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Here's something I ran across yesterday...
River Otter Versus Sea Otter
It's very common to mistake sea otters with their cousins the river otter because river otters live around either fresh water or the ocean. In fact, there are so many river otters around our seashores, and they are so active in the sea, that people are easily convinced the otter they see is a sea otter . But once someone knows what to look for, it's easy to tell them apart. If you see an otter moving easily on land then it's probably a river otter. Their long, but short legs make walking easy and they frequently move to and from their dens in the forest, or playfully slide down their otter runs into the sea. Sea otters are true ocean-dwelling marine mammals, almost never coming out of their ocean home. They are clumsy on land and are perfectly capable of spending their entire lives out at sea. Seeing an otter in water is one of the best ways to identifying it. At the surface, river otters swim belly-down and expose a little of their back, while sea otters swim belly-up and float high in the water due to their air-filled fur. If someone were to closely examine their paws they would be able to see a major difference.
The sea otter's hind paws are more flipper-like and are webbed right to the tips of their toes. Their longest toe is on the outside--to help it in swimming. Their longer outer toe makes walking on land pretty tough.
The front paws of the sea otter are narrow with extendable claws for hanging onto slippery fish or spiny urchins. River otters also have webbed hind paws, but they are comparatively small. Both front and hind paws are more circular in shape, because they are adapted for land travel.
A possible comparison between a river otter and a sea otter is that sea otters spend more time in the water. They stay in the water almost all their whole lives. On the other hand, river otters go on land frequently. Also, river otters eat mostly fish, clams, and snails, but sea otters eat all of those plus crabs and sea urchins. Sea otters sleep in the water but river otters sleep in dens. Something they both like to do is have fun and play.
(Written by Natalie D. and the Kileer Countryside Virtual Wetlands Preserve Team)
River Otter Versus Sea Otter
It's very common to mistake sea otters with their cousins the river otter because river otters live around either fresh water or the ocean. In fact, there are so many river otters around our seashores, and they are so active in the sea, that people are easily convinced the otter they see is a sea otter . But once someone knows what to look for, it's easy to tell them apart. If you see an otter moving easily on land then it's probably a river otter. Their long, but short legs make walking easy and they frequently move to and from their dens in the forest, or playfully slide down their otter runs into the sea. Sea otters are true ocean-dwelling marine mammals, almost never coming out of their ocean home. They are clumsy on land and are perfectly capable of spending their entire lives out at sea. Seeing an otter in water is one of the best ways to identifying it. At the surface, river otters swim belly-down and expose a little of their back, while sea otters swim belly-up and float high in the water due to their air-filled fur. If someone were to closely examine their paws they would be able to see a major difference.
The sea otter's hind paws are more flipper-like and are webbed right to the tips of their toes. Their longest toe is on the outside--to help it in swimming. Their longer outer toe makes walking on land pretty tough.
The front paws of the sea otter are narrow with extendable claws for hanging onto slippery fish or spiny urchins. River otters also have webbed hind paws, but they are comparatively small. Both front and hind paws are more circular in shape, because they are adapted for land travel.
A possible comparison between a river otter and a sea otter is that sea otters spend more time in the water. They stay in the water almost all their whole lives. On the other hand, river otters go on land frequently. Also, river otters eat mostly fish, clams, and snails, but sea otters eat all of those plus crabs and sea urchins. Sea otters sleep in the water but river otters sleep in dens. Something they both like to do is have fun and play.
(Written by Natalie D. and the Kileer Countryside Virtual Wetlands Preserve Team)
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Re: River Otter Versus Sea Otter
Thu, February 19, 2004 - 12:38 PMAnother major difference is that Sea Otters are considerably larger than their River Otter cousins. To folks who don't know this I compare a RO to a cat in size, and SO in terms of a medium sized dog. Close enough to give most people the right idea.
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Re: Otters
Thu, March 11, 2004 - 11:31 AMThere are two kinds of Otter, the river and sea. Delightful creatures to watch in the wild otters have a strong curiosity exploring every nook and cranny they can find just to see what's there. Their curiosity reminds us that everything is interesting if looked at from different angles. They know how to float on the currents of life enjoying the beauty that it holds. Their relaxed attitude reminds us to laugh with life and not take things to seriously. They offer us the gift of laughter, trust and playfulness.
Otters are agile and fast in the water. They are often seen floating on their backs with their paws extended out of the water, sliding on their bellies playfully, or performing acrobatic maneuvers. Water has long been associated with the emotional energies in man. Otters glide through the emotional ups and downs of life with ease and can teach us how to do the same. They represent the creative, nurturing energies that live within us and show us how to honor them.
Otters are excellent parents and care for their young longer than most other marine mammals. They enjoy the company of other otters and are rarely seen alone. Those with this medicine benefit by living on or close to the water and find comfort in group interactions.
The otter is very talkative. When frightened their calls take on an erie piercing sound similar to a baby screaming. They have few natural enemies and are not afraid of humans. During the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska, otters were one of the few creatures that would allow humans to hold them without putting up a fight. As the oil was wiped from their bodies the otter would lie very still in the arms of the one caring for it, unafraid and trusting.
When otter appears in your life it is asking you to let go of worry and pain, lighten up and enjoy what life has to offer. Trust your inner knowing , develop trust for others and embrace the world with excitement and enthusiasm. Life is what we make it. The otter shows us how to create a joyful future. All we need to do is follow its lead.
(from: www.sayahda.com/) -
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Re: Otters
Thu, March 11, 2004 - 1:09 PMThere are also African Giant River Otters which grow up to 6 feet. They are only in rivers and do not hit the coastline. Given their playful nature, can you imagine such a large, playful creature? Kinda scary and intriguing at the same time. - Seppe -
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Re: Otters
Sun, April 11, 2004 - 7:25 PMActually, I the Giant Otters are from Brazil. Their scientific name is Pteronura brasiliensis. You can get some more info on them at www.giantotters.com
The otters in Africa are spotted necks (Lutra maculicollis). I have had the opportunity to see an African otter up close at a conservation center here in Georgia, but still haven't been able to see a Giant Otter.
Sorry to be all dorky and technical, but two otters are better than one right?
Joshua
www.otterfreak.com
www.otterweb.net -
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Re: Otters
Sun, April 11, 2004 - 7:30 PMWow! I didn't know that. More River Otter knowledge! Anywho, the ones in Africa are also giant in size, even if they have a different name. :) - Seppe
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