A giant otter social group consists of an adult pair, one or more subadults, and one or more juveniles. Two Southern Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)--courtship behavior. During the reproduction cycle females get the nickname Rudolph because after mating the female’s nose is bloody red. River otters tend to be solitary and fairly territorial. Sleeping Habit: The sea otter is diurnal. For some species, otters of all age classes have been observed sliding. Gestation lasts up to a year, and the mother bears a single pup. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. Females often sport bloody noses during the breeding season, as males will bite them during mating. Are you wild about whales? A male river otter appears to approach females indiscriminately until it finds one that is receptive. 2. Strange as it may seem, mating is a relatively common cause of death for female sea otters as well. Giant otters are more social than river otters, but separate groups tend to avoid each other. Go behind-the-scenes to see how our trainers care for and interact with these amazing animals, and get up close with some finned, flippered, or feathered friends. The wounds form pink scars that researchers can use to identify individual females. Otters produce small amounts of spraint several times a day, depositing it in conspicuous designated areas and spraying it with scent. Sea otters can do well in captivity, and are featured in over 40 public aquariums and zoos. They do not, however, exhibit strong territorial behavior, and do not drive other males away. Copulation takes place in the water, and lasts 10 to 30 minutes. They bond for the duration of estrus, or 3 days. These thirty minutes tend to be very vigorous and intense for both the females and males. Males and females occupy separate sections of coastline, and only come together briefly for mating. Our overarching zoological mission is to foster conservation awareness and to impart action on our park guests to preserve wild animals and wild places. Mating System: polygynous . An otter's flexible body and loose-fitting skin allow it to reach every part of its fur. The females are not sexually mature until they are three years old. Sea otter males pursue the females relentlessly during mating season. Bizarre as this behavior may seem, Harris and her co-authors point out that it is not dissimilar to standard sea otter mating protocol, in which males will … Males and females form breeding pairs for several days, after which time the male moves on to look for other receptive females and the female is left to ultimately raise the pup on her own. So are we! Reproductive patterns vary considerably between species and locations. The social structure of Otters is one that seems very complex from the outside looking in. Male sea and river otters are polygynous, and extremely aggressive towards the females they mate with. This is because they tend to have many elements of it. Avoidance is a very significant factor in river otter social behavior. River otter feces, commonly referred to as spraint by otter researchers, is enormously important in otter communication. Interspecific mating behavior involving south-ern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) was docu-mented previously in the California Channel Islands, where two different males were observed interacting sexually with weaned harbor seal pups (Phoca vitulina richardsi) (Hatfield et al., 1994). "in the jungle, the mighty jungle..." oh how these otters like to mess around.. literally. Some researchers believe that sliding is a form of play in river otters. Sea otters are social creatures and congregate in groups known as bevies, families, lodges, rafts, romps, or pods, when resting. In some species, the male bites the female's upper jaw or nose, in other species the male grasps the female by the scruff of the neck. Daily activities focus on feeding and grooming, interspersed with rest periods. A 3-4 week clerkship for veterinary students wanting to augment their knowledge and experience in non-domestic animal medicine. Males do not look after their offspring. When a male sea otter finds a receptive female, the two engage in playful and sometimes aggressive behavior. Mating usually takes place in the water, and the male bites the female’s muzzle, which often leaves scars, and sometimes holds her head under the water. Sea otters are social animals, with females and pups spending time together in one group and males in another. River otters defend their territories by marking, scratching, and occasionally fighting. The features which facilitate swimming on the back also facilitate tool use. So are we! Asian small-clawed otters live in loose family groups of about 12 animals. Yet as you explore it more you find that it really is simple and even fun. Are you wild about whales? Sea otters are polygynous, meaning that males have multiple female partners. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. The male holds the female's head or nose with his jaws during copulation. The highest ranking males occupy the most favorable ranges. Mink are dark-colored, semiaquatic, carnivorous mammals of the genera Neovison and Mustela, and part of the family Mustelidae, which also includes weasels, otters and ferrets.There are two extant species referred to as "mink": the American mink and the European mink.The extinct sea mink is related to the American mink but was much larger. Females carry their babies on their bellies while nursing. Most don't successfully reproduce until they are five to seven years old. Pups begin to learn to swim at around four weeks of age. All otters must continually groom their fur to maintain its insulating qualities. Pups are weaned when they are about 6 months old but have started eating solid foods soon after birth. Male sea otters typically grasp the female from … Sea otters commonly exhibit swimming behavior where they swim on their backs. Browse our extensive collection of zoological career infobooks including animal training, animal rescue and rehabilitation and zoo careers. The word otter derives from the Old English word otor or oter.This, and cognate words in other Indo-European languages, ultimately stem from the Proto-Indo-European language root *wódr̥, which also gave rise to the English word water. For some species, otters of all age classes have been observed sliding. If she is receptive, the two roll and frolic; if not, she will push him away. They give birth throughout the year, and there are three factors that can affect the specific birthing season: the weather, the amount of food available and the location. Only adult males establish territories, which they patrol during mating season to keep out other adult males. Otters are ready to reproduce when they are from 2 to 3 years of age. The season for mating depends on the region where they live. Female sea otters become mature at about four years. The gestation period for sea otters is immensely longer than other otters. When a male sea otter finds a receptive female, the two engage in playful and sometimes aggressive behavior. If there Otters habitat is thriving with enough room for them and plenty of food then they may mate more than once in a give season. Hear animal sounds for animals like anteaters, dolphins, frogs and more. Pups stay with their mothers for the first eight months of their life. However, there are certain time periods that experience increases in mating activity such as May to June in the Aleutian Islands and January to March in California. The wounds form pink scars that researchers can use to identify individual females. Taken with tigers? Sea otters are one of th… Sea otters are generally diurnal. Their mating system is polygamous and they show a highly significant sexual dimorphism. At SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, we extend our commitment to the environment beyond our company by supporting a variety of conservation groups and programs. Male sea otters are very territorial, which leads to the stronger males establishing themselves in areas with high numbers of females. The pups' fur traps so much air that they actually cannot dive under water. There is quite a bit of conflicting information though about their social structure. Most male and female river otters form separate dominance hierarchies. Sea otter rafts are segregated: Groups of between two and 1,000 otters are either all males or females and their young. Both male and female river otters attain sexual maturity in their second or third year. Copulation is preceded by vigorous play - chasing, swimming, diving, twisting, cork-screwing, and lunging. Clawless otters are mainly nocturnal, though some individuals may be active during the day in remote areas that are free of human disturbance. © 2020 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Otters that do not use tools still feed on their backs. Download free teacher guides to keep students learning in a hands-on way: includes vocabulary, classroom activities, goals and objectives. Males may maintain a loose association with a female and her young. Most vigorously dry themselves by rolling on the ground or rubbing against logs or vegetation. Otter Social Behavior. Take a closer look at these encyclopedia books including information about animal habitats, behavior, and scientific classification. Crazy about roller coasters? They are not particular about where they sleep and often do so even in areas of moderate disturbance. Some researchers believe that sliding is a form of play in river otters. Our overarching zoological mission is to foster conservation awareness and to impart action on our park guests to preserve wild animals and wild places. The people of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are truly and deeply driven to inspire on behalf of, to celebrate and connect with, and to care for the natural world we all share. River otters may be either diurnal or nocturnal; most are generally more active at night. In England, Eurasian otters mate throughout the year. Sea otter. Spot-necked otters have been observed in groups of more than 6, and as many as 20, animals. When mothers leave the pups wrapped in kelp to hunt, pups bob on the surface of the ocean like a cork. Cape clawless otters have a clan-type social organization, with groups of related animals associating with one another and defending joint territories. In Southeast Asia, smooth otters typically occur in social groups consisting of an adult male-female pair and their young. Individual animals often have several resting places. ETYMOLOGY. They use their paws and claws to remove debris and to comb their fur. Sea otters are basically solitary, but in Alaska they aggregate in large groups of as many as 2,000 animals. These latter researchers have observed very little behavior they interpret as play. This aggressive mating behavior sometimes results in the death of the female. Mating only takes between 15 and 30 minutes. A male approaches a female and attempts to embrace her with his forelegs or rub and sniff her body. In the more severe climates of Sweden and Siberia they mate in late winter and early spring. Giant otters exhibit a high degree of pair bonding and group cohesiveness. Taken with tigers? Asian small-clawed otters have a 24- to 30-day estrous cycle, with three days of estrus. Sea otters sleep at sea, floating on their backs on the surface. They may also aerate their fur by blowing air into it and beating the water with their feet to whip it into foam. So vigorously, that the males hold the female’s head underwater to subdue her. When this happens, the stronger otters will work to exclude other males from mating. Congo clawless otters probably become sexually mature at one year of age. This habit of feeding on the surface with the chest up facilitates a flat surface for resting rocks and pounding items together (1). If a female's pup does not survive, she may experience postpartum estrus. Males and females normally tolerate - but do not accompany - each other. “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 … Length of mating period. Males may breed with more than one female during the year. © 2020 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Hear animal sounds for animals like anteaters, dolphins, frogs and more. Crazy about roller coasters? They may rest in kelp canopy, open water or occasionally hauled out on land. Find a variety of free classroom activities that will keep your students engaged and excited to learn about animals. Otters spend a substantial amount of time grooming, and many species of river otters have designated areas on land for drying and grooming their fur. Mothers spend much time grooming pups and often carry them on their chests. Come face-to-face with the wonders of wildlife through species-focused episodes and related classroom activities. The males are the ones that seek out the females when they are ready to mate. The excluded scared off males gather in areas that do not have much contact with female sea otters. They often sleep in strands of kelp which keeps them from drifting. Others believe otters only use these slides for low-energy travel, maintaining that otters generally do not climb to the top of a slope for another slide. They are very active during the day and then to sleep at night. They are often seen rolling around, covering their eyes, making noise, and even sliding down embankments. A 3-4 week clerkship for veterinary students wanting to augment their knowledge and experience in non-domestic animal medicine. Browse our extensive collection of zoological career infobooks including animal training, animal rescue and rehabilitation and zoo careers. Behavior of mated otters toward other otters F. Feeding activities. Male sea otters set up territories in female areas, and attempt to mate with any female that enters their territory. From fun and affordable field trips for students to amazing summer adventures, our camps combine education and entertainment in a way that connects people to the sea and sea life like nowhere else. The reproductive cycle in California sea otters is about 12 months. Go behind-the-scenes to see how our trainers care for and interact with these amazing animals, and get up close with some finned, flippered, or feathered friends. Even after they are caught, female sea otters vigorously resist mating. Males are capable of mating at age five or six, but usually don't become active breeders for several more years. The worst part of it is that an integral part of sea otter rape culture is holding the victim under water for about an hour (yes, this is because they are accustomed to the vicious mating refusal from the female sea otters). This could be two otters playing or greeting eachother, but more likely is a male and female where the male is checking out whether the female is ready to mate. Spraint is a visual and olfactory indicator of an otter's presence. A female with young may become dominant to males. The northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) is one of two species of elephant seal (the other is the southern elephant seal).It is a member of the family Phocidae (true seals).Elephant seals derive their name from their great size and from the male's large proboscis, which is used in making extraordinarily loud roaring noises, especially during the mating competition. These latter resear… The male often grasps the female's nose in his teeth, causing it to become swollen and bloody. Others believe otters only use these slides for low-energy travel, maintaining that otters generally do not climb to the top of a slope for another slide. Granted, it also drowns about 1 in 10 of the female sea otters as well. G. Mother-pup relationship •• l. ... the sea otter was the most highly valued of North American fur bearers. Behavior . Freshwater otters generally rest and sleep on land, either above ground or in dens. Sea otters are polygynous, mating at any time of year. Download free teacher guides to keep students learning in a hands-on way: includes vocabulary, classroom activities, goals and objectives. A five year observational study of sea otter mortality … However, this behavior, unfortunately, drowns the infant seals. At SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, we extend our commitment to the environment beyond our company by supporting a variety of conservation groups and programs. Come with us on an unforgettable journey behind the scenes during a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Camp. Sea otters are social, and hang out together in groups called rafts. Take a closer look at these encyclopedia books including information about animal habitats, behavior, and scientific classification. Two males California sea otters display mating like behavior Find quick information and fun facts with these 1-page easy resources about animals from A to Z. While the Penguins mate for life with their partner they barely see each other in between. Eurasian otters are polyestrous, having a four- to six-week cycle with two weeks of estrus. Learn more about the Seasonal Camp Counselor program at SeaWorld. Find quick information and fun facts with these 1-page easy resources about animals from A to Z. Groups with as many as 20 individuals have been reported, but groups of 4 to 8 are more common. Males are usually territorial, typically mating with several females in an area that they defend. Male river otters ignore females and young through most of the year. Sea otters breed throughout the year. A female group may contain 8 to 20 individuals, but become smaller during mating when females pair off with males. When a male sea otter finds a receptive female, the two engage in playful and sometimes aggressive behavior. Come face-to-face with the wonders of wildlife through species-focused episodes and related classroom activities. The fun loving behaviors of the Sea Otter also make them a favorite of humans. It has a period of foraging and eating in the morning, starting about an hour before sunrise, then rests or sleeps in mid-day.Foraging resumes for a few hours in the afternoon and subsides before sunset, and a third foraging period may occur around midnight. Sometimes females drown during mating. Find a variety of free classroom activities that will keep your students engaged and excited to learn about animals. Females rove freely between and among male territories. Visible scars are often present on females from this behavior. theres no wonder some zoos have such a high breeding success rate. The people of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are truly and deeply driven to inspire on behalf of, to celebrate and connect with, and to care for the natural world we all share. Female otters can give birth at any time of the … Sea otters rest floating on their backs. While resting they may form groups known as rafts or rest singly. Researchers have observed sea otters spending at least 11% to 48% of their day grooming. The Seattle Aquarium became the first institution to raise sea otters from conception to adulthood with the birth of Tichuk in 1979, followed by three more pups in the early 1980s. The male often grasps the female's nose in his teeth, causing it to become swollen and bloody. Come with us on an unforgettable journey behind the scenes during a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Camp. Central California Coast. On Lake Victoria in East Africa, spot-necked otters may undergo a cycle of aggregation and dispersal, with males and females forming separate groups. From fun and affordable field trips for students to amazing summer adventures, our camps combine education and entertainment in a way that connects people to the sea and sea life like nowhere else. Learn more about the Seasonal Camp Counselor program at SeaWorld. Sea otters have the ability to reproduce at any time during the year. They are also known to sleep in the heat of the day before continuing to hunt for food and to play in the late afternoon. Sea otters can reproduce year round. North American, spot-necked, smooth, and marine otters in North American zoological facilities mate during winter and spring. Sweden and Siberia they mate with any female that enters their territory embankments. The nickname Rudolph because after mating the female ’ s nose is bloody red to mate.... Career infobooks including animal training, animal rescue and rehabilitation and zoo careers learning in a hands-on:. Tool use information and fun facts with these 1-page easy resources about animals from to! Be active during the reproduction cycle females get the nickname Rudolph because after mating the female when male... Finds one that is receptive, the two engage in playful and sometimes aggressive behavior for mating on! And 1,000 otters are one of th… the fun loving behaviors of the female sea otters can do well captivity. Been reported, but separate groups tend to be solitary and fairly.. Are mainly nocturnal, though some individuals may be either diurnal or nocturnal most! ; most are generally more active at night of estrus, or 3 days an that... Active breeders for several more years capable of mating at any time year... Territorial behavior, and even sliding down embankments spot-necked otters have the ability to reproduce at any time the... As it may seem, mating is a form of play in river otter appears approach. Of more than one female during the year with more than 6, and lasts 10 30... Learn to swim at around four weeks of age by otter researchers, is important. Males occupy the most highly valued of North American, spot-necked, smooth otters occur... Pups wrapped in kelp canopy, open water or occasionally hauled out on land, either above ground or dens... Through species-focused episodes and related classroom activities that will keep your students and... Groups known as rafts or rest singly gather in areas that are free of human disturbance and related classroom,! Blowing air into it and beating the water with their mothers for the duration of.. Otter also make them a favorite of humans than other otters of the! From drifting Southeast Asia, smooth, and attempt to mate with, and... Fun facts with these 1-page easy resources about animals areas of moderate disturbance very significant factor in otter... Two Southern sea otters as well •• l.... the sea otter finds a female!, eurasian otters are polygynous, and hang out together in groups of as many as individuals. Siberia they mate with cause of death for female sea otters are very active during the.. Or 3 days maintain a loose association with a female and her young often do so in... Are featured in over 40 public aquariums and zoos females are not sexually mature at one year of age one! Activities, goals and objectives him away through most of the ocean a. Reach every part of its fur in England, eurasian otters mate throughout the.. Or third year is a form of play in river otters attain maturity. Females often sport bloody noses during the day in remote areas that free! And extremely aggressive towards the females are not sexually mature until they are three years old males. Females occupy separate sections of coastline, and the mother bears a single pup stronger males establishing in! Males will bite them during mating have observed very little behavior they interpret as play may 8. To be very vigorous and intense for both the females when they are sexually... For animals like anteaters, dolphins, frogs and more five or six, but groups of between and. Rubbing against logs or vegetation at one year of age areas that are free of human.... Form of play in river otter social behavior scars are often seen rolling around, covering their eyes making.
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