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Otters
Otters are semi-aquatic fish-eating mammals with a thick fur to keep them warm in cold water. Ask questions about these playful animals here.
899 Questions
They can be hunted for several reasons.
Most commonly, they have been hunted for their fur. In fact, Sea otters have become endangered for this reason. With over 100,000 hairs per square inch, Sea otters have the densest fur of any mammal. Other otters also have water-resistant fur that, in some species, is very soft.
They have also been hunted as vermin. Until the 20th century, the only British otter species (the Eurasian river otter Lutra lutra) was persecuted by gamekeepers because it ate fish. This, as well as pollution, led to a decline in otter populations and the British otter is now protected by law.
In some cultures they are hunted for food. For example, their flesh was not considered meat in some parts of medieval Europe, and the Church ruled it could be eaten on Lent.
Otters are also hunted as trophies and for sport, although they are not a primary target of this type of hunting.
What is some cool stuff about river otters?
The River Otter has many vital adaptations that help them survive in some extreme environments. One of the major differences in the River Otter, and other land mammals of a similar size and weight, is the River Otter has a metabolic rate that is 50% higher, which helps them produce extra body heat, this helps them maintain their body temperature in the worst of the cold water, and weather they face on a regular basis. Also their coat is a combination of two different types of fur, an outer layer of "guard hairs", designed to protect the short dense second layer of fur, called the "under, or inner" coat. This double layer system insulates the River Otter from the cold weather, and helps them to float, and shed water. The nostrils are on the top of the nose, making it possible to breathe, while the body of the otter remains completely under water, another way to stay warm in an inhospitable environment. But they are also wonderfully adapted to diving, and the River Otter automatically closes his nostrils when he dives. The whiskers are highly sensitive, picking up vibrations in the water, aiding hunting under water. The four webbed feet help with forward thrust during swimming. While the River Otter uses two styles of swimming, a dog paddle style for slower cruising, or floating on the surface of the water, and especially when they are coming up for air. But when they are sprinting, or in a high speed chase or dive, their whole body is used in an undulating motion, and the rear webbed feet are used more for steering the sharp twists and turns, they are so well known for. Also the River Otter is physically designed, to accommodate more land travel than other Otters. They can even run at surprising speeds, around 29 miles per hour over land, due to the considerable distances they may have to travel to find new territories. Plus the River Otter has scent glands used to mark the territory they patrol, and it's been adapted into a defensive weapon of sorts. They will use these "permeable scent glands" much as skunks do. For more details, please see the sites listed below.
How do sea otters use their energy?
A sea otter does not get energy directly from the sun the it gets energy from the plants it eats which obtain energy from the sun, so it depends on how you look at it. for the most part though , yes it does.
Why are sea otters in a critical situation when they encounter oil spills?
Sea otters have very thick coats, they constantly groom themselves to keep it in tip top condition, so that air can get trapped between each strand. It is the trapped air which helps them keep warm. If their coat gets clogged with oil, air can no longer get trapped, which causes an otter to get cold very quickly. When this happens, otters will die from hypothermia. Also because they spend so much time grooming their fur, they swallow the oil, causing damage to their internal organs. This makes them very sick and unable to feed, sadly, starvation is quick to follow.
No. Dolphins are under a group called Cetaceans (whales). Pinnipeds are an aquatic group under dog-like carnivores. Pinnipeds include animals like seals, sea lions, and walruses.
How do Sea Otters travel - in packs pairs or individually?
They sometimes live in a big grup or just with a couple more otters with them.The only time they would be alone is when some one hunts them because even at zoos they are not alone.
the giant river otter eats mainly fish. but also eat crabs, caimans, snakes, frogs, bird eggs, and molluscs
What is the name of the place that an otter lives?
Otters live near rivers, springs, streams, lakes, and some in the sea. There are twelve species of otters with an almost worldwide distribution.
Why are many cities near rivers and oceans?
its because long ago, the main transprotation was through water, and cities were built where they could be acsessable
Yes, sea otters have horns. Sea otters are in the same family as cattle and grow horns. However, sea otters grow only very small horn, sometimes mistaken as "ears."
Why do sea otters always carry a stone with them?
They use it to break open the shells of shellfish - their staple diet. When they find a scallop or oyster, they float on their backs with the food on their stomach. They then pound the shell with the stone to break it open - so they can get at the soft-bodied animal inside.
What animals are in the Mustelidae family?
The family Mustelidae (55 species in 24 genera) is a diverse family, the largest and probably the oldest extant (living) family in the order Carnivora, there are different subgroups within the major group . Weasels include weasels, mink, ferrets, stoats and polecats; martens include martens and fishers; badgers include badgers and wolverine; and otters include sea otters and river otters.
What aer the river otters predator?
baby otters are eaten by owls foxes and alligators. People also kill them for their pelts
What are the similarities between an otter and a beaver?
there are many ways... alike- nocturnal, semi aquatic, webbed feet,... and more different-otters-spray,carnivors,furry tails,... beavers- flat tail, herbivors,dont spray
How do kelp beds help sea otters?
Sea otters tangle themselves up in the kelp, while they sleep, so they do not float away
One marine mammal breaks open shellfish by floating on their back and hitting the shellfish with a stone, the Sea Otter.
