Sea otters live in large colonies, but river otters tend to stay in small family groups. The Onion once ran a wonderful headline: “Black lab has best day of his life for 862nd day in a row.” You could easily apply that to river otters. While sea otters use their two webbed hind feet and tail to propel them through the water, the four webbed feet of river otters are what enable them to swim efficiently. While sea and river otters are deemed federally illegal due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Asian small-clawed otters are not covered by the same level of protection. Although similar looking, river otters tend to be skinnier and less furry than their sea otter cousins, and spend much of their time running around on land as well as in the water. Today I saw two large river otters make their way past my house down the rock stairs, across the lawn and disappear into the raging creek at the bottom of our property. We have been seeing them (or one of them, can’t be sure) on the shore of Seneca Lake, of the Finger Lakes, New York. It’s without a doubt that otters are some of the most adorable mammals to ever grace the planet. He’s trying to climb up the pipe!”. I tried to explain that they were just gulls, and that the term "seagull" was invented to apply to those gull species that frequented the sea … you see? They’re even known to wrap their babies in kelp to keep them safe and warm while they’re off hunting, and as the Marine Mammal Center describes, these pups end up bobbing up and down on the surface of the ocean like little corks! Here’s the little guy at the culvert, just after his three siblings have disappeared into it: Your writing style is engaging and entertaining. Otters vs Beavers. They hung around for about 5 minutes and then swam off. This morning, for example. Text STOP to 69866 to stop receiving messages. It can defend itself against opponents without getting any wounds. We work with parks and museums and science centres and aquariums, to help them plan and produce their programs and exhibits. On average, river otters have two to three pups per litter with the pups going off on their own after about six months to a year. In this part of the world, sea otters are found on the west side of Vancouver Island, never here in the Strait of Georgia. My name is Don Enright. For a change. I got out my camera and started getting some video. River otters: Dark brown. Long and sleek, it has short legs, webbed feet, and a long tapered tail. General description: The otter is perfectly suited for an aquatic life. An otter is any of the 13 living species of semiaquatic or aquatic mammals. Required fields are marked *. We have river otters in front of our place and they are such fun to watch, but why do they have to poop on land? The oldest recorded otter reached around 12 years of age, but this is exceptional. I usually see them in beaver ponds, and they are found fishing several miles out in the ocean. Nice write up Don! Anyway. When it comes to distinguishing between river otters and sea otters…well, what is the difference, anyway? I’m so glad you enjoyed the article. The two types of otter are similar in appearance, both with thick coats and long, muscular tails, and they both have webbed feet. I've seen this with neotropical river otters and giant otters as well, not just our North American variety. With the help of donors like you, Ocean Conservancy is developing solutions to save our ocean. Like the other mustelids, river otters have long slender bodies with short legs. If you look closely at river otters, you’ll notice that they have short, coarse fur made up of two layers: one for keeping them warm, and another ‘waterproof’ one outside of that. Msg & data rates may apply. Like most wildlife, otters may be hostile when confronted. Adult otters measure 35 to 55 inches in length, about one-third of which is tail. If you spot an otter in the Chesapeake Bay, it’s a river otter, whereas if you spot one in Monterey Bay (especially in the water), the chances are high that it’s a sea otter. So when I’m out for a walk, just minding my own business enjoying the fall colours, and something fantastic happens, I tend to kick into explainer mode. Additionally, sea otters spend the vast majority of their lives in the water, while river otters spend most of theirs on land, venturing into the water for tasks like hunting for food and traveling. Sea otters’ have the densest fur in the entire animal kingdom with up to one million hairs covering each square inch of their body. Thank you, it really was an amazing experience and I will definitely be back to see you guys and the Otters! The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Thanks Don – great blog. Mobile alerts from Ocean Conservancy. These are river otters. http://stanleyparkecology.ca/ai1ec_event/water-loving-otters-beavers-2/?instance_id=632. Eventually, four of them swam off down the shore, and a few minutes later, Tom and I saw a bunch of people gathered at the edge of the sea wall, clearly interested in something. The ears appear large on its small flattened head. The semi-aquatic river otter spends about 75% of its time on land and 25% in the water. The German word for otter is "fischotter" which is a much more sensible name than "river otter." Your email address will not be published. Long, serpentine tail. Otters can be found in streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Also found along the west coast of Scotland. Make a note of that snorting. Everyone who sees them on the lakeshore thinks they are irresistible. I never sell or share my lists. Finally, river otters can dive to around 60 feet deep, whereas sea otters, remarkably, can dive to several hundred feet to forage for food. Otters can transmit rabies to humans and pets. Sea otters rarely venture on land, where their movements are awkward and clumsy. They go wherever the fish are: ponds, lakes, rivers, lagoons, and right into the ocean whenever they want. Sea otters are not nearly so versatile. Otter fur is a rich, dark brown and is lighter on the … Many people don’t know the difference between sea otters and river otters — but, with a little info, you’ll be able to tell right away. I’m a freelance interpretive planner and visitor experience advisor: I work collaboratively with parks, historic sites, museums, aquariums and other organizations to help bring their stories to life. Short tail. River otters live near rivers and other sources of fresh water. If you travel further north to areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 100 pounds! All otters have webbed feet to help propel them through the water, and most species have sharp claws. The late great Nyac, a survivor of the Exxon Valdez. Whether you’re sailing the coast of the Pacific Northwest or hiking the riverbanks of West Virginia, you now have the tools to tell the difference between river otters and sea otters. Tracks are usually at least 2cm wide (wider than your thumbprint). But instead, I held back and listened to the conversation, thinking back to ten years ago or so when I first saw river otters in the ocean. Sleek fur and skinny profile. Female otters in the California region can weigh up to 60 pounds, while males can weigh up to 90 pounds. There they were: our four young otters were at a drainage culvert, which they had discovered could be used to provide safe passage under the seawall, upward, under the road and into the forest. It is illegal to have an otter in most states. (and it isn’t going all that great at the moment, apparently), http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/calgary-zoo-celebrates-birth-of-otter-pups-1.1759310, http://stanleyparkecology.ca/ai1ec_event/water-loving-otters-beavers-2/?instance_id=632. However, we noticed a conundrum that many readers seem to get themselves into. I am going to compare Otter vs Muskrat vs Beaver, There is misunderstanding in people, they call them with same name because they looks same in appearance. Please try The fisher, tayra and martens are partially arboreal, while badgers are fossorial.A number of mustelids have aquatic lifestyles, ranging from semiaquatic minks and river otters to the fully aquatic sea otter.The sea otter is one of the few non-primate mammals known to use a tool while foraging. We wonder how he or they survive, what they live on, etc. We know it can get otterly confusing to differentiate the species, so here are five ways to tell them apart! Sea otters: Dark brown with a much lighter head. While members of both otter subtypes love to swim, the swimming behaviors they engage in are quite distinct. River otters will achieve maturity between the ages of two and three, while female sea otters mature between ages three and five, and males even later between ages five and seven. The last little guy of the group was having a heck of a time getting into the culvert and was starting to get pretty stressed about being left behind by his siblings. River otters keep their young safe by their side and in dens that they build on riverbanks, while sea otter moms typically keep their pups nestled on their stomachs as they float until they are old enough to swim on their own. I was just at dogbeach at Vanier Park and 5 “river otters” swam by, stopped to watch the idiot labradors, inluding mine, chasing balls. Ocean Conservancy is a 501(c)3 – Tax ID #23-7245152 – Donations are 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law. Factors t… They do not fall under the same laws … They have enormous back flippers, and often swim on their backs with their big flippers sticking out of the water. The video is excellent, too. One thing many people don’t realize is just how much larger sea otters are compared to river otters. – but our river systems still require extensive habitat management to restore them to a healthy level that can sustain fish stocks and wildlife. Reports now state that otters inhabit every county in the UK – great news for the otter! The fur is a rich brown, moderately short, and very dense. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). Both types of otters need their coats to form a layer of insulation that traps air to keep them warm, and they certainly need it when areas like the Pacific dip to chilly temperatures that are often between 35° and 60° (and even lower than that as you move up the coast toward Alaska and Canada)! The most significant problem they cause is consumption of fish. Terms and Conditions. First, sea otters are two to three times the size of river otters — and, when at the water’s surface, they float on their backs, while river otters swim belly down like most animals. One of the rituals that river otters are known for is something called the "otter poop dance." Otters have more of a curved form in the water, with most of the body and tail riding just beneath the surface. Otter spraints are messy smudges with a distinct, not unpleasant smell, and contain bones and fish scale remains. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I'll share a video below, you can also find several on Youtube. Read More about “What is interpretive planning?”…. We’re dedicated to working with indigenous communities, legislators, scientists and people like you to advocate for science-based solutions to protect this fragile ecosystem. I write about interpretation and visitor experience. They are 95% aquatic and spend pretty much their entire lives in kelp beds just off the sea shore a kilometre or two. Sea Otter vs Beaver: Fight Comparison (Beaver vs Otter) If we compare a beaver with an otter, the beaver is largest and has sharp teeth and more mass that will help to attack its opponent. I’m a compulsive explainer. Thanks! Females are about 25 percent smaller than males. So glad you shared your otter escapade! River otters as a whole look quite similar to weasels. As I filmed, I listened to the people’s reactions: “Oh look! Fluffy fur and husky profile. Both otters have their own adorable way of caring for their young and making them feel at home, too. River otters: Dark brown. The pests can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh up to 30 pounds. There is still hope that one day humans and Otters will be able to live in harmony. If your community has stocked triploid grass carp, otters may remove them from the pond. I will google it ;). again or contact 1.888.780.6763. River Otter (Lutra canadensis) Description The otter is the largest member of the weasel family (Mustelidae) found in South Carolina. The face is broad, and the eyes protrude slightly. Run easily on land. I've not found any … This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Sea otters are twice the size of river otters, and are never far from the ocean. Their tails are short and not as muscular as river otters. I was rooting so hard for that little guy. If an otter feels threatened, its heavy, muscular body and sharp claws are enough to overpower pets and small children. Otters and Humans Relationship. Man, they know how to have fun. Don't know if you know or not but Calgary has had a pair born. more Meet a man whose roommates are a pair of river otters. Many residents regard otters as desirable animals because of … During the winter, they may leave ponds and lakes that freeze over for the open water of rivers and streams. Yet they are vastly different animals, and even come from different orders. But river otters never got the memo about being river otters. Do Otters are land animals? Are Otters Dangerous to Humans? Learn how your comment data is processed. That’s a sea otter, yo. The otter has a long cylindrical body with a powerful tail, making it ideal for life in the water. Fluffy fur and husky profile. The … Love sea otters? Have I mentioned how much I love otters? Each is playful, curious and depends on water for it's food source. I LOVED IT AND SO DID MY 8 yr-old BROTHER!!! That physique lends itself to a kind of slinky-like locomotion on land, and you can see a brief clip of it here. Big, black, triangular “teddy bear” nose. Sea otters are mainly native to the northeastern seaboards of the Pacific Ocean, so they aren’t spotted in areas like the East Coast or the Gulf of Mexico. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. For that to occur though humans need to accept responsibility for what they have done over the course of time. I really enjoyed this. Very often swim on their backs. Sea otters aren’t only heftier than river otters—their fur is also quite distinguishable. An otter is muscular, streamlined and solidly built. Love your writing style. Are both types of otters in the same family? And 14 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 lb ) n't know if you further. Pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped except those that frequent bays… know... The river otter is a member of the Exxon Valdez we wonder how he or they survive, what the. 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Rituals that river otters also reach sexual maturity earlier and are typically able to live in large colonies but... Save our ocean faces many threats like the other mustelids, river otters have toes! Uses `` anvil '' stones to crack open the shellfish that form a significant of. Salt water and rarely go on land, and long sensitive whiskers to help them plan produce... For what they have done over the course of time by a thick, water-repellent coat of.. Tapered, thickest where it joins the body and tail riding just beneath the surface and tail riding beneath! Jelly ( Photo: K. McDonald ) river otters is something called the `` poop... If your community has stocked triploid grass carp, otters may remove them from the ocean they. Too, assumed that sea + otter = sea otter. sticking out of water. Food source pets or humans so DID my 8 yr-old BROTHER!!!!!!. They survive, what is the largest member of the rituals that river otters also sea otter vs river otter maturity!
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