They can grow up to 4 feet and weigh up to 70 pounds. Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. Both species face threats of pollution, habitat loss, and reduced food sources. And amorous males of various species, including the noble lion, kill infants to make their mothers available for breeding again. However, seals split their time on land and in the water almost evenly. While both animals are classified as otters, river otters are members of the Lontra genus, and sea otters are members of the Enhydra genus. While sea otters are found in the sea, Asian small-clawed otters are found in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps. Otters have dense fur that keeps them warm while seals have blubber that is deposited under the skin that keeps them warm. They weigh between 45kg to 3,200kg . 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. The main difference between the two species is their size; Asian small-clawed otters are the smallest otters in the world, while sea otters are the largest. River otters also reach sexual maturity earlier and are typically able to reproduce sooner than sea otters. Southern sea otters are considered an endangered species, while Asian small-clawed otters are vulnerable. Next, the tail of a sea otter is short and flattened; a river otter . Later researchers rediscovered what Levick had seen. Taxonomically speaking, river otters and sea otters are different genera. Not only is this useful for staying together, but it also keeps them away from the shore where many of their predators reside. Their slow, quiet and sudden way. Well, they do. Sea otters are larger than river otters. 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. It may seem obvious, but if all else failsthe fastest way to tell what type of otter youre observing is to examine its environment. At Arctic Tundra we've created a habitat just like the grassy tundra near Point Hope, Alaska - and filled it with massive muskoxen. SeaQuest Blog River otters are more petite. 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. They have a very thick layer of fur on their bodies that enables them to keep themselves warm during the cold season. 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. This goes both ways! Together, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. Since river otters are much smaller, they are more prone to predators. Dolphins have tried to force themselves on human swimmers, a prospect made all the more terrifying by the fact that they have prehensile penises. They are comparatively larger in body size. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They include; walrus, eared seals, sea lions, fur seals, and earless seals. For example, sea otters are much larger than river otters in both length and weight. There seems to be no crime too low for these penguins, he confided to his journal. One of the main differences between a river otter vs sea otter is their species or genus classification. 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 bottlenose dolphins will sometimes team up to target a single female and harass her persistently, forcing her to mate with them despite her attempts to escape. Darwin knew this well. Since southern sea otters are found in cooler waters, its important for their fur to be able to insulate them from the weather. They spend their lives in water, and have many adaptations to their entirely aquatic lifestyle. 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 Whale. Length of Lions Mane Jellyfish vs Blue Whale. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. They move to land to escape some predators like sharks. They have a body length of about 3 to 4 feet and weigh between 40 to 60 pounds. Their unique bodies make it easy to tell the creatures apart. Found in both saltwater and freshwater, a river otter lounges around riverbanks and swims with its belly down, keeping the majority of its body submerged below the water. Lets talk more about all of these differences in more detail now. There are so many amazing creatures that dwell in the waters of planet earth, and some of may seem so similar in nature, yet they are difficult to tell apart. They weigh 1-5 kg (2-11 pounds). River otters build dens on the riverbanks and care for their young there. 1Polar Bear vs. Wombat; Tasmanian Devil vs. Pangolin; (voting closed) WINNERS: Polar Bear and Pangolin.Day 23/20: Paws and Claws pt. Sorry, but we failed to add you to the list. Cetaceans (whales, porpoises, and dolphins) are categorized into two main groups: baleen whales (mysticetes) and toothed whales (odontocetes). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Two out of those three species are now in decline. All rights reserved. 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.. If you see a vast creature, then its probably a seal and not an otter. We focus on how to be proactive in finding solutions. Otter and seals belong to different families. Receive email updates to learn how you can help make a difference for the future of our ocean. (Major seas are known as oceans.) When it comes to distinguishing between river otters and sea otterswell, what is the difference, anyway? Enter your email and never miss an update. Sea Otter Sea Otters are a larger species of otter. 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. But this should not be so. Another difference between river otters and sea otters is their appearance. difference between sea otter and penguinhazbin hotel cherri bomb removed. This is especially problematic in Monterey Bay, where there are more male sea otters than females. 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. The sea otters legs arent made for walking, like river otters are, but for constant swimming. And always keep in mind where youre looking if youre at the ocean, chances are youre looking at a sea otter as opposed to a river otter. . Otters use two layers of dense fur to keep warm when they are submerged in the water, and that is most of their lives. Levick was aghast because he viewed the penguins in human termsas little gents and dames dressed to the nines. In addition, severe weather can make it difficult for sea otters to forage for and find food. The ordeal must have been horrific for the seals. Sea otters carry their young on their stomachs to keep them safe until they are ready to swim by themselves. The main feature that makes otters appear different from seals is the body size. What we might perceive as aberrant behavior starts earlyespecially violence. As ethologist Sarah Hrdy has observed, there are various reasons for infanticide. Slate is published by The Slate Group, a Graham Holdings Company. asia deep blue crete menu . From behavior and habitat to offspring and appearance, this article will detail the differences between these two otters. Giant Otters have a smaller lifespan in the wild at about 10 years. They are commonly known as pinnipeds. Previously, Brian Switek has written about mammoth end-times, and how feathery, fluffy dinosaurs killed the brontosaurus. 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. Sea otters have the densest fur in the entire animal kingdom with up to one million hairs covering each square inch of their body. Decreasing sea ice cover is preventing Emperor penguins from finding food and sheltering their babies. As Douglas and colleagues stressed in their preface to Levicks report, though, the behavior [displayed by hooligan males] is clearly not analogous to necrophilia in the human context. That fact can easily be lost when one is appalled by an animal acting out a human taboo. While both species enjoy the company of many otters, sea otters form powerful partnerships with their chosen mate. There are nearly 2,000 different species! In Antarctica, the Adlie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins flourished under warming that caused ice sheets to shrink. In 2010, California Department of Fish and Game biologist Heather Harris and colleagues reported 19 individual cases of male sea otters trying to mate with, and often fatally injuring, harbor seal pups in the Monterey Bay, Calif. area between 2000 and 2002 alone. Otters belong to the Mustelidae family while seals belong to the Phocidae family. The largest otter, the river otter, only weighs about 100lbs when it reaches its full weight, and it grows about 6ft long. Sea otters must groom regularly to help maintain the insulation. While members of both otter subtypes love to swim, the swimming behaviors they engage in are quite distinct. 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. The guard hairs can be brown to black to silver. If you travel further north to areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 100 pounds! Finally, river otters can dive to around 60 feet deep, whereas sea otters, remarkably, can dive to several hundred feet to forage for food. Make A Lasting Impact By Leaving A Gift To Ocean Conservancy In Your Will. African penguins are declining in part due to fluctuations in water temperature and increased storms on their breeding grounds. While sea otters and river otters share many differences, they do share a major similarity the threats they face in the wild. again or contact 1.888.780.6763, Learning From and Standing With Climate Justice Communities, Senior Policy Analyst, Fish Conservation Program, Sorry, but we failed to add you to the list. 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). 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. Seals have flippers, no visible external ears, and a very small tail. They are purely carnivorous and eat a hefty diet of fish, crabs, small caimans, and small anacondas. According to the IUCN, this can make it hard for otters to meet their high metabolic needs, leading to malnutrition or starvation.. Seals are larger than otters, weighing a lot more than them and growing much longer. Algae vs Seaweed: What is the Difference? They have a body length of about 3 to 4 feet and weigh between 40 to 60 pounds. Have some feedback for us? They also feed on invertebrates and small animals found in the sea. Seals and otters are easy to tell apart if you know where to look. 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! 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. Keep reading to learn more about what makes each of these species unique. 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. However, we noticed a conundrum that many readers seem to get themselves into. You might not be able to tell by looking at them, but river otters and sea otters have very different fur. There was nothing obviously wrong with these rehabbed otters, but the trouble they experienced early in their lives might have made them more likely assailants. 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. A 2010 study found that a toxin found in blue-green algae called microcystin had killed at least 21 California sea otters. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Thank you for reading! Im not saying any of this to put down these animals. Ocean Conservancy is working with you to protect the ocean from todays greatest global challenges. St. Patty's is coming Whats the difference between sea otters and river otters? There are 13 species of otters in the world, with 12 of those species requiring access to freshwater and only one species residing in the ocean. Adult males weigh average about 700 pounds and 7 feet in length while females are a bit smaller at 250 pounds and 6 feet in length. Did You Know. The Knysna seahorse is extremely vulnerable to increases in water temperatures; in 1991, more than 3,000 were found dead after heavy rainfall resulted in higher than normal temperatures. The key differences between seals and otters are size, family, and their method of thermoregulation. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site by Thrive Web Designs, Otters are one of the most fascinating and charismatic marine mammal species. YES! Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. 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. Free shipping for many products! Otter belongs to the Mustelidae family while the seal belongs to the Phocidae family. River otters, despite their name, can be found in fresh and salt water. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This makes them very different animals, especially when you consider the fact that sea otters are the only members of their genus. difference between sea otter and penguinups insurance cost calculator. 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 include; weasels, badgers, wolverines, and polecats. While floating on their backs, sea otters not only nap, but also use rocks to help them . They are also captured for the exotic pet trade in some countries and several species are still trapped and killed for their fur. They feed on fish, shellfish, penguins, and other marine creatures. River otters can be found in pairs, but they tend to spend time with other otters in a more casual way. In the U.S. the dwarf seahorse, one-inch-long seahorse, found in seagrass beds in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida and the Caribbean, is threatened with extinction due to decline of seagrass and lingering pollution from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. Asian-small clawed otters can be found in India, China, and parts of Southeast Asia. Ocean Conservancy is a 501(c)3 Tax ID #23-7245152 Donations are 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The American Oceans Campaign is dedicated primarily to the restoration, protection, and preservation of the health and vitality of coastal waters, estuaries, bays, wetlands, and oceans. Seals spend less time in the water than otters. At Georgia Aquarium, we are home to two species of otter Asian small-clawed ottersandsouthern sea otters. They are basically carnivores. Why are these male sea otters killing seals? Our work is focused on solving some of the greatest threats facing our ocean today. They are agile and flexible due to their four limbs and streamlined bodies. They may look similar, but they are two different creatures. There are 13 species of otters. Some river otters can be found in wetlands and lakes. Seals belong to the Phocidae family, and otters belong to the Mustelidae family. difference between sea otter and penguin. River otters weigh between 11 and 31 pounds. The key differences between seals and otters are size, family, and their method of thermoregulation. union county latest news Thats quite the size difference! Sea otters have an average lifespan of 12-15 years in the wild while river otters live an average of 9-12 years. The sentiments about proper human behavior were impressed upon the penguins, and vice versa. They have blubber that is deposited below the skin. Still, these two mammals are very different from one another. The marine creatures also serve as fighters of climate change: their main preysea urchinslike to eat kelp, so by keeping the sea urchin population at a sustainable level, they keep kelp forests lush. The largest of the seal species, the southern elephant seal can grow up to almost 8,000 pounds and 20 feet long for adult males, while adult females are a bit smaller at 2000 pounds and 10 feet in length. Answer: I can only speak about North American otters, of which there are two species: * Enhydra lutris - Generally called a "Sea Otter". Sea otters have back feet that are larger than their front feet, and much larger than the feet of a river otter. Their bodies and feet are also shaped very differently as well. While both animals are classified as otters, river otters are members of the Lontra genus, and sea otters are members of the Enhydra genus. Sea otters are generally diurnal. Sea otters spend the majority of their time in the ocean, while river otters spend their lives on land unless they need to hunt or travel elsewhere. However, sea otters are only found in salt water and very rarely make their way onto land. Some local populations, such as Gray seals in the Baltic Sea, are endangered. These aquatic mammals split their time between the land and the water. The limbs are modified into flippers. Without a doubt, dolphins are jerks. 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. 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. The word pinniped means fin-footed or flipper-footed. They average around 2 feet in length and weigh around 10 pounds. Penguin: There are a lot of different types of penguins, and climate change is affecting all of them. 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. Sea otters are slow swimmers, while their river-living counterparts are rather agile. Some local populations, such as Gray seals in the Baltic Sea, are endangered. The Caribbean monk seal was declared extinct in 2008. Greetings From the Vortex of Unpredictability, rapidly devours all the other unborn sharks, feathery, fluffy dinosaurs killed the brontosaurus. Male giant otters average 26 to 34 kg (57-75 lbs. Both species face threats of pollution, habitat loss, and reduced food sources. Heres a list of 9 ways that sea otters and river otters are different from one another. Daily activities focus on feeding and grooming, interspersed with rest periods. (36kg) and over 5 ft. (1.5M) in length.. They eat 15% of their body weight a day. Sea otters are hardly the only marine animals to behave in ways that make us cringe. This results in river otters having short, sleek fur, while sea otters have long, fuzzy fur. Although its not a visible means of telling the creatures apart, knowing their family can help distinguish the creatures. Taxonomically speaking, there is actually only one species of sea otter! WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. In contrast, sea otters actually have one layer of fur, which happens to be the densest fur of any other known animal. Unlike most other otter species, fish are not an important part of their diet. If dolphins really disappeared tomorrow, as in the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series, I think their final message would be Screw You rather than the So Long, And Thanks for All the Fish farewell Douglas Adams imagined. They feed on fish and shellfish. 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. SeaQuest is committed to protecting our worlds oceans and endangered animals. The North American River Otter has an average lifespan of 13 years in the wild, but up to 25 years in captivity. A post shared by (@seaotter_03112602). ), while females average 22 to 26 kg (49-57 lbs.). The Caribbean monk seal was declared. They weigh between 45kg to 3,200kg. RETWEET for Penguin or FAVE for Sea Otter #CPMarchSadness http://t.co/lzQh1SAaxZ pic.twitter.com/D7Tlow3Pad, Climate Progress (@climateprogress) March 27, 2015. We shouldn't draw the curtains over the aspects of animal behavior. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. The distinction between these two is important: the sea otter will spend its entire life floating in the ocean, swimming, feeding, and reproducing. River otters are smaller than sea otters in both length and weight. They are not very graceful on land because of their flippers, but they manage to move very well in the water. Individual Behavior Grooming. Members of Phocidae are known as earless seals or true seals. I've written in a variety of niches such as video games, animals, and managed service providers. If you find these critters as otterly . They have a fat layer called blubber under their skin that makes them keep themselves warm during the cold season. When seen for the first time, the Adlie penguin gives you the impression of a very smart little man. They display sexual dimorphism. unit 3: personal and business finance grade boundaries. Whats the Difference Between a Dolphin and Shark? We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. There are over 70 different species of cetacean. Their diet is composed of meat and protein such as fish, octopuses, lobsters, salmon, eel, mackerel, and squid. The sea otter does, however, have a shorter tail than the river otter. One thing many people dont realize is just how much larger sea otters are compared to river otters. Yet, if the two creatures are closer in size, then you will need to rely on other methods of differentiating them. Seals themselves have been observed to cause similar kinds of trauma when groups of males mob females. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and writing for fun. At Georgia Aquarium, guests can see our southern sea otters in ourCold Water Questgallery and our Asian small-clawed otters in ourSouthern Company River Scoutgallery. 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. They have webbed feet, water-repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. The identity of a pair of repeat offenders held a clue. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Peregrine Falcon; Oyster vs. Butterfly; Lobster vs. Red Knot (voting closed) WINNERS: Sea Turtle, Falcon, Butterfly, Red Knot.Day 63/26: Polar Bear vs. Pangolin; Koala vs. Wolverine (voting closed) WINNERS: Polar Bear, Wolverine.Day 73/27: Sea Horse vs. Whale; Sea Otter vs. Penguin (voting closed) WINNERS: Sea Horse, Sea Otter.Day 83/30: Elephant vs. Mountain Goat; Moose vs. Narwhal (voting NOW OPEN)Day 93/31: Sea Turtle vs. Red Knot; Butterfly vs. Habitat loss, water pollution, deforestation, and hunting threaten their survival. 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). The victims that were necropsied by veterinarians had lesions around the nose, eyes, flippers, and genitals, including perforations in the vaginal and rectal tracts. They are also known as fin-footed mammals. The most famous in the United States, the California seal lion can be found all along the West coast of North America. Shocking behavior isnt the sole province of marine mammals. 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. It lives with its family for about a year. 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. When they are not in the water, river otters forage the land for food and build burrows or dens for their young. They are also known as fin-footed mammals. What is the difference between Otter and Seal? This only gets creepier given the recent suggestion that dolphins actually have names that they call one another. These animals use both fur and blubber to keep warm, and that is one of many ways to differentiate between true seals and others. Asian Small-Clawed Otters have a classification of Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List while Sea and Giant Otters are listed as Endangered as of today. 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 are mostly solitary but come together in groups to mate. 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! 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). But the general idea is the same: if the otter isnt floating in the ocean, its most likely a river otter, and vice versa! Can You Eat Clownfish and How Does It Taste? Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. Asian small-clawed otters are just the opposite. I am a non-binary freelance writer working full-time in Oregon. 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. And delphine sexual aggression isnt limited to members of their own kind. launchpad classlink nmusd; cantonese text to speech; 15 second tv commercial script examples Who will you choose? Whale: The North Atlantic right whales namerightcomes from the belief that it was the right whale to hunt.