Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. What we might perceive as aberrant behavior starts earlyespecially violence. 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. It might be because river otters have to fight the strong currents of a river and catch their food and fish. River otters have a thick, lustrous coat that keeps them warm. Their swimming mechanisms are also a little different. The dietary preferences and lifespans of river otters and sea otters differ as well. They are found in Eastern North and Northern Pacific Ocean. Another difference between river otters and sea otters is their appearance. 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. Both otters have their own adorable way of caring for their young and making them feel at home, too. Do you think you can tell the difference if you saw them side-by-side? This only gets creepier given the recent suggestion that dolphins actually have names that they call one another. They give birth on the land. They may look similar, but they are two different creatures. Noun; A large body of salty water. difference between sea otter and penguin. We think of otters as the cute little aquatic creatures who float on their backs and rub their cheeks in viral videos. They live in or near oceans. For males, the difference is also significant a southern male grows up to 70 pounds while a northern male can reach up to 100 pounds! 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. North American River Otters weigh between 10 pounds to 25 pounds and grow up to 3 feet in length. 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. Both species face threats of pollution, habitat loss, and reduced food sources. With no power for the electric lights, the house was a sea of darkness. For example, sea otters are much larger than river otters in both length and weight. Southern sea otters are considered an endangered species, while Asian small-clawed otters are vulnerable. Hindflippers rotate underneath to allow them to walk on land, Swim underwater using foreflippers like wings of a bird, Move on land by wiggling on belly and keep hindflippers straight out, Swim by steering with foreflippers and powering with hindflippers, All pinnipeds (seals, sea lions and walruses) are protected in U.S. waters under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, according to NOAA. River otters and sea otters also have habitat preferences in these unique ecosystems. Previously, Brian Switek has written about mammoth end-times, and how feathery, fluffy dinosaurs killed the brontosaurus. If you see a vast creature, then its probably a seal and not an otter. Thank you for reading! We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. Charming, outgoing, and intelligent, otters are part of the. They have a body length of about 3 to 4 feet and weigh between 40 to 60 pounds. Please try again 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. River otters also can often be found on the banks of the river. In this article, we will address all of these differences in detail, including their physicality and social behavior. There are quite a few to discuss, as river otters and sea otters belong to different genuses of animal. (Major seas are known as oceans.) In Antarctica, the Adlie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins flourished under warming that caused ice sheets to shrink. There are twelve different sub-species of river otter, but only three separate sub-species of the sea otter. Penguin: There are a lot of different types of penguins, and climate change is affecting all of them. Or at least Im going to tarnish their reputation as some of the most charming little beasties in the seas. Otters and seals have many things in common. Levick was aghast because he viewed the penguins in human termsas little gents and dames dressed to the nines. Daily activities focus on feeding and grooming, interspersed with rest periods. Seals are marine mammals in the Phocidae family. Not all otters are created equal, especially when it comes to their size. Lets take a look and some similarities, and differences, between these two amazingly fascinating animals! 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. While both species enjoy the company of many otters, sea otters form powerful partnerships with their chosen mate. Their fur is made up of a dense underfur, ranging in color from brown to black, and longer guard hairs. 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. While it may seem obvious at first, you may not know all of the differences between a river otter vs sea otter. The largest sea otters can weigh up to one hundred pounds, but river otters are much smaller. They are very different from other mammals that share the seals name or lineage. 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. Sea otters will be in the sea, river otters will be in the river. Otters are smaller while seals are comparatively large when it comes to body size. These two different animals have their key differences, but one thing is for sure: theyre all still otterly loveable wildlife all the same! But how do we tell the difference between river otters and sea otters? Still, these two mammals are very different from one another. 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. Both are adapted to keeping themselves warm in the water. ), while females average 22 to 26 kg (49-57 lbs.). They consume around 10 lbs of food per day. SeaQuest Blog Many species of river otter inhabit coastal areas and are sometimes confused for sea otters. River otters and sea otters have different lifespans. In addition to the difference in fur, river otters and sea otters have other differences in appearance. To meet the wonderful sloths that call SeaQuest home, book your visit today at any of the following locations: Best Birthday Party Places in Fort Worth! They are comparatively larger in body size. Ground squirrels, hyenas, and lions may eat infants of their own species just for a snack. Whats the Difference Between a Dolphin and Shark? They have the ability to walk but they prefer living in the oceans more than staying on the land. At Rocky Shores you can explore a far Northwest world where land and ocean meet; where sea lions dive, seals splash and otters play. This makes them very different animals, especially when you consider the fact that sea otters are the only members of their genus. Greetings From the Vortex of Unpredictability, rapidly devours all the other unborn sharks, feathery, fluffy dinosaurs killed the brontosaurus. While both animals are classified as otters, river otters are members of the Lontra genus, and sea otters are members of the Enhydra genus. What is Our Oceans Role in the Transition to Clean Energy? 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. Giant Otters are the largest otter species and are very similar to large river otters. The sea otter is the "fluffiest" among these three animals. Sea otters are larger Both are marine mammals and have lungs that they use to breathe. Another significant difference is the number of offspring these creatures have. Though most species occur in cold-water environments. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. Please try Fur seals are not members of Phocidae, and they are not true seals either. Individual Behavior Grooming. The webbed feet of a sea otter. Learn More About Estate Planning. While sea otters are found in the sea, Asian small-clawed otters are found in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps. Otter belongs to the Mustelidae family while the seal belongs to the Phocidae family. Otters use two layers of dense fur to keep warm when they are submerged in the water, and that is most of their lives. The salty crew of Deep Sea News has been trying to counteract the cuddly image of dolphins for years. A river otter mother usually has between two and three babies, called pups. Terms & Conditions. 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. Their gestation period is between 60 to 86 days. These remaining otters can be found in rivers, lakes, and freshwater wetlands. They include; weasels, badgers, wolverines, and polecats. But sea otters relationship with climate change goes two ways. The reason for this skew in the population is unclear, but it leaves male sea otters in a bind. From behavior and habitat to offspring and appearance, this article will detail the differences between these two otters. It is a grave mistake to see the so-called depravity of penguins, dolphins, and otters in the same way as our own behavior. 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. Seals are larger than otters, weighing a lot more than them and growing much longer. difference between sea otter and penguinhazbin hotel cherri bomb removed. Seals are larger than otters on average, and the largest members of the species make otters look positively tiny. : Most all seal species are carnivorous. 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. Why are these male sea otters killing seals? This goes both ways! 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. 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. 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. Whale: The North Atlantic right whales namerightcomes from the belief that it was the right whale to hunt. The Northern fur seal and Nooded seal are vulnerable. The marine otter simply lives near the ocean, diving in only to feed. Otter and seals belong to different families. Sorry, but we failed to add you to the list. You might think an otter is an otter, but hopefully, this article showed you that while two creatures can be called otters, they are very different. One naturalist was so thoroughly disgusted with the sexual behaviors of Adlie penguins that his observations were hidden from view for almost a century. Their tails alone can grow to 24 inches!. The elephant seal can weigh up to 6,000lbs and grows 20ft long. The sea otter does, however, have a shorter tail than the river otter. Another interesting tidbit about penguins is that 15,000 years ago, they were actually able to tolerate a warming climate. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, out of around 50 species of seahorses, all but one are vulnerable or threatened. Decades of efforts to help the dark gray baleen whale recover through international protection have done little to improve the species prospects. Dolphins kill other marine mammals and fish just for fun and commit infanticide. A fully grown otter weighs between 14 to 45 kg and this makes them the heaviest member among the smallest marine animals. True seals use blubber deposits under their skin to keep themselves warm when theyre in the water, which is quite often. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. At Georgia Aquarium, we are home to two species of otter Asian small-clawed ottersandsouthern sea otters. They have dense fur that enables them to keep warm. Seals have flippers, no visible external ears, and a very small tail. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. African penguins are declining in part due to fluctuations in water temperature and increased storms on their breeding grounds. (In the concluding paragraphs of On the Origin of Species, he observed that this view of life contains grandeur and horror alike.) 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. 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. The one exception to these rules is the Marine otter (Lontra felina) these otters are the only species of otter outside the Sea otter that reside in and around saltwater environments. Its as easy as that! Some river otters can be found in wetlands and lakes. how to cancel quizlet subscription; denver criminal court docket; cody and caleb martin salary; how to remove a backwards bullet from the chamber Many people may not know this, but sea otters are much larger than river otters. 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. While both animals are classified as otters, river otters are members of the Lontra genus, and sea otters are members of the Enhydra genus. Learn how to tell them apart quickly and easily! WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Later researchers rediscovered what Levick had seen. Inside pregnant sand tiger sharks, for example, the first embryo to grow large enough rapidly devours all the other unborn sharks in its shared womb. St. Patty's is coming Whats the difference between sea otters and river otters? Maybe the bad behavior was just a rumor. For if such awful displays occurred in nature, what might that say about our own actions? 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. Im not saying any of this to put down these animals. Sea otters mate for life, as many people know, but this is not the same for river otters. The largest river otters weigh in at around thirty pounds. 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. Sea Otter: We mentioned last time that sea otters are threatened by toxic algal blooms, which are exacerbated by climate change. Otters mainly feed on invertebrates while seals mainly feed on fish. While sea otters and river otters share many differences, they do share a major similarity - the threats they face in the wild. Male seals can grow up to 6 feet in length and weigh up to 600 pounds, while otters are much smaller and typically reach up to 3 feet long and weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. Seals belong to the Phocidae family, and otters belong to the Mustelidae family. Otters have webbed paws instead of flippers, visible external ears, and a long, thin tail that is easy to spot. In terms of colours, seals have thick fur coats that range from pale yellow to light grey and dark brown. Seals and otters are easy to tell apart if you know where to look. In other species, post-hatching battles begin almost immediately. They average around 2 feet in length and weigh around 10 pounds. They have a body length of about 3 to 4 feet and weigh between 40 to 60 pounds. Male giant otters average 26 to 34 kg (57-75 lbs. Although seals and otters are often believed to be related, the truth is that they belong to completely different families. Otters spend the vast majority of their time in the water, and they even sleep in the water. Many of, Crocodiles are among the most terrifying animals of all time. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Lets talk more about all of these differences in more detail now. In desperation, some male Adlie penguins tried to mate with the ground until they ejaculated. They are commonly known as pinnipeds. Asian-small clawed otters can be found in India, China, and parts of Southeast Asia. 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. There seems to be no crime too low for these penguins, he confided to his journal. Levick recorded these behaviors as aberrations from the norm of nature. We shouldn't draw the curtains over the aspects of animal behavior. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Keep reading to learn more about what makes each of these species unique. Sea otters have an average lifespan of 12-15 years in the wild while river otters live an average of 9-12 years. Please try Males are larger compared to their female counterparts. 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. 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 a very thick layer of fur on their bodies that enables them to keep themselves warm during the cold season. Conversely, river otters mate with multiple partners during the course of their lives. There are over 70 different species of cetacean. Otters fur has guard hairs on the outside layer that are used to keep them protected from moisture and to maintain body temperature. 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. Both seals and otters can vary a great deal in their sizes owing to their various species. Who will win? Most seal species are currently not considered endangered, according to the IUCN Red List. 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 if theres any marine vertebrate that wins the title of the squickiest, its dolphins. 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. I'm a freelance writer with 8 years of experience. Their hind feet are webbed to aid in swimming, and their front toes are short and stiff. As ethologist Sarah Hrdy has observed, there are various reasons for infanticide. River otters build dens on the riverbanks and care for their young there. The Mustelidae family is very unique and encompasses about 70 different species of animals including otters, wolverines, badgers, and more. Sea otters commit to one another and raise one pup at a time. The most notable physical difference between this subspecies and its northern cousins is size. Sorry, but we failed to add you to the list. launchpad classlink nmusd; cantonese text to speech; 15 second tv commercial script examples Otters belong to the Mustelidae family while seals belong to the Phocidae family. Unlike the common otter, sea otter's feet are webbed. 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. There are twelve different sub-species of river otter, but only three separate sub-species of the sea otter. The maximum lifespan for male Nothern Elephant Seal is age 14; for females it is to age 20. 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. 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. Seeing a dolphin at sea should be just as chilling as how many people feel when they see the sinuous silhouette of a shark. Their bodies and feet are also shaped very differently as well. Otter endangered status varies by species and location. difference between sea otter and penguin. 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). There are many distinguishing features between a river otter vs sea otter. hold hands with other otters so they dont drift apart, Watch Five Giant River Otters Face-Off Against a Huge Jaguar, Watch a Group of Massive River Otters Defeat a Crocodile in Vicious Battle, Weight: 10lbs-99lbs Length: 2ft-6ft, Blubber deposits under the skin keep true seals warm, -Dense fur that has two layers, guard hairs, and insulating underfur, Spend equal amounts of time on land and in the water, Spend the vast majority of their time in the water. 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. Still, the attempts to mate with seals requires an explanation. Read the rules here. Sea otters are mainly native to the northeastern seaboards of the Pacific Ocean, so they arent spotted in areas like the East Coast or the Gulf of Mexico. Did You Know. This makes them very different animals, especially when you consider the fact that sea otters are the only members of their genus. Seahorse: Last time we talked about seahorses, we mentioned their fragile coastal ecosystemscoral reefs and mangroves, for instance, are especially vulnerable to disturbances brought on by warming ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, and increased flooding. The sentiments about proper human behavior were impressed upon the penguins, and vice versa. While visiting Adlie penguins rookeries, Levick was shocked by the activities of what he called hooligan cocks. Males accosted and copulated with other males, females that were injured, chicks that had tumbled from their nests, and corpses. They spend time in the water foraging for mollusks, fish, frogs and crustaceans. There are about 33 species in this family. Their diets are reminiscent of their environments. They are comparatively smaller in body size. When they are not in the water, river otters forage the land for food and build burrows or dens for their young. RETWEET for Penguin or FAVE for Sea Otter #CPMarchSadness http://t.co/lzQh1SAaxZ pic.twitter.com/D7Tlow3Pad, Climate Progress (@climateprogress) March 27, 2015. River otters weigh between 11 and 31 pounds. They weigh between 45kg to 3,200kg . Honor A Loved One's Milestone Or Memory With A Donation In Their Name. Male sea otters compete with one another for mates. Plus, their overall diets, lifespans, and locations differ from one another, not to mention how different they are in appearance! Alaska sea otters are slightly larger than . They eat 15% of their body weight a day. 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, conversely, are found only in salt water and rarely go on land. Answer: I can only speak about North American otters, of which there are two species: * Enhydra lutris - Generally called a "Sea Otter". River otters tend to eat frogs, fish, crayfish, reptiles, and birds. are about 33 species in this family. 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. Seals belong to Phocidae, and otters belong to the Mustelidae, so they are not even close to being related. Youll have a very simple time determining if you are looking at an otter from a true seal with one or two of those factors. Your Generous Gift Will Help Us Continue To Protect Our Ocean And Its Wildlife. The Key Differences Between Seal vs Otter. About Us They include; walrus, eared seals, sea lions, fur seals, and earless seals. A 2010 study found that a toxin found in blue-green algae called microcystin had killed at least 21 California sea otters. Not to worry, friends. Additionally, river otters have a very different social structure from sea otters, often preferring solitude over a sea otters committed family structure. These animals use both fur and blubber to keep warm, and that is one of many ways to differentiate between true seals and others. subfamily. 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. They have a fat layer called blubber under their skin that makes them keep themselves warm during the cold season. Sea otters have back feet that are larger than their front feet, and much larger than the feet of a river otter. Thats quite the size difference! River otter mothers care for their pups until they are between six and twelve months old. Protect the Arctic from Future Oil Spills. 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. Our work is focused on solving some of the greatest threats facing our ocean today. As their name suggests, sea otters live in the sea! Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Taxonomically speaking, there is actually only one species of sea otter! Habitat loss, water pollution, deforestation, and hunting threaten their survival. However, there some traits and features that make them different from each other. Now, however, its differentthere is too little sea ice, which is impacting the food supply. If you travel further north to areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 100 pounds! 1Polar Bear vs. Wombat; Tasmanian Devil vs. Pangolin; (voting closed) WINNERS: Polar Bear and Pangolin.Day 23/20: Paws and Claws pt. If youre on a river in the middle of the North American continent, far away from any seaboard: its a river otter. Otters are mammals in the Mustelidae family. 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. Which would you like to know more about? The gestation period for otters lasts between 60 to 86 days while the gestation period for seals lasts between 9 months to 12 months. Enter your email and never miss an update. Although described as the smallest marine mammal this species is quite large as otters go, reaching as much as 80 lbs. Sea otters also have thicker fur, often with white markings, while river otters have sleeker fur to match their streamlined bodies. They display sexual dimorphism.