistaken for sea otters. Interestingly, male otters have also been observed engaging in polygamous behavior, mating with multiple females during the breeding season. In the past, observers have usually set up telescopes on shore to try and monitor otters at sea. The forceful mating practices of otters also have implications for conservation efforts. Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. Facts About Otters | Live Science The other, Mustelinae, includes badgers, weasels, and ferrets, among other similar mammals. A new discovery raises a mystery. As the sea otter thrust his pelvis, his penis was extruded and intromission was observed. Thirteen otter species slide down riverbanks, juggle rocks, and float on their backs in watersheds on five continents. The cutest animals in the world are evil Additionally, if an otter approaches, it is important to maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding or interacting with the animal. They also love to play. Volunteer as an otter spotter or water monitor. (Exploring the Intelligence of Lions), 11 Powerful Animals With No Natural Predators. Even though mature sea otters weigh roughly 100 pounds, they require about 7,500 calories per day! Several organizations fund research projects that better understand the ecology of sea otters in order to create meaningful conservation solutions moving forward. Hairy-nosed otters are an endangered species found in Asia. Otters have long been admired for their playful antics and endearing appearance. Sea otters live exclusively in the ocean along coastlines. 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. Otters survive by hunting, and as such they live in unpolluted waters. "Weird and Fascinating Ways Animals Use Poop." How this animal can survive is a mystery. Their construction activities can lead to the erosion of riverbanks, the destruction of vegetation, and the alteration of water flow in the surrounding area. Does eating close to bedtime make you gain weight? At Vox, we believe that everyone deserves access to information that helps them understand and shape the world they live in. Scientists hypothesize that these seemingly counterproductive mating habits might be the result of a population imbalance. 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. With their furry faces and charming personalities, they have captured the hearts of many. Fish and Wildlife Service and is currently in place to promote recovery efforts across all states in the United States. Uniquely Koala: 13 Weird Facts about Koalas The Koala Mom Otters are often elusive, with large ranges and nocturnal behaviour making spotting them a rare and wonderful experience. Allison, Mari-Lisa, et al. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. They rely on all that fur to trap a layer of air against the surface of their skin, and their fur is perfectly designed to do so because it's dense and spiky. There are around 13 extant species, out of which some of them are aquatic, semiaquatic, and marine, and their diet mainly consists of fish and invertebrates. Advertisement. Did you know that otters hold hands while sleeping to prevent drifting apart? Pretty wicked! "Otter Species." An Otter can remain under water for up to 4 minutes. Thirteen otter species slide down riverbanks, juggle rocks, and float on their backs in watersheds on five continents. Now, just because an animal is a carnivore doesnt mean its evil, right? It is known as the common otter or northern river otter. They also take over the riverbank dens of foxes, badgers, and rabbits. Within their social groups, otters exhibit a behavior known as alloparenting, where individuals other than the parents help raise the young. Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences, edited by John H. Steele, Second Edition, 2008, pp. "Sea Otter Society: The Single Moms' Club." They have visible ears, swim belly down, use webbed feet to paddle, and move swiftly on land and water. Otters also excrete something called anal jelly that contains secretions from anal glands and shed intestinal linings. Despite spending most of their time in the water, #4 Otters Will Force Themselves on Other Animals. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. Ten Facts about Sea Otters | Blog Posts | WWF In particular, it is well known that sea otters will, As a result, if you ever find yourself in proximity to an otter (river or sea), back off. These efforts include re-introduction programs aimed at bringing them back to their native habitats and increasing their numbers in the wild. In 2014, a study of giant otters found that the river-dwellers have 22 distinct noises they make for different situations. 1. River otter | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife In California's Monterey Bay, where scientists observed otters trying to copulate with the week-old bodies of dead baby seals, there are far more male otters than females. Email: [emailprotected]. 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. River otters dont breed until theyre at least five years old. 2023 NatureWorldNews.com All rights reserved. Regardless of the reasons behind this behavior, the impacts on the ecosystems are significant. "Giant Otter." River otters have webbing between their toes to aid them as well. Otter disappearance is evidence of pollutants, habitat fragmentation, or loss of prey due to habitat destruction. For our furry friends, that means getting their meal by any means necessary. 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. Obviously, one report does not mean that all species members will do this, but its still worth noting. otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family (Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. While otters appear to be friendly and docile, they can become extremely aggressive when defending their territory or their younglings. These adorable aquatic mammals are clever, chatty, and oddly aromatic. Their diets are primarily carnivorous, but at times can be omnivorous (1). No, they are wild animals and should not be kept as pets. In addition, several international conventions and protocols have been developed over time to help protect these creatures from extinction. Otters have their cubs in underground dens called holts, which they dig themselves. 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. With his curiosity, experience, and love for the natural world, Aleksandar brings a unique perspective to his writing. However, the most jarring fact about that is that they dont care whether the animal is alive or not. Forced sex. Among fluffy kittens and puppies with big eyes, one of Earth's most adorable animals is frequently said to be the cuddly small otter. Weve mentioned these species worst behaviors, but did you know that there have been numerous reports of otters harming humans that they come in contact with? But are otters really as sweet as we think they are, or are otters evil? The golden poison dart frog (Phyllobates . Therefore, sea otters are obsessive about keeping their fur clean, and groom themselves . Giant otters average a weight of around 75 pounds but some have been noticed to be over six feet long. She wraps the pup with kelp to anchor it while she hunts. Otters have a communal latrine area. 194-201., doi:10.1016/B978-012374473-9.00434-3. What we didnt mention, though, is thatotters can infect humans with the H1N1 virus. Second, otters can give you H1N1, better known as "swine flu," as our friends at The Verge have reported. 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. 21 Disturbing Facts You Never Wanted To Know About Animals Many species of river and sea otters are . Forceful mating practices are a disturbing aspect of otter behavior that highlights the darker side of their seemingly innocent and playful appearance. Otters - in particular, the sea variety - need to consume huge amounts of food to keep active. Legend has it they save human lives on occasion: But there comes a point at which rational people have to put adorable hijinks aside and recognize otters for what they are: disease-ridden, murderous, necrophilic aqua-weasels whose treachery knows few bounds. The fight to make it harder for landlords to evict their tenants, On Succession, Sisyphus rolls the rock uphill, Ecuadors political instability, explained, In Sudan, the US government finally begins evacuating its citizens. There are so many cool facts about otters that it's no small wonder they've become a bit of an internet sensation. Strange as it may seem, mating is a relatively common cause of death for female sea otters as well. International Otter Survival Fund. Skip to the end to watch the video. Baby otters usually are called pups. Indeed, trauma is the norm from sea otter mating, not the exception. 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. Wild Explained is the go-to source for all things related to wildlife. 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 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. More otters -> fewer sea urchins -> more kelp -> less global warming. What is otter personality? - KnowledgeBurrow.com Advertisement. This territorial marking is essential for maintaining the social hierarchy within their group and preventing conflicts with other otters. Some otters hold the female's heads underwater during intercourse to force submission. 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. These efforts are necessary so that we can ensure this species can continue to flourish despite outside threats they face due to over-harvesting and human interference. Although they do drink some water, koalas aren't highly dependent on this resource. Yes, they have natural predators such as large birds of prey, alligators, and crocodiles. They are often mistaken for beavers though. That thick coat is needed because otters are the only marine mammal without a blubber layer for insulation. U.S. Department of the Interior. Like many animals, if an otter or its babies feel frightened, they may become aggressive and most events occur while a person was walking or swimming close to water. Kerlin, Kat. For years, questions about sea otters' alleged propensity toward cross-species sexual violence have passed through Snopes' inbox. They use their front paws with a dexterity that nearly rivals humans.

Snarf's Menu Calories, Smart Basketball Dribble Up, Articles D