National Geographic, 2017. No, they are wild animals and should not be kept as pets. However, in rare cases, otter attacks can result in more severe injuries, particularly if the victim is a child or elderly person. Introduction to Otters - BioExpedition 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. So that aspect of otter sexuality isn't too unusual. North American river otter | Smithsonian's National Zoo As natural predators of fish, otters can consume significant quantities of fish, causing a decline in available stocks and potential economic losses for local communities. Creepiest Pokmon: The 10 most disturbing of all time Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. Otters won't act naturally with humans nearby, and using a telescope on a boat can get tricky in the rollicking ocean. Yes, they have natural predators such as large birds of prey, alligators, and crocodiles. Oracka 4, Nova Iskra, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia 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. The layers manage to trap air next to the otter's skin, which keeps the otters dry and warm and also helps with buoyancy. Yeah, that's right. There has been an incident where an otter had tried to mate with a dog and killed it in the process. The mammals like to keep things organized within their communities and will designate certain areas to be used as latrines. They are the Asian small-clawed otter, African clawless otter, and Congo clawless otter. 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. Please enter a valid email and try again. Koalas don't drink water. Such disputes can lead to significant injuries or even death for the individuals involved. 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. Why Are Otters Evil? (6 Disturbing Facts About Otters) 194-201., doi:10.1016/B978-012374473-9.00434-3. 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. River Otter Introduction to Otters. Otters prefer water bordered by woods and with wetlands, such as marshes, nearby. Learn 15 more facts about these fascinating mammals. "Weird and Fascinating Ways Animals Use Poop." Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . Otters, facts and information Otters have long been celebrated for their playful nature and captivating appearance, but as this article has revealed, they have a darker side that is often overlooked. Generally, a group of otters on land will go by a romp, while a group hanging in the water is called a raft. Mating with other species is an unusual and disturbing behavior observed in some otters, particularly sea otters. Although experts say otter attacks on humans are infrequent, there are a number of recorded occurrences. 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. For years, questions about sea otters' alleged propensity toward cross-species sexual violence have passed through Snopes' inbox. The researchers found four prior scientific publications documenting attacks, including one that reported a deadly otter attack in India. They're merciless hellspawn who use their intellects for great evil. Interestingly, they have been known to engage in communal living, particularly in areas with abundant food sources. Otters and their mustelid relatives were once hunted extensively for their fur, many to the point of near extinction. And I guess I get the appeal. Take a mental break with the newest Vox crossword, Sign up for the Additionally, some fish species may prey on their younglings. Male otters have also been known to violently copulate with other speciesmost notably, baby seals [PDF]. However, this behavior can also result in conflicts with rival males and female otters, further highlighting the complexities of otter social structures. 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. Fun Otter Facts For Kids | Kidadl 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. For example, otters have been known to kill and eat kittens, and they have also been known to attack and kill humans. Stevens, Sadie S., and Thomas L. Serfass. 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. Email: [emailprotected]. Swimming ability is further enhanced in most species by four webbed feet. Yes, youve read that right. That's right, the adorable mammals have been known to exhibit necrophilia, even with members of different species, such as baby seals. Nature, unfortunately, isn't always pretty. Ocean Conservancy. Aboard the St. Peter, Steller and other 18th-century explorers crash-landed on modern-day Bering Island after getting separated from its sister ship. They learn to swim when they are about two months old, when their mother pushes them into the water. 28 . Allison, Mari-Lisa, et al. River otters are not currently threatened, and are pervasive in Canada and the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas in the US. For example, the United States has The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 which protects the from any type of hunting or trapping. STDs are at a shocking high. Otters impact on fisheries is a contentious issue that has led to tensions between conservationists and fishing communities. 7, no. They have webbed feet and the ability to close their nose and ears underwater.Twelve out of thirteen otter species are in decline. Otter "holts" are small underground dens where otters escape danger, take shelter, or raise their young. Find out if you are a sea otter specialist by checking your info against these fascinating sea otter facts. Hairy-nosed otters are an endangered species found in Asia. With their furry faces and charming personalities, they have captured the hearts of many. you cant distinguish between healthy and infected otters, making them even more dangerous. Do not reproduce without permission. 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. Otters - in particular, the sea variety - need to consume huge amounts of food to keep active. Or a family or a raft. Creepy Facts About Animals That Will Keep You Up At Night She wraps the pup with kelp to anchor it while she hunts. They bite their female partner's face during copulation to keep her from slipping away, leaving her with substantial facial wounds. River otters are nocturnal hunters. They also use body language and scent marking to communicate ownership and boundaries. Here are 13 strange and terrifying facts about animals that'll send a shiver down your spine. Only the North American river otter is a species of least concern. Hand-holding keeps the otters from drifting away from each other and their food source while they sleep. In detail, the male otter will bite down the female otters nose as the ritual begins causing physical injuries. 30 . Even if you find them otherwise adorable, otters' mating habits will no doubt make your stomach turn. Weve mentioned above that otters will try to mate not only with other otters but also with members of entirely different species, even if the other party is unwilling. Otters are often elusive, with large ranges and nocturnal behaviour making spotting them a rare and wonderful experience. They also sleep wrapped in long strands of kelp like a blanket. In addition to their unexpected ferocity when defending their territory, they also exhibit unique territorial behavior. As this is a new development in biology, further research is needed to determine precisely how this species started to host the virus. Some tribes consider the otter to be a lucky animal and a symbol of "loyalty and honesty." "How to Tell the Difference Between Sea Otters and River Otters." Otters survive by hunting, and as such they live in unpolluted waters. Or, she might rely on human resources and otter ingenuity to find a makeshift "playpen" for her pup. Here's just one: A weaned harbor seal pup was resting onshore when an untagged male sea otter approached it, grasped it with its teeth and forepaws, bit it on the nose, and flipped it over. They must carefully groom their fur and furry undercoat to keep them clean and sealed off to water, because theyre not covered in a fatty layer like other seagoing creatures. Do Otters Have Webbed Feet? Otters (genus Lutra) hail from the subfamily of Lutrinae and are carnivorous mammals. Facts about Otters - BioExpedition You bet they do! Once thought to be gone from the area completely, southern sea ottersknown as California sea ottershave been making a comeback in recent years. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. River otters live primarily in freshwater, though they do swim and hunt in seawater. They love to chow down! These power struggles can lead to violent confrontations, further demonstrating the darker aspects of otter society. 1. Theres no doubt that otters are cute animals. As a result, if you ever find yourself in proximity to an otter (river or sea), back off. 5 Otter Facts. It was thought that otters helped keep water purified by eating already dead creatures that might contaminate the water source if they were allowed to rot. Others believe that this behavior may be a result of human disturbances to sea otter populations, which can cause stress and impact their social behavior. Otters love to sunbath during the day and they are very active at night. That is, a male otter will bite the female's snout and place her head underwater - often drowning her or seriously injuring her in the process. As a result, conservation efforts have been put in place to help protect these animals. Wisconsin River Otters Poaching for their velvet-like fur caused significant population declines. Uniquely Koala: 13 Weird Facts about Koalas The Koala Mom 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. Forest Service, 2006. There are two layers of furan undercoat and then longer hairs that we can see. Nope, they are horrific menaces to other species. Amazing Facts about Otters | OneKindPlanet Animal Education & Facts There are so many cool facts about otters that it's no small wonder they've become a bit of an internet sensation. Giant otters average a weight of around 75 pounds but some have been noticed to be over six feet long. Fun North American River Otter Facts For Kids | Kidadl No permit is necessary; however . All otters are expert hunters that eat fish, crustaceans, and other critters. Otters have as many as 2.6 million hairs per square inch. Can Frogs Feel Happy? Please be respectful of copyright. They eat 9 pounds of food each day. Google Pay. This ordinary woman hid Anne Frankand kept her story alive, This Persian marvel was lost for millennia. Rats invaded paradise. shout when a threat is nearby. Sea otters are members of the family Mustelidae which includes other animals like badgers and weasels. That amount of calories is insane because that is three times what an average human needs. 2023 NatureWorldNews.com All rights reserved. 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. Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. They also take over the riverbank dens of foxes, badgers, and rabbits. Cute Otters - 10 Facts about the Otter for Kids! - YouTube Theories for what's behind the drop range widely, but the US Fish and Wildlife Survey's recovery plan for the species highlights predation, in particular from killer whales, as the most important factor behind the decline. Some otters even die after intercourse from trauma. UC Santa Cruz, 2014. Indeed, trauma is the norm from sea otter mating, not the exception. Male sea otters typically grasp the female from behind and bite her face, and this rough. Dominant males often establish themselves as the head of a group, while subordinate males may attempt to challenge the leaders position. For our furry friends, that means getting their meal by any means necessary. "Hairy Nosed Otter." The Romans were notorious for gruesome execution methods. "The Drivers and Functions of Rock Juggling in Otters." That's why we keep our work free. Are female otters the only species that males try to copulate with? They will also use hollows under trees or old rabbit holes. While this predatory behavior is a natural part of their existence, it can sometimes have detrimental effects on their ecosystems. A varied diet It's no surprise that otters love fish, but they're also partial to amphibians, turtles and crayfish. Source: 14 Fascinating, Super-Disturbing Facts About The Human Body.
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