They eat 15% of their body weight a day. Finally, river otters can dive to around 60 feet deep, whereas sea otters, remarkably, can dive to several hundred feet to forage for food. Sea otters often float at the water's surface in forests of kelp, or giant seaweed, and entangle themselves to keep from moving in the rolling sea. difference between sea otter and penguin. Graduating Southern Oregon University with a BFA in Theatre and a specialization in creative writing, I have an invested interest in a variety of topics, particularly Pacific Northwest history. But the general idea is the same: if the otter isnt floating in the ocean, its most likely a river otter, and vice versa! (36kg) and over 5 ft. (1.5M) in length.. Given their preferred habitats, this is only natural, though there are some dietary overlaps between sea otters and saltwater river otters. For example, sea lions are sometimes believed to be seals, but that is not the case. Sea otters have the densest fur in the entire animal kingdom with up to one million hairs covering each square inch of their body. To meet the wonderful sloths that call SeaQuest home, book your visit today at any of the following locations: Utah, Las Vegas, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Sacramento, Minneapolis, Connecticut, Lynchburg, New Jersey, and Atlanta. difference between sea otter and penguinhazbin hotel cherri bomb removed. Otters spend the vast majority of their time in the water, and they even sleep in the water. While both species enjoy the company of many otters, sea otters form powerful partnerships with their chosen mate. 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. Their familial units are very strong, while river otters tend to lead solitary lives. Have a question? Together, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. Ground squirrels, hyenas, and lions may eat infants of their own species just for a snack. The Mustelidae family is very unique and encompasses about 70 different species of animals including otters, wolverines, badgers, and more. Another interesting tidbit about penguins is that 15,000 years ago, they were actually able to tolerate a warming climate. What sea otters, dolphins, and penguins sometimes do to one another in their attempts to mate can make us feel queasy, but this is just one sort of animal behaviors that have been unsettling us since the Victorian era. River otters weigh between 11 and 31 pounds. The dark side of superficially cute animals is a part of their nature that reminds us that the wild does not exist for our entertainment and whimsy. While sea otters are found in the sea, Asian small-clawed otters are found in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps. I'm a freelance writer with 8 years of experience. They can grow up to 4 feet and weigh up to 70 pounds. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. Vote below. The dark sides of otters, dolphins, and penguins are just as much a part of their nature as the parts we find so squee-inducingly adorable. However, sea otters are only found in salt water and very rarely make their way onto land. River otters and sea otters also have habitat preferences in these unique ecosystems. Darwin knew this well. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The largest sea otters can weigh up to one hundred pounds, but river otters are much smaller. Or at least Im going to tarnish their reputation as some of the most charming little beasties in the seas. . Southern sea otters are considered an endangered species, while Asian small-clawed otters are vulnerable. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. If you spot an otter in the Chesapeake Bay, its a river otter, whereas if you spot one in Monterey Bay (especially in the water), the chances are high that its a sea otter. Sea otters are hardly the only marine animals to behave in ways that make us cringe. Heres a list of 9 ways that sea otters and river otters are different from one another. If youre on a river in the middle of the North American continent, far away from any seaboard: its a river otter. The Northern sea otter and the Southern sea otter, but in actuality, this is the one and only species of otter that is a lifelong ocean-dweller. Both species face threats of pollution, habitat loss, and reduced food sources. According to the IUCN, this can make it hard for otters to meet their high metabolic needs, leading to malnutrition or starvation.. Given our ability to reason, we have the unique ability to decide the right and wrong of what we do. They are mostly solitary but come together in groups to mate. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site by Thrive Web Designs, Otters are one of the most fascinating and charismatic marine mammal species. River otters also reach sexual maturity earlier and are typically able to reproduce sooner than sea otters. The sentiments about proper human behavior were impressed upon the penguins, and vice versa. In addition to the difference in fur, river otters and sea otters have other differences in appearance. But this should not be so. Dolphins have tried to force themselves on human swimmers, a prospect made all the more terrifying by the fact that they have prehensile penises. From behavior and habitat to offspring and appearance, this article will detail the differences between these two otters. Previously, Brian Switek has written about mammoth end-times, and how feathery, fluffy dinosaurs killed the brontosaurus. Male sea otters can weigh up to 99 pounds, while female sea otters typically weigh around 44 pounds. (In the concluding paragraphs of On the Origin of Species, he observed that this view of life contains grandeur and horror alike.) Enter your email and never miss an update. Since southern sea otters are found in cooler waters, its important for their fur to be able to insulate them from the weather. For example, the seal and otter are two animals that have a lot in common and are often confused for one another. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Seals are marine mammals in the Phocidae family. Both seals and otters can vary a great deal in their sizes owing to their various species. If you look closely at river otters, youll notice that they have short, coarse fur made up of two layers: one for keeping them warm, and another waterproof one outside of that. It lives with its family for about a year. One naturalist was so thoroughly disgusted with the sexual behaviors of Adlie penguins that his observations were hidden from view for almost a century. The identity of a pair of repeat offenders held a clue. Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup, Trash Free Seas, Trash Free Seas Alliance, Global Ghost Gear Initiative, Urban Ocean and Clean Swell are registered trademarks of Ocean Conservancy. One of the main differences between a river otter vs sea otter is their species or genus classification. They are also known as fin-footed mammals. In fact, the largest members of the seal species make otters look quite tiny. They consume around 10 lbs of food per day. The webbed feet of a sea otter. In addition to the sea otter being significantly bigger than the river otter, they also have different mating and parenting habits. Protect the Arctic from Future Oil Spills. This is especially problematic in Monterey Bay, where there are more male sea otters than females. River otters build dens on the riverbanks and care for their young there. They average around 2 feet in length and weigh around 10 pounds. They are both weasel family members, as evident by their long, slender bodies. The largest river otters weigh in at around thirty pounds. Their unique bodies make it easy to tell the creatures apart. Considered a cousin of the weasel, otters are known for their elongated bodies, webbed feet, and playful antics, particularly their love of sliding down rocks, banks, or waterfalls. It may seem obvious, but the best way to tell if youre looking at a river otter or a sea otter is just paying attention to the body of water youre observing! The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest of all otters, measuring 65 to 94 cm (26-37 in.) True seals use blubber deposits under their skin to keep themselves warm when theyre in the water, which is quite often. 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. Considered a cousin of the weasel, otters are known for their elongated bodies, webbed feet, and playful antics, particularly their love of sliding down rocks, banks, or waterfalls. and weighing just 1 to 5 kg (2.2-11 lbs.). Taxonomically speaking, river otters and sea otters are different genera. Greetings From the Vortex of Unpredictability, rapidly devours all the other unborn sharks, feathery, fluffy dinosaurs killed the brontosaurus. If they cant keep them on their stomachs for some reason like if they are hunting, scientists have witnessed sea otters wrapping their young in kelp to keep them afloat while the mothers seek food. Delivered in the scientific deadpan required of such papers, the Aquatic Mammals report attributes the incidents to three male sea otters observed harassing, dragging, guarding, and copulating with harbor seals, persisting for up to seven days after the otters killed the objects of their misguided advances. Male sea otters compete with one another for mates. The former can reach up to 5.6 mph (9 kph) underwater, while the latter, in North America, has a maximum speed of 8.7 mph (14 kph). Ocean Conservancy is working with you to protect the ocean from todays greatest global challenges. Their slow, quiet and sudden way. They are not very graceful on land because of their flippers, but they manage to move very well in the water. Members of Phocidae are known as earless seals or true seals. Sea otters are generally diurnal. Seals themselves have been observed to cause similar kinds of trauma when groups of males mob females. They weigh between 45kg to 3,200kg. Sure, dolphins may now and then help fishermen looking to snag fish, but dolphins intelligence and social complexity have endowed them with a suite of behaviors that make them seem less adorable than their carefully-groomed theme park images suggest. The average lifespan of a sea otter is twelve to fifteen years in the wild, but the average lifespan of a river otter is only nine to twelve years. Dolphins kill other marine mammals and fish just for fun and commit infanticide. 2022 Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA. Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide. The sea otter does, however, have a shorter tail than the river otter. 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. Why are these male sea otters killing seals? I graduated from Rowan University in 2014 with degrees in English and Education. Habitat loss, water pollution, deforestation, and hunting threaten their survival. Theyre even known to wrap their babies in kelp to keep them safe and warm while theyre 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! WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Today, were in round two of the Sweet Sixteen, and the winners of our Fins and Flippers division are going head to head. When I'm not writing personally or professionally, you can find me camping along the Oregon coast with my high school sweetheart and Chihuahua mix, or in my home kitchen, perfecting recipes in a gleaming cast iron skillet. Otters and seals share many things such as they are both mammals and have the same physical appearance although they are different from each other. They have a very thick layer of fur on their bodies that enables them to keep themselves warm during the cold season. Now, however, its differentthere is too little sea ice, which is impacting the food supply. This makes people think that it is the same animal. They are commonly known as pinnipeds. Slate is published by The Slate Group, a Graham Holdings Company. Seals belong to Phocidae, and otters belong to the Mustelidae, so they are not even close to being related. Sea otters are larger This only gets creepier given the recent suggestion that dolphins actually have names that they call one another. They include; walrus, eared seals, sea lions, fur seals, and earless seals. While both animals are classified as otters, river otters are members of the Lontra genus, and sea otters are members of the Enhydra genus. Decreasing sea ice cover is preventing Emperor penguins from finding food and sheltering their babies. Otter belongs to the Mustelidae family while the seal belongs to the Phocidae family. The key differences between seals and otters are size, family, and their method of thermoregulation. Their fur is made up of a dense underfur, ranging in color from brown to black, and longer guard hairs. If you travel further north to areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 100 pounds! This makes them very different animals, especially when you consider the fact that sea otters are the only members of their genus. River otters also can often be found on the banks of the river. For as cute as they are while intertwining paws at an aquarium, frolicking among the wafting fronds of California kelp forests, or smashing sea urchins open with stones, some sea otters have developed the disturbing habit of humping and drowning baby seals. This is an important distinction to make, as sea otters are especially clumsy when they get on land! There are a few exceptions: The Galpagos fur seal and the Monk seal are both now have an Endangered status. Ocean Conservancy is a 501(c)3 Tax ID #23-7245152 Donations are 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law. Your Generous Gift Will Help Us Continue To Protect Our Ocean And Its Wildlife. In addition, sea otters tend to live in small to large familial groups, but river otters, especially males, are more territorial, and while they will be social, they prefer solitary lives or in small family groups. RETWEET for Penguin or FAVE for Sea Otter #CPMarchSadness http://t.co/lzQh1SAaxZ pic.twitter.com/D7Tlow3Pad, Climate Progress (@climateprogress) March 27, 2015. Only your votes can decide who moves on for a chance at a deep-dive feature story. Im not saying any of this to put down these animals. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for W178 CENTEX Centex Charmyland Saru Gorilla Sea Otter Walrus Penguin Rockhoppe at the best online prices at eBay! Seals and otters are easy to tell apart if you know where to look. Otters are one of the most fascinating and charismatic marine mammal species. Another key difference between a river otter vs sea otter is their preferred locations and habitats. This inner layer keeps them warm, and the outer layer keeps them waterproof. Alaska sea otters are slightly larger than . Otters have dense fur that keeps them warm while seals have blubber that is deposited under the skin that keeps them warm. The sea otter we know is quite a bit larger in stature than the average river otter, the largest adults weighing up to 100lbs, heavier even than the largest river otter, the Giant otter (Pteroneura brasiliensis). Sea otters will be in the sea, river otters will be in the river. All rights reserved. Their diets are reminiscent of their environments. The marine otter simply lives near the ocean, diving in only to feed. Rather than being deviant, the behaviors were a regular part of penguin life, triggered by males associating a rather flexible interpretation of a females mating posture with receptiveness. A fully grown otter weighs between 14 to 45 kg and this makes them the heaviest member among the smallest marine animals. SeaQuest is committed to protecting our worlds oceans and endangered animals. The underfur is the layer closest to the body, and this fur functions to insulate their body and keep warm in very cold conditions. Not to worry, friends. They are also captured for the exotic pet trade in some countries and several species are still trapped and killed for their fur. Sea otters are part of the weasel family. Please try River otters and sea otters might be similar in name, but these two different classifications and populations are actually quite different in many ways, in the same way dogs have different breeds. Learn more. Most seal species are currently not considered endangered, according to the IUCN Red List. While members of both otter subtypes love to swim, the swimming behaviors they engage in are quite distinct. Theyre both known for spending a lot of time in the water, something that is unusual for mammals that dont spend their entire lives in water. Otter endangered status varies by species and location. Otters use two layers of dense fur to keep warm when they are submerged in the water, and that is most of their lives. Giant Otters have a smaller lifespan in the wild at about 10 years. All pinnipeds (seals, sea lions and walruses) are protected in U.S. waters under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, according to NOAA. River otters tend to eat frogs, fish, crayfish, reptiles, and birds. Some river otters can be found in wetlands and lakes. And kelp forests are good at storing carbon: a study in 2012 found that the presence of otters helped carbon storage in North American kelp forests surge. Southern sea otters are considered an endangered species, while Asian small-clawed otters are vulnerable. Male sea otters typically grasp the female from behind and bite her face, and this rough behavior was associated with the deaths of about 11 percent of dead sea otters discovered between 2000 and 2003. Seals spend less time in the water than otters. Sorry, but we failed to add you to the list. The naturalistic fallacy refers to the misguided belief that whatever is natural is good. With 13 species around the world, you can find an otter species located on almost every continent! Thus, an otter is more closely related to a wolverine than it is to a seal. YES! Whale: The North Atlantic right whales namerightcomes from the belief that it was the right whale to hunt. Levick wrote an entire book about the seagoing birds on his return, describing the impression of the elegant avians like so: When seen for the first time, the Adlie penguin gives you the impression of a very smart little man in an evening dress suit, so absolutely immaculate is he, with his shimmering white front and black back and shoulders. But the species shocked and horrified Levick so much so that his four-page report Sexual Habits of the Adlie Penguin was purposefully omitted from the official expedition findings and distributed only to a small group of researchers considered learned and discreet enough to handle the graphic content. Their hind feet are webbed to aid in swimming, and their front toes are short and stiff. Although seals and otters are often believed to be related, the truth is that they belong to completely different . For whichever animal wins, ClimateProgress will write a feature-length article exploring the story behind whats ailing your chosen critter, and who is working to save them. River otters and sea otters have different lifespans. If a male cant find a mate because of his youth or inability to chase off competitors, Harris and co-authors suggest, he might search for a female surrogate that may take the form of a young otter or, as in their study, seal pups. Posted on June 8, 2022 ; in pete davidson first snl episode; by Sea otters are bigger and thus have larger feet than river otters. They have blubber that is deposited below the skin. 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. Plus, visit our Arctic fox and see how his coat changes throughout the year. Levick was aghast because he viewed the penguins in human termsas little gents and dames dressed to the nines. Seeing a dolphin at sea should be just as chilling as how many people feel when they see the sinuous silhouette of a shark. This makes them very different animals, especially when you consider the fact that sea otters are the only members of their genus. When it comes to having pups, one fact that distinguishes sea otters from river otters is the number of pups they have per litter. Seals belong to the Phocidae family, and otters belong to the Mustelidae family. And delphine sexual aggression isnt limited to members of their own kind. These are the major differences between seals and otters, and their unique qualities become even more prominent when you look closer at these two creatures. They have short limbs with webbed feet. A painful and confusing end for the poor pups. While the females are similarly much smaller than the males at 10-20 pounds, male river otters only reach a maximum size of around 30 pounds. What makes each species unique, and what are the signs that make each one recognizable? River otters actually have two layers of short, coarse fur. The sea otters legs arent made for walking, like river otters are, but for constant swimming. Partially due to that, its believed to be the most endangered cetacean in the world, a category that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Rhinoceros Facts Lion Facts Elephant Facts Giraffe Facts Flamingo Facts Chimpanzee Facts Penguin Facts Panda Facts Python Facts Great White Shark Facts Tiger Facts Skunk Facts Seal Facts Sea Turtle Facts Porcupine Facts Panther Facts Ostrich Facts Komodo Dragon Facts Hippopotamus Facts . Otters have webbed paws instead of flippers, visible external ears, and a long, thin tail that is easy to spot. The most common seal in the Arctic, the ringed seal is the smallest of the seal species. Both species face threats of pollution, habitat loss, and reduced food sources. Lets take a look and some similarities, and differences, between these two amazingly fascinating animals! RETWEET for Whale or FAVE for Sea Horse #CPMarchSadness http://t.co/lzQh1SAaxZ pic.twitter.com/WPiCEtbbDt, ***TOURNAMENT UPDATES:Day 13/19: Paws and Claws pt.
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