If youre on a river in the middle of the North American continent, far away from any seaboard: its a river otter. The limbs are modified into flippers. Sea otters must groom regularly to help maintain the insulation. 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 also have thicker fur, often with white markings, while river otters have sleeker fur to match their streamlined bodies. When they are not in the water, river otters forage the land for food and build burrows or dens for their young. Now, however, its differentthere is too little sea ice, which is impacting the food supply. : They are huge eaters! The dietary preferences and lifespans of river otters and sea otters differ as well. They spend time in the water foraging for mollusks, fish, frogs and crustaceans. The North American River Otter has an average lifespan of 13 years in the wild, but up to 25 years in captivity. With 13 species around the world, you can find an otter species located on almost every continent! Lastly, seals use blubber under their thick skin to keep them warm when they spend time in the water, but otters have dense, two-layered fur that keeps them insulated. Seals belong to the Phocidae family, and otters belong to the Mustelidae family. Another significant difference is the number of offspring these creatures have. when actual inflation is less than expected inflation borrowers quizlet. They display sexual dimorphism. They are found all over the world and live in all waters both the arctic and subarctic. Many species of river otter inhabit coastal areas and are sometimes confused for sea otters. There are only 450 left in the world. are about 33 species in this family. A 2010 study found that a toxin found in blue-green algae called microcystin had killed at least 21 California sea otters. or contact 1.888.780.6763, Seafood Species Vulnerable to Climate Change. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. difference between sea otter and penguin. You might not be able to tell by looking at them, but river otters and sea otters have very different fur. Sea otters also notably have two very large back feet, webbed and streamlined for paddling and swift swimming in unpredictable ocean waters. Their swimming mechanisms are also a little different. Taxonomically speaking, river otters and sea otters are different genera. 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 . 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. If we truly wish to appreciate sea otters, dolphins, penguins, and the rest, we need to consider them as they truly are and not just as the cuddly caricatures that never cease to make us go Awww.. While sea otters and river otters share many differences, they do share a major similarity the threats they face in the wild. As the smallest species of otter, they range in size from 4.4 to 11 pounds, with a body length of only 16 to 24 inches, which makes them half the length of a southern sea otter! The average river otter only weighs 15-20 pounds, while sea otters can reach anywhere from 20-80 pounds depending on their gender and age. However, when you add seals that arent true seals to the mix, the presence of ears can be a confounding factor. Most immediately noticeable is the difference in fur types river otters have short, sleek fur, while sea otters are distinctly fluffy, with long, fuzzy fur thats extremely dense and warm. Their bodies and feet are also shaped very differently as well. Learn how to tell them apart quickly and easily! Welcome back to March Sadness, ClimateProgress educational bracket tournament of animals impacted by climate change and other environmental threats. Still, these mammals are very different from one another, and were going to show you the differences between a seal vs otter. There are many distinguishing features between a river otter vs sea otter. All pinnipeds (seals, sea lions and walruses) are protected in U.S. waters under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, according to NOAA. The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family. Sea otters also have longer bodies than river otters. 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. Without a doubt, dolphins are jerks. Your best bet for differentiating these animals is to look for their ears, flippers, tails, size, and fur. At Rocky Shores you can explore a far Northwest world where land and ocean meet; where sea lions dive, seals splash and otters play. Lets dive in and get started! Thus, an otter is more closely related to a wolverine than it is to a seal. We shouldnt draw the curtains over the aspects of animal behavior that make us cringe, as Levick did when he coded some of his Adlie penguin notes in Greek and ultimately decided not to publish his findings. The majority of river otters mate with multiple otters throughout the course of their lives, and they may have multiple litters in a year. You may already have an idea as to what makes river otters and sea otters look so different from one another. However, just because an otter is spotted on the coast does not mean its a sea otter. There are quite a few to discuss, as river otters and sea otters belong to different genuses of animal. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. 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. Though most species occur in cold-water environments. North American River Otters weigh between 10 pounds to 25 pounds and grow up to 3 feet in length. The main difference between otter and seal is that Otters are comparatively smaller in body size while seals are comparatively larger in body size. Southern sea otters are approximately four feet in length and weigh on average between 45-65 pounds. While both species enjoy the company of many otters, sea otters form powerful partnerships with their chosen mate. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Asian Small-Clawed Otters will live around 12 years in captivity but lifespan in the wild is really unknown, with an estimated number of 5,000 left in the world. In desperation, some male Adlie penguins tried to mate with the ground until they ejaculated. 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. The sea otter does, however, have a shorter tail than the river otter. Asian small-clawed otters have relatively short hair that consists of two layers a coarse, waterproof outer coat and a softer, finer layer that is used for warmth. Unlike most other otter species, fish are not an important part of their diet. YES! 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. They have flippers and do not have visible ears. They are also known as fin-footed mammals. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. The rehabilitated sea otters were released into an environment of intense competition and were at a disadvantage when it came time to find a mate. They live in or near oceans. We know it can get otterly confusing to differentiate the species, so here are five ways to tell them apart! Seals are larger than otters on average, and the largest members of the species make otters look positively tiny. Do you think you can tell the difference if you saw them side-by-side? Contact us today. In what promises to be two close matches, Sea Otter will face off against Penguin, and ThinkProgress office-favorite Sea Horse will battle the severely endangered North Atlantic Right. A fully grown otter weighs between 14 to 45 kg and this makes them the heaviest member among the smallest marine animals. Male sea otters compete with one another for mates. Giant Otters have a smaller lifespan in the wild at about 10 years. Sea otters are hardly the only marine animals to behave in ways that make us cringe. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are nearly 2,000 different species! Read the rules here. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site by Thrive Web Designs, Otters are one of the most fascinating and charismatic marine mammal species. More commonly known as seals, they are a widely distributed and diverse group of fin-footed, semiaquatic, mostly marine mammals. The webbed feet of a sea otter. 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! Sea otters have the densest fur in the entire animal kingdom with up to one million hairs covering each square inch of their body. The underfur is the layer closest to the body, and this fur functions to insulate their body and keep warm in very cold conditions. The Mustelidae family is very unique and encompasses about 70 different species of animals including otters, wolverines, badgers, and more. subfamily. The sentiments about proper human behavior were impressed upon the penguins, and vice versa. And amorous males of various species, including the noble lion, kill infants to make their mothers available for breeding again. Yet, if the two creatures are closer in size, then you will need to rely on other methods of differentiating them. : Feed on frogs, crabs, crayfish, and shellfish. The seal and otter are two animals that both love to call water home and have a face that can tell a thousand stories! Which would you like to know more about? Get Out Your Green & Gold! Asian small-clawed otters have a body length of 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) and a tail length of 15-25 cm (6-10 inches). Habitat degradation due to development and accidental bycatch from shrimp and fishing vessels also endanger these charismatic creatures. Its Easy To Do. However, we noticed a conundrum that many readers seem to get themselves into. I'm a freelance writer with 8 years of experience. They are also known as fin-footed mammals. Your Generous Gift Will Help Us Continue To Protect Our Ocean And Its Wildlife. They have a body length of about 3 to 4 feet and weigh between 40 to 60 pounds. They even have the adorable habit of floating on their backs, even while theyre eating, and have been known to hold hands with each other while sleeping so they dont drift apart from their pals! And delphine sexual aggression isnt limited to members of their own kind. Sea Otters have an average lifespan of 15-20 years but in captivity, some live over 25 years. This is likely due to their respective sizes and predators in their environments, as sea otters grow much larger than river otters do. Members of Phocidae are known as earless seals or true seals. The victims that were necropsied by veterinarians had lesions around the nose, eyes, flippers, and genitals, including perforations in the vaginal and rectal tracts. Whereas a female southern sea otter grows up to 50 pounds, a female northern sea otter can weigh up to 70 pounds. It is a grave mistake to see the so-called "depravity" of penguins, dolphins, and otters in the same way as our own behavior. Email Us, Board of Fisheries and Game: Actions & Activities, Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity Program, Alaska Resources Library and Information Services (ARLIS), About the Division of Commercial Fisheries, Western Alaska Salmon Stock Identification Program (WASSIP), Online General Season & Registration Permits, Subsistence and Personal Use Fishing Permits, CSIS Community Subsistence Information System, The Technical Papers and Special Publications Series, Special Status page for northern sea otter. Otter and seals belong to different families. Greetings From the Vortex of Unpredictability, rapidly devours all the other unborn sharks, feathery, fluffy dinosaurs killed the brontosaurus. One of the main differences between a river otter vs sea otter is their species or genus classification. Have some feedback for us? And baby Magellanic penguins in Argentina are dying at an unprecedented rate due to heavy rains, strong storms and heat. Sea otters are part of the weasel family. Heres a list of 9 ways that sea otters and river otters are different from one another. While they are both otters, river otters belong to the Lontra genus, while sea otters belong to the Enhydra genus. 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. Scientists believe this difference is due to the size difference between the two creatures. The Caribbean monk seal was declared. Not to worry, friends. They are basically carnivores. They have a very thick layer of fur on their bodies that enables them to keep themselves warm during the cold season. However, river otters prefer to eat fish, frogs, crayfish, birds, and reptiles, while sea otters enjoy sea urchins, clams, crabs, and seaweed. River otters can be found in pairs, but they tend to spend time with other otters in a more casual way. Sea otters carry their young on their stomachs to keep them safe until they are ready to swim by themselves. Although both seals and otters come in various sizes due to their many species, seals are almost always larger than otters. Plus, their overall diets, lifespans, and locations differ from one another, not to mention how different they are in appearance! Not all otters are created equal, especially when it comes to their size. Levick was aghast because he viewed the penguins in human termsas little gents and dames dressed to the nines. A post shared by (@seaotter_03112602). The most common seal in the Arctic, the ringed seal is the smallest of the seal species. They may look similar, but they are two different creatures. River otters are smaller than sea otters in both length and weight. 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. Its as easy as that! When comparing the sea otter vs river otter, you may wonder if they the same animal. Darwin knew this well. 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)! Otters are comparatively smaller while seals are larger in body size. Taxonomically speaking, there is actually only one species of sea otter! Vote in the embedded tweets below, on Twitter with the hashtag #CPMarchSadness, or on our Facebook page. Previously, Brian Switek has written about mammoth end-times, and how feathery, fluffy dinosaurs killed the brontosaurus. 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. 2Lemur vs. Koala; Panda vs. Wolverine (voting closed) WINNERS: Koala and Wolverine.Day 33/23: Fins and FlippersSea Lion vs. Sea Horse; Penguin vs. Manatee; Walrus vs. Sea Otter; Whale vs. Salmon (voting closed) WINNERS: Sea Horse, Sea Otter, Whale, and Penguin.Day 43/24: Horns and HoovesElephant vs. Horned Lizard; Rhino vs. Narwhal; Saola vs. Moose; Mountain Goat vs. Reindeer (voting closed) WINNERS: Elephant, Narwhal, Moose, and Mountain Goat.Day 53/25: Shells and WingsSea Turtle vs. Pelican; Sage Grouse vs. But this should not be so. River otters also reach sexual maturity earlier and are typically able to reproduce sooner than sea otters. They average around 2 feet in length and weigh around 10 pounds. As Natural History Museum, London ornithologist Douglas Russell and colleagues reported in a preface to Levicks belatedly-released report, this behavior is so ingrained that when a researcher set out a dead penguin that had been frozen in such a position, many males found the corpse irresistible. In a bit of weird field work, the same researcher found that just the frozen head of the penguin, with self-adhesive white Os for eye rings, propped upright on wire with a large rock for a body, was sufficient stimulus for males to copulate and deposit sperm on the rock. I fear Ive just made the Socially Awkward Penguin seem just that much more socially awkward. They move to land to escape some predators like sharks. Dolphins have tried to force themselves on human swimmers, a prospect made all the more terrifying by the fact that they have prehensile penises. Not only do these two creatures have different habitats, but they have both evolved fur to best suit those habitats. We focus on how to be proactive in finding solutions. 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. The most notable physical difference between this subspecies and its northern cousins is size. launchpad classlink nmusd; cantonese text to speech; 15 second tv commercial script examples Unlike the common otter, sea otter's feet are webbed. Make A Lasting Impact By Leaving A Gift To Ocean Conservancy In Your Will. In addition to this, once you know the fundamentals of what to look for, its quite easy to differentiate whether or not an otter is a sea otter or a river otter one is large and fluffy and the other is small and streamlined. 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. Two out of those three species are now in decline. They have a body length of about 3 to 4 feet and weigh between 40 to 60 pounds. Next, the tail of a sea otter is short and flattened; a river otter . The Asian small-clawed otter's tail is long, with a sharp end. 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. With this insight, you should have a better grasp as to what makes both river otters and sea otters special. Careers, 2023 SeaQuest, All Rights Reserved. The reason for this skew in the population is unclear, but it leaves male sea otters in a bind. Ocean Conservancy is working with you to protect the ocean from todays greatest global challenges. They are both weasel family members, as evident by their long, slender bodies. Today, were in round two of the Sweet Sixteen, and the winners of our Fins and Flippers division are going head to head. Otters have long bodies and short legs, while seals have shorter bodies and longer flippers. What makes each species unique, and what are the signs that make each one recognizable? Its actually quite easy to understand the physical differences between sea otters and river otters once we understand that there is actually only one species of true sea otter. Sea otters have a different diet from river otters, given their habitat and saltwater location. Sea otters mate for life, as many people know, but this is not the same for river otters. Still, these two mammals are very different from one another. True seals use blubber deposits under their skin to keep themselves warm when theyre in the water, which is quite often. There are twelve different sub-species of river otter, but only three separate sub-species of the sea otter. Learn more. Although seals and otters are often believed to be related, the truth is that they belong to completely different . Less like Flipper and more like the megalomaniacal King Snorky of The Simpsons, a dolphin has a permanent smile that gives off a decidedly creepy vibe. A river otter mother usually has between two and three babies, called pups. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. On the other hand, there are 12 different species of river otter found around the world, from the North American river otter to the Japanese river otter to the Asian small-clawed otter. Otters mainly feed on invertebrates while seals mainly feed on fish. Ocean Conservancy is a 501(c)3 Tax ID #23-7245152 Donations are 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law. While it may be obvious, river otters are found in rivers while sea otters are found in the sea. In contrast, sea otters actually have one layer of fur, which happens to be the densest fur of any other known animal. Thank you for reading! Seals primarily eat fish, while otters eat a variety of items including fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and small mammals. 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. Their diets are reminiscent of their environments. Red Wolf Population (Historically and Currently), Manatee Vs Dugong (Heres the Difference), 6 Types of Water Snakes in Illinois (Pictures). It has "toes" on its feet. 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. All rights reserved. California Sea Lions live an average of 15 to 25 years, however some have lived to 30 years or more in captivity with proper diet and healthcare. They entirely depend on meat for survival. Their hind feet are webbed to aid in swimming, and their front toes are short and stiff. again or contact 1.888.780.6763. Sorry, but we failed to add you to the list. Most immediately noticeable is the difference in fur types river otters have short, sleek fur, while sea otters are distinctly 'fluffy', with long, fuzzy fur that's extremely dense and warm. As their name suggests, sea otters are adorable mammals that barely leave their saltwater homes. At least two of the sea otters had been previously held at the Monterey Bay Aquarium as part of their rehabilitation program for stranded and injured otters. The notion that sea otters fall in love and hold hands in the ocean so that they dont drift away from one another is a foreign concept to a river otter! 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. This goes both ways! The newborn is taken care of by the males, females, and other offspring. They include; walrus, eared seals, sea lions, fur seals, and earless seals. Southern sea otters are considered an endangered species, while Asian small-clawed otters are vulnerable. RETWEET for Penguin or FAVE for Sea Otter #CPMarchSadness http://t.co/lzQh1SAaxZ pic.twitter.com/D7Tlow3Pad, Climate Progress (@climateprogress) March 27, 2015. 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. Additionally, river otters have a very different social structure from sea otters, often preferring solitude over a sea otters committed family structure. Otters spend a substantial amount of time grooming, and many species of river otters have designated areas on land for . The ordeal must have been horrific for the seals. 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. Otters and seals have many things in common. 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! Watch Five Giant River Otters Face-Off Against a Huge Jaguar, Watch a Group of Massive River Otters Defeat a Crocodile in Vicious Battle, River Otter vs Sea Otter: 5 Key Differences. It lives with its family for about a year. Southern sea otters are considered an endangered species, while Asian small-clawed otters are vulnerable. Another interesting tidbit about penguins is that 15,000 years ago, they were actually able to tolerate a warming climate. (36kg) and over 5 ft. (1.5M) in length.. Later researchers rediscovered what Levick had seen. Search. The Caribbean monk seal was declared extinct in 2008. This makes them very different animals, especially when you consider the fact that sea otters are the only members of their genus. In this article, we will address all of these differences in detail, including their physicality and social behavior. Georgia Aquarium, along with other zoos and aquariums, work tirelessly to educate and inspire guests, while providing our otters the best veterinary and nutritional care. 8 Fun Date Night Ideas in Salt Lake City. Otters have dense fur that keeps them warm while seals have blubber that is deposited under the skin that keeps them warm. The main feature that makes otters appear different from seals is the body size. asia deep blue crete menu . Both are good swimmers but when we compare the two, the seals win because of their streamlined bodies and flippers that enable them to move in water fast. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. There are about 33 species in this family. Asian-small clawed otters can be found in India, China, and parts of Southeast Asia. In addition to the sea otter being significantly bigger than the river otter, they also have different mating and parenting habits. Male giant otters average 26 to 34 kg (57-75 lbs. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. As 2022 comes to a close, I am reflecting on everything weve accomplished together on behalf, Climate change touches many aspects of our lives, including the food on our plates. One thing many people dont realize is just how much larger sea otters are compared to river otters. Both species face threats of pollution, habitat loss, and reduced food sources. difference between sea otter and penguinhazbin hotel cherri bomb removed. These animals use both fur and blubber to keep warm, and that is one of many ways to differentiate between true seals and others. Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. Parents can be as bad as siblings. 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. They are comparatively larger in body size. If you find these critters as otterly . While they are both otters, river otters belong to the Lontra genus, while sea otters belong to the Enhydra genus. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. We shouldn't draw the curtains over the aspects of animal behavior. While both animals are classified as otters, river otters are members of the Lontra genus, and sea otters are members of the Enhydra genus. The word pinniped means fin-footed or flipper-footed. The sea otters legs arent made for walking, like river otters are, but for constant swimming. They eat 15% of their body weight a day. While both animals are classified as otters, river otters are members of the Lontra genus, and sea otters are members of the Enhydra genus. Both are adapted to keeping themselves warm in the water. Among birds, parents under stress to provide for their offspring during rough years may boot eggs from their nests or kill some of their own chicks so that others might survive. They average a length of 5 feet and weigh about 150 pounds. Male river otters are extremely territorial, while sea otters form more friendships and bonds with one another overall. 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. From their curious faces to their charming behaviors, the otters of the world have earned the title of many nature lovers favorite creatures. Thank you for reading! In Antarctica, the Adlie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins flourished under warming that caused ice sheets to shrink. Im not saying any of this to put down these animals. Finally, river otters can dive to around 60 feet deep, whereas sea otters, remarkably, can dive to several hundred feet to forage for food. Seals are marine mammals in the Phocidae family. Seals are larger than otters, weighing a lot more than them and growing much longer. Ribbon Seals have a maximum lifespan of about 30 years, but they likely live about 20 years. Did you know that sea otters mate for life? Please try