For example, the United States has The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 which protects the from any type of hunting or trapping. Something went wrong. These usually show evidence of regular use in the form of tracks, smell, spraints (feces), and general wear-and-tear. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. Their construction activities can lead to the erosion of riverbanks, the destruction of vegetation, and the alteration of water flow in the surrounding area. Interestingly, they have been known to engage in communal living, particularly in areas with abundant food sources. Since 1875 a study discovered that there have been 39 cases of anecdote attacks on humans announced in newspapers, and four recorded in scientific. They are the Asian small-clawed otter, African clawless otter, and Congo clawless otter. Zoroastrians would also hold ceremonies for otters found dead in the wild. River otters dont breed until theyre at least five years old. Some even move in while beavers are still present. Otters are well suited to a life on the water as they have . Otters are often thought of as cute, cuddly creatures, but there are some disturbing facts about these animals that many people don't know. Most otter species come ashore to give birth in dens, which sometimes have been used by other animals such as beavers. Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. Despite their innocent appearance, these animals are known for doing pretty disturbing stuff. Conger, Cristen. Clean fluffy fur keeps them warm and traps air, which allows them to float. 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. Source: Scientific Reasons for B.S Things Our Bodies Do. Interestingly, male otters have also been observed engaging in polygamous behavior, mating with multiple females during the breeding season. This may sound disturbing, but is successful. Five Fast Facts about Otters My Green World That's right, the adorable mammals have been known to exhibit necrophilia, even with members of different species, such as baby seals. Sea otters don't just have the densest fur of all ottersthey have the densest fur of all animals. However, there's more to these aquatic mammals than meets the eye. This may not surprise those who know the animal well, but its important to note that otters are carnivores. 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. River otters are especially playful, gamboling on land and splashing into rivers and streams. Generally the tail will make up about one third of the body. "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.". When faced with a threat, they wont hesitate to use their powerful teeth and strong jaws to inflict serious injury. 9. This ancient religion considered otters to be the dogs of the river or sea and had strict rules forbidding the killing of otters. 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. These furry creatures eat meat, such as fish, frogs, birds, and even mammals. 10 Facts about River Otters | Facts of World When he's not writing or reading, Aleksandar can be found exploring the great outdoors with his trusty dog as a companion. However, in rare cases, otter attacks can result in more severe injuries, particularly if the victim is a child or elderly person. This territorial marking is essential for maintaining the social hierarchy within their group and preventing conflicts with other otters. 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. Facts about River Otters talk about an animal, which can be found on the coasts or waterways of North America. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. Within their social groups, otters exhibit a behavior known as alloparenting, where individuals other than the parents help raise the young. Otters are highly active creatures, and their meat-based diet gives them energy for all sorts of mischief. Life becomes very difficult for female otters when nurturing young pups. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Pretty wicked! Link, Russell. Do Sea Otters Rape Baby Seals? | Snopes.com Many species of river and sea otters are . "River Otters Take Party Pooping to A New Level." 42 Horrifying Human Body Facts We Wish We Never Learned 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. A group of otters in the water is most often called a raft. River otters perform "scat dances" by stomping their hind feet and lifting their tail. 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. The giant otter is an endangered species found in South America, primarily along the Amazon river and the Pantanal. River otters generally live along rivers, as their name implies, but they're also found near streams and lakes. 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. 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. 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. Fish and Wildlife Service and is currently in place to promote recovery efforts across all states in the United States. This frog will kill you with a single touch. 2 hours of sleep? Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. As this is a new development in biology, further research is needed to determine precisely how this species started to host the virus. 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. 9 Amazing Facts About River Otters 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. Their nostrils and ears close to keep water out, and waterproof fur keeps them warm. North American River Otter | National Geographic As a sometimes aquatic creature, it shouldn't be a surprise that otters can swim up to seven miles per hour and dive down 60 feet. European otters must eat 15% of their body weight each day, and sea otters 20 to 25%, depending on the temperature. They learn to swim when they are about two months old, when their mother pushes them into the water. In the downtime, though, otters love to play and will often build themselves slides along the banks of rivers. March 28, 2023 by Wilson Singleton. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Otters have a communal latrine area. Some researchers hypothesize that male sea otters may be mistaking the seal pups for female otters during mating season. Otters' big appetites protect kelp forests by eating sea urchins. International Otter Survival Fund. Otters: the violent, necrophiliac, serial-killing fur monsters of the Researchers found that playful sliding on a riverbank was not just efficient locomotion, but play. All rights reserved, as many as a million hairs per square inch, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Mating with other species is an unusual and disturbing behavior observed in some otters, particularly sea otters. Ten Facts about Sea Otters | Blog Posts | WWF One sea otter off the coast of British Columbia apparently raped and murdered a dog. For example, the introduction of non-native otters to a region can lead to a decline in local fish populations, causing an imbalance in the food chain. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 2020. Otters and their mustelid relatives were once hunted extensively for their fur, many to the point of near extinction. While this predatory behavior is a natural part of their existence, it can sometimes have detrimental effects on their ecosystems. Don't flush hazardous chemicals or cat litter. 15 Fun Facts About Sea Otters That Will Amaze You This semiaquatic mammal has the weight of 11 to 30.9 lb or 5 to 14 kilograms. , but one wrong move and you will be hurt. Otters survive by hunting, and as such they live in unpolluted waters. We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Numerous threats to otters exist and primarily include pollution, habitat destruction, overfishing, and poaching. Sampling along the coast of Washington State found more than 70 percent of otters there tested positive for H1N1. Unmasking the Dark Side of Otters: Surprising and Disturbing Facts. Baby otters usually are called pups. Heres how paradise fought back. As explained by the National Wildlife Foundation's Robyn Carmichael, sea otters frequently eat sea urchins, which in turn are known for eating massive amounts of kelp, which is very good at taking in carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. However, it is important to note that otters impact on fisheries is not always negative. This rediscovery, after presumed extinction, makes them a Lazarus species. Otter groups are called a family, bevy, lodge, or a romp. 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. Additionally, they can host parasites such as lungworms, which can infect domestic dogs and lead to respiratory issues. 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. Sliding Behavior in Nearctic River Otters: Locomotion or Play?Northeastern Naturalist, vol. They are skilled hunters, feeding on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Advertisement. Meanest Animals in the World (Disturbing Facts) - UrduFOX So that aspect of otter sexuality isn't too unusual. Giant otters grow to as long as 6 feet and weigh as much as 75 pounds. One of the most efficient ways to reach a wide audience is through virtual resources such as webinars or interactive quizzes. Additionally, some fish species may prey on their younglings. Otters won't act naturally with humans nearby, and using a telescope on a boat can get tricky in the rollicking ocean. For years, questions about sea otters' alleged propensity toward cross-species sexual violence have passed through Snopes' inbox. The presence of a healthy otter population indicates a healthy watershed. They use their front paws with a dexterity that nearly rivals humans. Creepy and evil otters will forcefully copulate with a corpse. In detail, the male otter will bite down the female otters nose as the ritual begins causing physical injuries. These otters also have less webbing between their digits. Male otters have also been known to violently copulate with other speciesmost notably, baby seals [PDF]. A varied diet It's no surprise that otters love fish, but they're also partial to amphibians, turtles and crayfish. Otters impact on fisheries is a contentious issue that has led to tensions between conservationists and fishing communities. "Living With Otters: River Otters." 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. Baby otters, called pups or kittens, stay with their mothers until theyre up to a year old, or until she has another litter. A cat parasite called toxoplasmosis also poses a threat to these creatures. Otters have their cubs in underground burrows, known as 'holts'. Male sea otters have been known to engage in sexual aggression toward baby seals, an act that can result in severe injuries and even the death of the seal. 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. Bodkin, J.L. Re-introduction attempts have been successful and have seen promising outcomes in terms of species survival, population growth, and overall improved environmental quality. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. North American river otter | Smithsonian's National Zoo Otters have as many as 2.6 million hairs per square inch. Excellent and lithe swimmers, the young are in the water by 10 weeks of age. This pace is three times faster than the average human swimmer. Furthermore, they are also threatened by poaching and overfishing. Theres no doubt that otters are cute animals. Additionally, providing a variety of educational materials such as brochures that link otters to topics like freshwater ecosystems or climate change can have a powerful impact on how people understand conservation issues. 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. It is known as the common otter or northern river otter. Additionally, some commercial fishing operations may see them as a direct threat to their livelihoods, leading to calls for population control or even eradication. 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. While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, highlighting the importance of respecting these wild animals and maintaining a safe distance. River otters have many interesting qualities and adaptations that make them wonderful entertainment. Sea otters murder even when it doesn't provide them with food or offspring, like straight-up sociopathic spree killers. European otter | The Wildlife Trusts Rats invaded paradise. Being at the top of the food chain causes pollutants to become concentrated in their bodies, leading to illness and death. Wildlife managers must consider not only the direct impact of otter populations on ecosystems but also the indirect consequences of disease spread. Otters reach swim speeds of up to 7 miles per hour. The species' recovery has been considerably slower in California relative to other areas. 7, no. Nonetheless, it is another reminder that you should stay away from these vicious beasts. Spraint composition is unique to each otter, and the creatures can identify each other by the smells. About 12-20 in (30-50 cm) can be dedicated to its long tail. Unlike other weasels, otters are semi-aquatic. This provides everyone with easy access to information that they can use to become more informed on natural systems and conservation efforts. . They then leave droppings called spraints, which refer to a single bowel evacuation and that researchers describe as smelling like violets. Oh, sure they do. This behavior has been documented in various locations, including the Aleutian Islands and California. For one thing, sea otters murder other animals even when they don't get food out of it, just for fun or something. 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. What we can learn from Chernobyl's strays. Prepare to see these furry creatures in a whole new light. The latter is the most common term for a group of otters on land. 99 Creepy And Disturbing Facts That Will Scare You Otters have been known to guard and have sex with the bodies of their victims for up to seven days after they've died. Additionally, if an otter approaches, it is important to maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding or interacting with the animal. In 2010, veterinarian Heather Harris and her co-authors Stori Oates, Michelle Staedler, Tim Tinker, David Jessup, James Harvey, and Melissa Miller published an article in Aquatic Mammals documenting about 19 cases of sea otters attacking baby seals. Uniquely Koala: 13 Weird Facts about Koalas The Koala Mom Otters have their cubs in underground dens called holts, which they dig themselves. Powerful tails propel them through the water. The average size of a North American river otter is around 35-51.1 in (88.9-129.7 cm). Description of the River Otter. 30 Of The Most Disturbing Things About Human Bodies That Might Freak Instead, researchers learned, they are more likely to juggle rocks when hungry or bored. Otters prefer water bordered by woods and with wetlands, such as marshes, nearby. Introduction to Otters. 30 Of The Weirdest And The Most Disturbing Facts From Known History 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. Otters can dive as deep as 14m under the surface and spend 4-6 hours a day in water foraging. Sometimes river otters will travel between 10 and 18 miles (16 and 29 km) in search of food. A river otter has a long, stream-lined body, short legs, and webbed feet. However, theres more to these aquatic mammals than meets the eye. Support our mission and help keep Vox free for all by making a financial contribution to Vox today. The harbor seal moved toward the water with the sea otter following closely. 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. While this predatory behavior is a natural part of their existence, it can sometimes have detrimental effects on their ecosystems. Four Facts About Sea Otters That Might Surprise You That's why we keep our work free. Otters have small, rounded ears, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of their prey. In Alaska's Aleutian Islands, the species has seen a marked decline since the 1980s. Are Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney in love, or are they good actors?
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