Sea otters live exclusively in the ocean along coastlines. If your brainstem (the part of the brain that mediates most motor control for all of the body) is damaged, you can get "locked-in" syndrome. otter, (subfamily Lutrinae), any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family (Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. Indeed, trauma is the norm from sea otter mating, not the exception. But few species are violent in quite as disturbing a way as the otter. One of the most efficient ways to reach a wide audience is through virtual resources such as webinars or interactive quizzes. Otters have webbed feet and claws - for swimming underwater. Aboard the St. Peter, Steller and other 18th-century explorers crash-landed on modern-day Bering Island after getting separated from its sister ship. The overall effect isn't that large, but every bit helps, and otters deserve some credit for chipping in. Otters can hold their breath for 3-4 minutes, closing their nostrils and ears to keep out water. "The Fantastic Fur of Sea Otters." Lohan, Katrina and Karen McDonald. Do Otters Have Webbed Feet? These territorial animals are more than capable of holding their own in a fight. The transmission of these diseases and parasites from them to other animals or humans is a significant concern for conservation and public health officials. 2. Sea otters are also among the most ravenous animals. This may not surprise those who know the animal well, but its important to note that otters are carnivores. Please be respectful of copyright. River otters dont breed until theyre at least five years old. 13 Terrifying animal facts | 13 Terrifying animal facts | WWF Australia 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. Otters use their dungknown as spraintto communicate with other otters. Forced interspecies sex. Their construction activities can lead to the erosion of riverbanks, the destruction of vegetation, and the alteration of water flow in the surrounding area. Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. Uniquely Koala: 13 Weird Facts about Koalas The Koala Mom While this predatory behavior is a natural part of their existence, it can sometimes have detrimental effects on their ecosystems. Their furry coats, innocent eyes, and tiny paws make them adorable little creatures. More otters -> fewer sea urchins -> more kelp -> less global warming. Sea otters are the exception, giving birth in the water. Otters Are Not Here For Your Cute Memes - They're Bloodthirsty Terrorists They Aren't All Sea Otters. They communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, including whistles, growls, and chirps. They can also be called kits or kittens. Only the North American river otter is a species of least concern. Moreover, increased conservation efforts are needed in order to monitor population numbers, reduce polluting activities and stop activities that destroy their habitats. Otters (genus Lutra) hail from the subfamily of Lutrinae and are carnivorous mammals. A new discovery raises a mystery. 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. The presence of a healthy otter population indicates a healthy watershed. Hairy-Nosed Otters Are a Lazarus Species, 9. 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. They also take over the riverbank dens of foxes, badgers, and rabbits. Otters can have up to one million hairs per square inch. International Otter Survival Fund. They have webbed feet and the ability to close their nose and ears underwater.Twelve out of thirteen otter species are in decline. Although experts say otter attacks on humans are infrequent, there are a number of recorded occurrences. 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. 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. Facts About Otters | Live Science In both cases, the male was swimming, diving, guarding, and copulating with the carcass. Most are small, with short ears and noses, elongated bodies, long tails, and soft, dense fur. 9 Amazing Facts About River Otters A group of otters is called a raft, according to the San Diego Zoo. Four Facts About Sea Otters That Might Surprise You Otters have small, rounded ears, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of their prey. They live mainly on land that is very close to bodies of water. Even if you find them otherwise adorable, otters' mating habits will no doubt make your stomach turn. Humans are the main predator of Otters due to hunting for their pelts. Source: 14 Fascinating, Super-Disturbing Facts About The Human Body. Something went wrong. As a result of their rapid decline, many countries have enacted laws and regulations to protect sea otters. "Hairy Nosed Otter." Some tribes consider the otter to be a lucky animal and a symbol of "loyalty and honesty." 30 . (Exploring the Intelligence of Lions), 11 Powerful Animals With No Natural Predators. Within their social groups, otters exhibit a behavior known as alloparenting, where individuals other than the parents help raise the young. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 2020. 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 Drivers and Functions of Rock Juggling in Otters." They are often mistaken for beavers though. - Diving into the Science! In addition, several international conventions and protocols have been developed over time to help protect these creatures from extinction. Baby ones raised in captivity squeak when introduced to water for the first time. Resting spots, called hovers or couches, are usually little more than a bed of reeds. 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. That's right, the adorable mammals have been known to exhibit necrophilia, even with members of different species, such as baby seals. Threats also include habitat degradation, pesticides, and pollution from mining. . A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. Facts about Otters - BioExpedition Inside South Africas skeleton trade. Rape or, as biologists usually call it, "forced copulation" is a disturbing fact of life in the animal kingdom. For our furry friends, that means getting their meal by any means necessary. The other, Mustelinae, includes badgers, weasels, and ferrets, among other similar mammals. Otters - in particular, the sea variety - need to consume huge amounts of food to keep active. If a sea otter's fur becomes dirty, it has trouble absorbing the air needed to keep it warm. 21 Disturbing Facts You Never Wanted To Know About Animals 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. Prepare to see these furry creatures in a whole new light. While these modifications are essential for otter survival, they can have negative consequences for other species that rely on the same habitat. Because of their high metabolic rates, as was already mentioned, these creatures require a lot of food and will use whatever methods are needed to get it. 2, 2005, pp. Are Otters Dangerous? - AZ Animals Otters have big appetites to account for the great conditions they face. "Weird and Fascinating Ways Animals Use Poop." Support our mission and help keep Vox free for all by making a financial contribution to Vox today. Yes, youve read that right. Male sea otters typically grasp the female from behind and bite her face, and this rough. The history of book bansand their changing targetsin the U.S. Wisconsin River Otters Mothers groom pups and blow air into the clean coat to create buoyancy. Yeah, that's right. We thought we knew turtles. Female otters have a disproportionately higher mortality rate than males, and experts attribute this to their gruesome mating ritual. 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. How this animal can survive is a mystery. Ten months later, this same male was observed with the carcass of another female sea otter. 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. Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences, edited by John H. Steele, Second Edition, 2008, pp. Koalas don't drink water. Sea otters have an ingenious method to open shellfish. Like many animals, otters sometimes behave in ways that aren't exactly within the bounds of what humans would consider morally acceptable. Numerous threats to otters exist and primarily include pollution, habitat destruction, overfishing, and poaching. A decent share of the attacking otters have been rabid; in the '90s, 46 percent of otter attacks involved rabies, and in the '00s, 24 percent did. Otters have their cubs in underground dens called holts, which they dig themselves. With his curiosity, experience, and love for the natural world, Aleksandar brings a unique perspective to his writing. In many places, it is illegal to keep them as pets due to their protected status and potential danger to humans. 1. 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. 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. Second, otters can give you H1N1, better known as "swine flu," as our friends at The Verge have reported. Advertisement. The average size of a North American river otter is around 35-51.1 in (88.9-129.7 cm). Conservation efforts are in place to protect and preserve these species, but more is needed to ensure their long-term survival. Oceana reports, "It is thought that oil spills pose the greatest threat due to the proximity of sea otters to major tanker routes and their susceptibility to hypothermia if their fur comes into contact with oil.". To be fair, the vast majority 77 percent of the attacks the researchers analyzed involved North American river otters, and none appear to have involved sea otters. If a male is too aggressive during the mate (which he usually is), the female will drown below the surface. Additionally, education and awareness programs can play a role in preventing these conflicts. 50 Irresistible Otter Facts That You Never Knew About - Facts.net In some cases, otters may consume invasive species that are harmful to the ecosystem, potentially benefiting the fishing industry in the long run. 7, no. "A Keystone Species, The Sea Otter, Colonizes Glacier Bay."
