disturbing facts about otters

Sampling along the coast of Washington State found more than 70 percent of otters there tested positive for H1N1. 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. "Sea Otter Society: The Single Moms' Club." Most are small, with short ears and noses, elongated bodies, long tails, and. Their construction activities can lead to the erosion of riverbanks, the destruction of vegetation, and the alteration of water flow in the surrounding area. This ordinary woman hid Anne Frankand kept her story alive, This Persian marvel was lost for millennia. This means. River otters as a whole look quite similar to weasels. Theres no doubt that otters are cute animals. As the world becomes more and more polluted otter populations become more and more at risk. Occasionally an otter must grab on to a rock or some kelp to remain submerged while swimming. Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. Therefore, they are big on tools and will often use rocks to help crack into dinner. Skip to the end to watch the video. And since otters have superb metabolisms and can easily eat up to 15 percent of their body weight each day, there's a lot of spraint to go around. Heres how paradise fought back. They mark their territory with scent glands located near their tails, communicating ownership and boundaries to other otters. KQED. Phone: +381 69 283 48 42 This adds an additional layer of complexity to the already challenging task of maintaining balanced ecosystems. Rape or, as biologists usually call it, "forced copulation" is a disturbing fact of life in the animal kingdom. They are skilled hunters, feeding on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. 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. During mating, male otters hold onto the female and bite her nose, sometimes even hard enough that blood starts gushing out and causes deep wounds. This territorial marking is essential for maintaining the social hierarchy within their group and preventing conflicts with other otters. 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. Oh, sure they do. If you thought that otters, like beavers, eat a plant-based diet, you are mistaken. Otters have a communal latrine area. 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. More otters -> fewer sea urchins -> more kelp -> less global warming. 2 hours of sleep? 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. With his curiosity, experience, and love for the natural world, Aleksandar brings a unique perspective to his writing. Though most live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the sea otter and the smaller marine otter are found in the Pacific Ocean. Learn 15 more facts about these fascinating mammals. Most otters have sharp claws at the end of each toe, which helps them to grab prey. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. However, there's more to these aquatic mammals than meets the eye. It was thought that otters helped keep water purified by. Advertisement. This provides everyone with easy access to information that they can use to become more informed on natural systems and conservation efforts. Strange as it may seem, mating is a relatively common cause of death for female sea otters as well. A version of this story originally ran in 2015. Carnivore. The act sometimes involves the male grabbing the female's head underwater and as the two turns and wriggle under the surface. Furthermore, the potential for disease transmission among otters and other species can complicate conservation efforts. They can also dive up to 300 feet in search of food. Otters' big appetites protect kelp forests by eating sea urchins. The elusive otter is one of our top predators, feeding mainly on fish (particularly eels and salmonids), waterbirds, amphibians and crustaceans. 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. Nonetheless, it is another reminder that you should stay away from these vicious beasts. This impact on fisheries can be particularly significant in areas with already vulnerable fish populations, where otters predation can further destabilize the ecosystem. Although they may be adorable and hold hands while traveling, dont forget how distressing and evil otters are. Otters have the densest fur of any animalas many as a million hairs per square inch in places. It may be tempting to try and pet the cute and. Otter groups go by a few different monikers, all of which are fairly unique to that crew. Otters have small, rounded ears, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of their prey. Why Are Otters Evil? (6 Disturbing Facts About Otters) Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Otters love to sunbath during the day and they are very active at night. Five Fast Facts about Otters My Green World While otters appear to be friendly and docile, they can become extremely aggressive when defending their territory or their younglings. Yes, as they build their dens, they can cause significant changes to their environment. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. In the downtime, though, otters love to play and will often build themselves slides along the banks of rivers. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery . When its time to nap, sea otters entangle themselves in kelp so they dont float away. They eat 9 pounds of food each day. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Otters reach swim speeds of up to 7 miles per hour. "Weird and Fascinating Ways Animals Use Poop." Today you will find out some history facts that you may not have heard of before, and they come with a twist, as Redditor Doyouareisstupid asked, "What is the weirdest/most disturbing fact about our world's history that you know?" It's a perfect read for the spooky season we are now in because people have knowledge about some . 241244. Conservation efforts are in place to protect and preserve these species, but more is needed to ensure their long-term survival. You can also contribute via. Regardless of the reasons behind this behavior, the impacts on the ecosystems are significant. Powerful tails propel them through the water. ", 5. Here's what you need to know about these terrible animals, and why you should fear and hate them. These efforts include re-introduction programs aimed at bringing them back to their native habitats and increasing their numbers in the wild. People also call it North American river otter. In Alaska's Aleutian Islands, the species has seen a marked decline since the 1980s. Indeed, trauma is the norm from sea otter mating, not the exception. River otters are nocturnal hunters. The other, Mustelinae, includes badgers, weasels, and ferrets, among other similar mammals. Rock juggling doesn't improve hunting skills or efficient extraction of meat from shells. In such cases, medical attention is necessary to prevent infection and ensure proper wound healing. There are two layers of furan undercoat and then longer hairs that we can see. Most females drown in this process. Forest Service, 2006. "Why are otters playful?" Otters are often thought of as cute, cuddly creatures, but there are some disturbing facts about these animals that many people don't know. River Otter Second, otters can give you H1N1, better known as "swine flu," as our friends at The Verge have reported. Sea otters are generally violent and aggressive when mating. Don't flush hazardous chemicals or cat litter. 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. Here's Harris again: Copulation normally occurs in the water where the male sea otter will approach the female from behind, grip her around the chest with his forepaws, and grasp her nose or the side of her face with his teeth.Facial biting by the male commonly results in the development of skin and soft tissue lacerations of the female's nose and face that can occasionally be fatal.The problem is worse for females, of course, but younger males often mimic mating behavior with each other, which can cause similar injuries. Rape or, as biologists usually call it, "forced copulation" is a disturbing fact of life in the animal kingdom. As a result of their rapid decline, many countries have enacted laws and regulations to protect sea otters. Link, Russell. It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. shout when a threat is nearby. When he's not writing or reading, Aleksandar can be found exploring the great outdoors with his trusty dog as a companion. Mating with other species is an unusual and disturbing behavior observed in some otters, particularly sea otters. And weve reached the most disturbing fact about these adorable creatures. Otters have a good sense of smell, and one of the more interesting otter facts is that they actually are capable of smelling things underwater. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. Introduction to Otters - BioExpedition Otters are very social creatures. A trapping license and open season are required to trap river otters. The reasons behind this behavior are not entirely clear, but scientists believe it may be linked to the sea otters aggressive mating practices with females. 12 Facts About Otters for Sea Otter Awareness Week No permit is necessary; however . However, theres more to these aquatic mammals than meets the eye. However, in rare cases, otter attacks can result in more severe injuries, particularly if the victim is a child or elderly person. Otters are mammals of the subfamily Lutrinae, one of two subfamilies contained within the family Mustelidae. Clean fluffy fur keeps them warm and traps air, which allows them to float. "Sea Otters." They are often mistaken for beavers though. Langley, Liz. This ancient religion considered otters to be the dogs of the river or sea and had strict rules forbidding the killing of otters. Hairy-nosed otters are an endangered species found in Asia. While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, particularly if they feel threatened or cornered. Baby ones raised in captivity squeak when introduced to water for the first time. 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. 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 Amazon creatures if the need arises. They rape baby seals and hold each others pups hostage for food. 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. The aquarium has since devised a system of hand-rearing pups for the first six to eight weeksmostly for bottle feeding purposesbefore handing the pups off to female otters for raising. For example, otters have been known to kill and eat kittens, and they have also been known to attack and kill humans. Or a family or a raft. Otter Facts for Kids Furthermore, they have been observed engaging in territorial disputes over prime foraging spots, often resulting in violent confrontations. Either due to better reporting or to increased otter savagery, the numbers grew over the decades, from three in the 1980s to 13 in the 1990s to 17 in the 2000s. They are skilled hunters and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pteronura brasiliensis, 2015, doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2015-2.rlts.t18711a21938411.en, Aadrean, A., et al. That thick coat is needed because otters are the only marine mammal without a blubber layer for insulation. 1. If a male is too aggressive during the mate (which he usually is), the female will drown below the surface. 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. You keep hoping that. "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.". Although experts say otter attacks on humans are infrequent, there are a number of recorded occurrences. Bodkin, J.L. They use their front paws with a dexterity that nearly rivals humans. "The Drivers and Functions of Rock Juggling in Otters." Allison, Mari-Lisa, et al. Please enter a valid email and try again. That's right, the adorable mammals have been known to exhibit necrophilia, even with members of different species, such as baby seals. With their furry faces and charming personalities, they have captured the hearts of many. They live mainly on land that is very close to bodies of water. Otters natural habitats are regularly disrupted or destroyed due to human activities, making it harder for them to survive. Unlike other weasels, otters are semi-aquatic. They learn to swim when they are about two months old, when their mother pushes them into the water. Boyle, Steve. Keeping an eye on otters in the wild is a tricky task. In this post, well talk about why otters are evil and why they arent the cuddlers they appear to be. Uniquely Koala: 13 Weird Facts about Koalas The Koala Mom Found in cat feces, it enters waterways through runoff and flushable cat litter. - Diving into the Science! Meanest Animals in the World (Disturbing Facts) - UrduFOX Yes, the phenomenon of otters holding hands is completely true. Males, in particular, are known to take a female otters food by threatening to kill her baby. Do you think that seals are the only species that otters enjoy using? Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. They get their needed water and sustenance from eating eucalyptus leaves. Otters can hold their breath for 3-4 minutes, closing their nostrils and ears to keep out water. In addition to their unexpected ferocity when defending their territory, they also exhibit unique territorial behavior. They move clumsily on land, paddle with their hind feet and tail, and are significantly bigger than most river otters, with some males weighing as much as 100 pounds. Otters survive by hunting, and as such they live in unpolluted waters. She wraps the pup with kelp to anchor it while she hunts. River otters are frequently mistaken for sea otters. The sea otter is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, pressured by pollution, pesticides, and conflicts with fishermen who kill them for eating their fish. Email: [emailprotected]. While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, highlighting the importance of respecting these wild animals and maintaining a safe distance. Advertisement. Otters may emigrate to find food in that case. The Drivers and Functions of Rock Juggling in Otters, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Even mothers, though, have their dark sides. Here are 13 strange and terrifying facts about animals that'll send a shiver down your spine. International Otter Survival Fund. As this is a new development in biology, further research is needed to determine precisely how this species started to host the virus. If weve learned anything until this point, otters are eviler than they seem. Sea otter, dolphin, and penguin behavior: Your favorite animals are jerks. She is the author of "The Ethiopian Wolf: Hope at the Edge of Extinction. In . They also sleep wrapped in long strands of kelp like a blanket. The giant otter is an endangered species found in South America, primarily along the Amazon river and the Pantanal. Perhaps the worst (alleged) method was called scaphism, in which a person was force-fed, and covered in, milk and honey, put in a swamp,. Introduction to Otters. They like to slide off. Can Frogs Feel Happy? Otters will hold hands while they sleep and drift so that they don't separate! Otters sometimes rape baby seals. Otters - in particular, the sea variety - need to consume huge amounts of food to keep active. A river otter has a long, stream-lined body, short legs, and webbed feet. These furry creatures eat meat, such as fish,frogs, birds, and even mammals. It underscores the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wild animals and avoiding contact with their feces or bodily fluids, which can harbor disease-causing pathogens. 1 The only places without endemic otters are Australia and Antarctica. But few species are violent in quite as disturbing a way as the otter. Their furry coats, innocent eyes, and tiny paws make them adorable little creatures. "Asian Short-Clawed Otter." Some otters hold the female's heads underwater during intercourse to force submission. A male river otter, by comparison, would not exceed 30 pounds. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. 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. Only the North American River Otter has been classified as having a stable population . Giant otters average a weight of around 75 pounds but some have been noticed to be over six feet long. Among the most notable calls: a "hum gradation" used to tell otters to change directions and a "Hah!" This law is enforced by the U.S. This frog will kill you with a single touch. Otters prefer water bordered by woods and with wetlands, such as marshes, nearby. 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. They mark their territory with scent glands located near their tails, communicating ownership and boundaries to other otters. Lets end this on a somewhat less disturbing note! 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. "The Fantastic Fur of Sea Otters." 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. Here are 13 weird or interesting facts about koalas to make you love them even more. 42 Horrifying Human Body Facts We Wish We Never Learned 2. A cat parasite called toxoplasmosis also poses a threat to these creatures. Source: 14 Fascinating, Super-Disturbing Facts About The Human Body. The overall effect isn't that large, but every bit helps, and otters deserve some credit for chipping in. Forced interspecies sex. They eat mostly aquatic organisms such as frogs, fish, turtles, insects, and some small mammals. Wild Explained is the go-to source for all things related to wildlife. As it turns out, otters can be quite evil. Once in the water, the sea otter gripped the harbor seals head with its forepaws and repeatedly bit it on the nose, causing a deep laceration. Fish and Wildlife Service and is currently in place to promote recovery efforts across all states in the United States. As a result, if you ever find yourself in proximity to an otter (river or sea), back off. A mother will often wrap the babies in kelp to keep them in one place while she hunts. Even if you find them otherwise adorable, otters' mating habits will no doubt make your stomach turn. The latter is the most common term for a group of otters on land. Ten months later, this same male was observed with the carcass of another female sea otter. Interestingly, otters dont get sick when they have the flu. "Hairy Nosed Otter." It's been reported in primates like orangutans and chimpanzees, bottlenose. With their furry faces and charming personalities, they have captured the hearts of many. Otters have webbed feet and claws - for swimming underwater. Description of the River Otter. Baby otters usually are called pups. 15 Fascinating Facts About Otters Read our about page! There are 13 species in total, ranging from the small-clawed otter to the giant otter. Oops. Related Article:Giant Otters Used to Be Fearsome Hunters in Ancient China. Male otters, known as dogs, have been observed biting the females nose during copulation to keep her in place. Wildlife managers must consider not only the direct impact of otter populations on ecosystems but also the indirect consequences of disease spread. 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. Approximately that brutal. Their droppings are known as spraints and can be identified by an odour that is said to range from musky mown hay to jasmine tea to rotting fish. Despite spending most of their time in the water, #4 Otters Will Force Themselves on Other Animals.
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