disturbing facts about otters disturbing facts about otters

They juggle rocks. Otter "holts" are small underground dens where otters escape danger, take shelter, or raise their young. In the downtime, though, otters love to play and will often build themselves slides along the banks of rivers. 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. Otters have many long, stiff sensitive hairs ('vibrassae') that frame the snout: these help the otter to locate prey. There are so many cool facts about otters that it's no small wonder they've become a bit of an internet sensation. 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. Not so cute anymore, are they? Support our mission and help keep Vox free for all by making a financial contribution to Vox today. Even mothers, though, have their dark sides. However, the most jarring fact about that is that they dont care whether the animal is alive or not. This combination allows them to have greater nimbleness when foraging. Otters natural habitats are regularly disrupted or destroyed due to human activities, making it harder for them to survive. The similarities between otters and . "River Otters Take Party Pooping to A New Level." Most otter species come ashore to give birth in dens, which sometimes have been used by other animals such as beavers. Despite their innocent appearance, these animals are known for doing pretty disturbing stuff. 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. I've discovered it improves your ability to focus, it's more calming, you retain more information, and it gives you a more balanced and nuanced view of the world." #16. 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.". "Why are otters playful?" Additionally, they can host parasites such as lungworms, which can infect domestic dogs and lead to respiratory issues. Some otters even die after intercourse from trauma. There are two layers of furan undercoat and then longer hairs that we can see. A varied diet It's no surprise that otters love fish, but they're also partial to amphibians, turtles and crayfish. In detail, the male otter will bite down the female otters nose as the ritual begins causing physical injuries. River otters dont breed until theyre at least five years old. However, there are three species of otter that have blunt claws or none at all. 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. Zoroastrians would also hold ceremonies for otters found dead in the wild. 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. They are the Asian small-clawed otter, African clawless otter, and Congo clawless otter. Male otters have developed a bad habit of humping and fatally wounding baby seals in their desperation to mate, sometimes continuing to have sex with the seals up to a week after killing them.. In some cases, otters may consume invasive species that are harmful to the ecosystem, potentially benefiting the fishing industry in the long run. River otters have webbing between their toes to aid them as well. Facts about River Otters talk about an animal, which can be found on the coasts or waterways of North America. Otters can have up to one million hairs per square inch. These otters seem to love peat swamp forests, especially those with Melaleuca, the swamp tea-tree. Others, like the marine otters of South America, have had their numbers reduced because of poaching, as well as environmental concerns. At 105 min into the encounter, the sea otter released the pup, now dead, and began grooming.You read that correctly. Occasionally an otter must grab on to a rock or some kelp to remain submerged while swimming. Scientists Pinpoint Parasite Strain, Weird and Fascinating Ways Animals Use Poop, River Otters Take Party Pooping to A New Level, A Keystone Species, The Sea Otter, Colonizes Glacier Bay, Energy Demands of Raising a Pup Push Sea Otter Moms to the Limit. Poaching for their velvet-like fur caused significant population declines. A trapping license and open season are required to trap river otters. Are female otters the only species that males try to copulate with? In California's Monterey Bay, where scientists observed otters trying to copulate with the week-old bodies of dead baby seals, there are far more male otters than females. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. Keeping an eye on otters in the wild is a tricky task. Oh, sure they do. Sometimes, they will also force the females head underwater. "North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis): A Technical Conservation Assessment." 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. UC Davis, 2019. Community outreach can also be an invaluable resource when it comes to engaging people around meaningful conversation efforts for threatened species like otters. A version of this story originally ran in 2015. However, theres more to these aquatic mammals than meets the eye. In such cases, medical attention is necessary to prevent infection and ensure proper wound healing. They also force sex with other species. 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. Each week, we explore unique solutions to some of the world's biggest problems. Their furry coats, innocent eyes, and tiny paws make them adorable little creatures. Also Read:Smart Animals: Sea Otters Used Tools Even Before Dolphins and Humans Did, Study Says. "Sea Otter Society: The Single Moms' Club." They communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations, including whistles, growls, and chirps. Absolutely, many gentle mammals are carnivores including your pet cat! Sea otters, by contrast, nearly went extinct due to aggressive pelt hunting in the early part of the 20th century. One of the most disturbing facts about otters is their status on the endangered species act list. The aquarium staff had previously tried raising pups themselves but found that hand-raised otters became too attached to humans to be released back into the wild. By submitting your email, you agree to our, The case against otters: necrophiliac, serial-killing fur monsters of the sea, The secret delegate battle that will decide the 2024 Republican nominee, The Dark Brandonmeme and why the Biden campaign has embraced it explained. They provide full-time care for their babies for six to eight months, until the babies can survive independently. Otters have long been admired for their playful antics and endearing appearance. Concealed beneath those button noses and fluffy fur lies a creature with some really frightening mating habits. River otters are common and of "least concern" in California, but are threatened or endangered in some other states . Though most live in freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the sea otter and the smaller marine otter are found in the Pacific Ocean. Without sea otters, the urchin population booms and destroys the kelp forest habitat. This ancient religion considered otters to be the dogs of the river or sea and had strict rules forbidding the killing of otters. 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. Mothers spend up to 14 hours per day foraging to support a pup's intense nutrition needs. A mother will often wrap the babies in kelp to keep them in one place while she hunts. There is no conclusive evidence as to why they do this. Lets end this on a somewhat less disturbing note! Forced sex. After raping a baby seal to death, this psycho licked his paws, like Hannibal Lecter or something. This territorial marking is essential for maintaining the social hierarchy within their group and preventing conflicts with other otters. Average Life Span In The Wild: 8 to 9 years. 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. These furry creatures eat meat, such as fish, frogs, birds, and even mammals. While rare, injuries to humans caused by them can occur, highlighting the importance of respecting these wild animals and maintaining a safe distance. Such disputes can lead to significant injuries or even death for the individuals involved. 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. 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. 6 Reasons Why Otters Are Evil #1 Otters are Voracious Carnivores This may not surprise those who know the animal well, but it's important to note that otters are carnivores. A new discovery raises a mystery. Yes, youve read that right. This ancient marvel rivaled Romes intricate network of roads, For some long COVID patients, exercise is bad medicine, Radioactive dogs? In Bangladesh, otters help fisherman maximize their haul. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Female otters have a disproportionately higher mortality rate than males, and experts attribute this to their gruesome mating ritual. Otters have big appetites to account for the great conditions they face. 2023 NatureWorldNews.com All rights reserved. Young and old otters most often juggle rocks. Sampling along the coast of Washington State found more than 70 percent of otters there tested positive for H1N1. Sea otters are generally violent and aggressive when mating. Their nostrils and ears close to keep water out, and waterproof fur keeps them warm. sea otters, Disturbing facts. Facing a lack of female partners, male otters may be engaging in what researchers call "misdirected sexual activity." 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. 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. 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. Otters impact on fisheries is a contentious issue that has led to tensions between conservationists and fishing communities. They use their front paws with a dexterity that nearly rivals humans. They also love to play. newsletter, the fight against catastrophic climate change. Otter groups are called a family, bevy, lodge, or a romp. The giant otter is an endangered species found in South America, primarily along the Amazon river and the Pantanal. As a result of their rapid decline, many countries have enacted laws and regulations to protect sea otters. All. Wildlife managers must consider not only the direct impact of otter populations on ecosystems but also the indirect consequences of disease spread. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and 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. Inside South Africas skeleton trade. They mark their territory with scent glands located near their tails, communicating ownership and boundaries to other otters. 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. Who buys lion bones? For example, they may harbor bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, a disease that can cause severe illness in both animals and humans. As the sea otter thrust his pelvis, his penis was extruded and intromission was observed. The kelp acts like an anchor and prevents them from floating out to the open ocean. Playfulness does disappear, though, when food is scarce. However, there's more to these aquatic mammals than meets the eye. Humans are the main predator of Otters due to hunting for their pelts. European otters must eat 15% of their body weight each day, and sea otters 20 to 25%, depending on the temperature. Tags During which time otters have adapted to live both on land and in water. It's been reported in primates like orangutans and chimpanzees, bottlenose dolphins, and ducks, among many other species. Numerous threats to otters exist and primarily include pollution, habitat destruction, overfishing, and poaching. They live mainly on land that is very close to bodies of water. 5. 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. Giant otters average a weight of around 75 pounds but some have been noticed to be over six feet long. Thirteen otter species slide down riverbanks, juggle rocks, and float on their backs in watersheds on five continents. Furthermore, they are also threatened by poaching and overfishing. They then leave droppings called spraints, which refer to a single bowel evacuation and that researchers describe as smelling like violets. Boyle, Steve.