disturbing facts about otters

Seven Quick Facts About River Otters - National Forest Foundation 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. 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. Facts about River Otters talk about an animal, which can be found on the coasts or waterways of North America. 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. The cutest animals in the world are evil Otters have their cubs in underground dens called holts, which they dig themselves. They then leave droppings called spraints, which refer to a single bowel evacuation and that researchers describe as smelling like violets. National Geographic, 2017. They are not "wonderful animals," as Ms. Deschanel would have you believe. They hold each others's hands. 9. Swimming ability is further enhanced in most species by four webbed feet. Learn 15 more facts about these fascinating mammals. Sea otters are members of the family Mustelidae which includes other animals like badgers and weasels. 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. "Asian Short-Clawed Otter." Tags Sea otters live exclusively in the ocean along coastlines. A male river otter, by comparison, would not exceed 30 pounds. It's been reported in primates like orangutans and chimpanzees, bottlenose. Otters Are Not Here For Your Cute Memes - They're Bloodthirsty Terrorists While this predatory behavior is a natural part of their existence, it can sometimes have detrimental effects on their ecosystems. Survival of the fittest is a tale as old as time. 1 The only places without endemic otters are Australia and Antarctica. 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. It is the longest of the otter species. Hairy-Nosed Otters Are a Lazarus Species, 9. Yes, they can act as carriers for various parasites and pathogens, some of which can potentially infect other animals or even humans. They involve the reintroduction of captive-bred adult otters into carefully selected and monitored habitats that offer suitable conditions such as prey availability, the presence of suitable dens for accommodation, predator presence, and levels of toxic pollutants. Or a family or a raft. Humans are the main predator of Otters due to hunting for their pelts. It isnt surprising, given that they need to eat around 15% of their body weight daily to survive. This air has the sometimes undesirable side effect of making them highly buoyant. 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. You can also contribute via. The giant otter is an endangered species found in South America, primarily along the Amazon river and the Pantanal. As a result, if you ever find yourself in proximity to an otter (river or sea), back off. If you thought that otters, like beavers, eat a plant-based diet, you are mistaken. Most of us could spend an entire day scrolling through cute otter videos on social media. They also use body language and scent marking to communicate ownership and boundaries. In this post, well talk about why otters are evil and why they arent the cuddlers they appear to be. 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. Male otters' mating techniques are violent. However, in rare cases, otter attacks can result in more severe injuries, particularly if the victim is a child or elderly person. 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. In 2014, the US Geological Survey (USGS) released a study of northern sea otters living close to Washington who were discovered to have possessed H1N1 virus (swine flu) throughout a large number of their population. Ocean Conservancy. In particular, it is well known that sea otters will force themselves on baby seals. "The Fantastic Fur of Sea Otters." you cant distinguish between healthy and infected otters, making them even more dangerous. 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. These usually show evidence of regular use in the form of tracks, smell, spraints (feces), and general wear-and-tear. Advertisement. The history of book bansand their changing targetsin the U.S. Although experts say otter attacks on humans are infrequent, there are a number of recorded occurrences. Wild Explained is the go-to source for all things related to wildlife. Like many animals, otters sometimes behave in ways that aren't exactly within the bounds of what humans would consider morally acceptable. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Otters also have particularly stinky poop, which even has its own name: spraints. Just like when they mate, otters bite the baby seal and hold it down with their sharp claws, causing injuries and death in most cases. Are Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney in love, or are they good actors? 10 Facts about River Otters | Facts of World I just think otters are jerks. 15 Fun Facts About Sea Otters That Will Amaze You Most otters have sharp claws at the end of each toe, which helps them to grab prey. Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. Otter "holts" are small underground dens where otters escape danger, take shelter, or raise their young. But maybe the most disturbing fact about otters is that they are known to "mate" with deceased animals. Here are 13 strange and terrifying facts about animals that'll send a shiver down your spine. Therefore, sea otters are obsessive about keeping their fur clean, and groom themselves . Even though mature sea otters weigh roughly 100 pounds, they require about 7,500 calories per day! Why Are Otters Evil? (6 Disturbing Facts About Otters) Uniquely Koala: 13 Weird Facts about Koalas The Koala Mom A 2011 study found 39 anecdotal reports of river otter attacks in North America, 35 of which occurred after 1980. Most females drown in this process. Additionally, some commercial fishing operations may see them as a direct threat to their livelihoods, leading to calls for population control or even eradication. 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. But are otters really as sweet as we think they are, or are otters evil? Otters are adorable and cute creatures that love to play and swim together. The kelp acts like an anchor and prevents them from floating out to the open ocean. This law is enforced by the U.S. Otters are well suited to a life on the water as they have . "12 Facts About Sea Otters for Sea Otter Awareness Week." North American river otter | Smithsonian's National Zoo Some tribes consider the otter to be a lucky animal and a symbol of "loyalty and honesty." In fact, females havedisproportionately higher rates of fatality explained by the vicious mating ritual. Sliding Behavior in Nearctic River Otters: Locomotion or Play? Found in cat feces, it enters waterways through runoff and flushable cat litter. Otters sometimes rape baby seals. Otters are often thought of as cute, cuddly creatures, but there are some disturbing facts about these animals that many people don't know. Conger, Cristen. UC Santa Cruz, 2014. A trapping license and open season are required to trap river otters. 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. 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. 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. That thick coat is needed because otters are the only marine mammal without a blubber layer for insulation. We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and 1. 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? This ancient religion considered otters to be the dogs of the river or sea and had strict rules forbidding the killing of otters. They like to slide off. European otters must eat 15% of their body weight each day, and sea otters 20 to 25%, depending on the temperature. Four Facts About Sea Otters That Might Surprise You Phone: +381 69 283 48 42 Sometimes river otters will travel between 10 and 18 miles (16 and 29 km) in search of food. By understanding the less endearing aspects of otter behavior, we can better appreciate the full spectrum of their existence and develop more effective conservation strategies. Otter | Habitat & Facts | Britannica 7, no. Scientists suspect otters may even be able to determine the sex, age, and reproductive status of the spraint dropper just from a quick whiff. Source: 14 Fascinating, Super-Disturbing Facts About The Human Body. One studyfound that kelp beds where sea otters are present soak up 12 times as much carbon dioxide as beds where they're not. Forceful mating practices are a disturbing aspect of otter behavior that highlights the darker side of their seemingly innocent and playful appearance. Despite their innocent appearance, these animals are known for doing pretty disturbing stuff. Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. Lutrinae contains seven genuses and 12 different species, spanning every continent save Australia and Antarctica; a 13th species, the Japanese river otter, was declared extinct in 2012, like many otter species before it. A group of otters is called a raft, according to the San Diego Zoo. For years, questions about sea otters' alleged propensity toward cross-species sexual violence have passed through Snopes' inbox. Sea otters don't just have the densest fur of all ottersthey have the densest fur of all animals. Nope, they are horrific menaces to other species. Otters also excrete something called anal jelly that contains secretions from anal glands and shed intestinal linings. Forest Service, 2006. "Whats Killing Sea Otters? The transmission of these diseases and parasites from them to other animals or humans is a significant concern for conservation and public health officials. Rats invaded paradise. At Vox, we believe that everyone deserves access to information that helps them understand and shape the world they live in. Additionally, education and awareness programs can play a role in preventing these conflicts. Unmasking the Dark Side of Otters: Surprising and Disturbing Facts, What Do Sea Grapes Taste Like? Find out if you are a sea otter specialist by checking your info against these fascinating sea otter facts. Stevens, Sadie S., and Thomas L. Serfass. To prevent these conflicts, it is important to avoid approaching them or their dens, particularly during breeding season when they may be more aggressive. Support our mission and help keep Vox free for all by making a financial contribution to Vox today. This suggests that the otters must first satisfy their nutritional needs before engaging in playful behaviors. 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." These adorable aquatic mammals are clever, chatty, and oddly aromatic. 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 . "River Otters Take Party Pooping to A New Level." Can Frogs Feel Happy? Hand-holding keeps the otters from drifting away from each other and their food source while they sleep. Read our about page! But with their numbers hovering around just a few thousand, researchers have kept a close eye on the population and their studies have revealed an interesting social structure. They have visible ears, swim belly down, use webbed feet to paddle, and move swiftly on land and water. Do Otters Have Webbed Feet? 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. "A Keystone Species, The Sea Otter, Colonizes Glacier Bay." The two species found in North America are river otters and sea otters, the latter of which are also found in Japan and the Pacific coast of Russia. They learn to swim when they are about two months old, when their mother pushes them into the water. Fruit Fly Swarms Are Really Just Massive Orgies Curious to learn more? Facts About Otters | Live Science Generally the tail will make up about one third of the body. During which time otters have adapted to live both on land and in water. They also force sex with other species. An Otter can remain under water for up to 4 minutes. Otters Will Resort to Acute Behaviors Just to Get Some Food, In the Amazon, Giant Otters are the Second Largest and Most Capable Predator, Giant otters average a weight of around 75 pounds but some have been noticed to be over six feet long. "Energy Demands of Raising a Pup Push Sea Otter Moms to the Limit." So that aspect of otter sexuality isn't too unusual. Namely, they are extremely aggressive when they mate. Scientists Pinpoint Parasite Strain." Sliding Behavior in Nearctic River Otters: Locomotion or Play?Northeastern Naturalist, vol. 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. 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. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. 5 Disturbing Facts About Sea Otters: They're Not as Cuddly as They Seem Take a mental break with the newest Vox crossword, Sign up for the "Giant Otter." Otters are very social creatures. They mark their territory with scent glands located near their tails, communicating ownership and boundaries to other otters. Despite spending most of their time in the water, otters cant breathe underwater; as mammals, they need air. Clean fluffy fur keeps them warm and traps air, which allows them to float. Giant otters grow to as long as 6 feet and weigh as much as 75 pounds. While this may seem like a cooperative and selfless act, it can also involve more sinister elements. 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. 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. As the sea otter thrust his pelvis, his penis was extruded and intromission was observed. River otters are frequently mistaken for sea otters. Does eating close to bedtime make you gain weight? They also take over the riverbank dens of foxes, badgers, and rabbits. River otters perform "scat dances" by stomping their hind feet and lifting their tail. Otters are adorable creatures that live both on land and in the water. Otters, facts and information In the downtime, though, otters love to play and will often build themselves slides along the banks of rivers. A varied diet It's no surprise that otters love fish, but they're also partial to amphibians, turtles and crayfish. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. The sea otter must consume between 25 and 40 percent of its body weight daily, just to keep warm. Sea otters cannot swim at all for their first month, despite being born in the open sea. Every animal on Earth (including humans) has learned to adapt to its environment, which means sometimes having to make difficult (or gross) choices to survive. Within their social groups, otters exhibit a behavior known as alloparenting, where individuals other than the parents help raise the young. 30 . The harbor seal moved toward the water with the sea otter following closely. The only places without endemic otters are Australia and Antarctica. They also sleep wrapped in long strands of kelp like a blanket. These otters seem to love peat swamp forests, especially those with Melaleuca, the swamp tea-tree. Sea otters are also among the most ravenous animals. All otter species appear on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and only one is listed as "least concern." The river otter is classified as a furbearer (WAC 232-12-007). Facts about Otters - BioExpedition Two species . 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. Source: 14 Fascinating, Super-Disturbing Facts About The Human Body. Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. They are the Asian small-clawed otter, African clawless otter, and Congo clawless otter. Amazing Facts about Otters | OneKindPlanet Animal Education & Facts Instead, researchers learned, they are more likely to juggle rocks when hungry or bored. No permit is necessary; however . That's right, the adorable mammals have been known to exhibit necrophilia, even with members of different species, such as baby seals. National Park Service, 2016. Lohan, Katrina and Karen McDonald. "Sea Otter Society: The Single Moms' Club." For the record, I'm not actually against attempts to save sea otters as a species. 5, 2020, p. 200141., doi:10.1098/rsos.200141. Their construction activities can lead to the erosion of riverbanks, the destruction of vegetation, and the alteration of water flow in the surrounding area. While this predatory behavior is a natural part of their existence, it can sometimes have detrimental effects on their ecosystems. About 12-20 in (30-50 cm) can be dedicated to its long tail. Dominant males often establish themselves as the head of a group, while subordinate males may attempt to challenge the leaders position. 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. Sea otter, dolphin, and penguin behavior: Your favorite animals are jerks.
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