sea otter vs seal

Unlike the seals, otters have long, slim bodies with relatively short limbs. Unlike their river otter cousins, sea otters spend almost their entire lives in … Captain Burtis is an old sea otter and seal hunter, with great experience in Alaskan and Japanese waters, and is confident of returning with at least a couple of pelts.” June 14, 1896 [LAT/SB]: “The little sailing vessel Penelope, was anchored near the wharf last night. They then play a game to review similarities and differences between sea otters and seals. We are not sure which was the case here but these “jaw-dropping” images are the first known record of a “foraging-like” interaction between a sea otter and this creature. The other resident eared seal is the Steller, or Northern, sea lion (Eumetopias jubata), a federally threatened species. True seals have pin holes in the sides of their heads for ears with no external ear … AS A CLASS, USE A VENN DIAGRAM TO REVIEW SEAL AND SEA OTTER CHARACTERISTICS. They have very high metabolic rates to help keep them warm. Sea otters and seals are in many ways different, but are also similar. Seals and sea lions are right up there with otters and dolphins as some of the marine darlings that draw crowds of admiring fans to aquariums and beaches. Once in the water, the sea otter gripped the harbor seal’s head with its forepaws and repeatedly bit it on the nose, causing a deep laceration. Difference Between | Descriptive Analysis and Comparisons, Counterintelligence Investigation vs Criminal Investigation. Their limbs consist of short, wide, flat flippers. Difference Between Distilled Water and Boiled Water, Difference Between McDonalds and Burger King. Each of these families is further distributed into sub-families and species. Also, they have claws with small toes. Students find out by comparing sea otter and seal characteristics using a Venn diagram. Sea Otter vs Walrus vs Sea Lion vs Seals. Their bodies are well adapted to the aquatic habitat, as they tend to spend most of their lives in water; only coming out on to rocks, ledges and the beach to sun bathe. Image Courtesy: holtz.org, tbird1687.tripod.com. Both types of seals, sea lions and walruses are all considered to be in the suborder Pinnipedia, which is usually translated as \"fin-footed\" or \"feather-footed.\" Pinnipeds (within the order Carnivora) consist of three families. 7.This is because they have flippers and also a streamlined body. Four species are commonly seen within the sanctuary. The harbor seal moved toward the water with the sea otter following closely. Pinnipeds include the walrus, eared seals, sea lions, fur seals and earless seals. But they don’t stop when the seal is dead … You can see them close to shore almost any time of year! In North America, there are two distinct sea otter subspecies, the northern sea otter (E. l. kenyoni) and the southern sea otter (E. l. nereis).Northern sea otters are found in the Aleutian Islands, South Central and Southeast Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington. Although it can walk on land, the sea otter is capable of living exclusively in the ocean. Both otters and seals also differ in many physical characteristics. Otter vs Beaver . See more ideas about otters, sea otter, baby otters. What they have in common. Hi, River Otter vs Sea Otter: You Otter Know. ), the most obvious difference between sea otters and seals is in their means of keeping warm: sea otters have extremely dense fur (1,000,000 strands of hair per square inch) for insulation, whereas seals have a layer of blubber beneath their skin. Males of other species defend territories on reproductive rookeries while females move freely between them. The gait of sea otters on land is somewhat clumsy, but river otters can sprint short distances at high speed. Instead, it has both guard hairs and a warm undercoat that trap bubbles of air to help insulate it. A detailed comparison between otters and seals: Animalia – Chordata – Vertebrata – Mammalia – Carnivora – Mustelidae – Lutrinae, Animalia – Chordata – Vertebrata – Mammalia – Carnivora – Caniformia – Pinnipedia, 13 living species of semiaquatic or aquatic mammals. Sea otters are perfectly adapted to living in their cold water environment here off the west coast of British Columbia. For over an hour and a half, the male otter will hold the seal pup in this position, raping it until it is dead. The newborn pup is taken care of by the mother, the father, and all the other offspring. • Use a Venn diagram to illustrate similarities and differences … May the Otter and the Humans go on many grand quests in future. The seal-like abilities help them hold breath underwater, and with this, they have sharp claws on their feet, and the sea otters especially have long, muscular tails. They both seem to move in such similar ways. River otters also have long, muscular tails unlike their sea counterparts. The sea otter is one of the smallest marine mammals, but one of the largest members of the family Mustelidae, a group that includes skunks and weasels among others. 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. Day 9–3/31: Sea Turtle vs. Red Knot; Butterfly vs. You see, sea otters rape and drown baby seals. Harbor seals Quiet and shy, harbor seals can be seen year-round resting on rocks just offshore. Sea otters vs. river otters 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. For this reason they were particularly prized by sealers. The fur coat includes outer guard hairs that repel water and a layer of insulating underfur. Fur seals have both blubber and a specially adapted fur coat, including outer guard hairs that repel water and a layer of insulating underfur. Fish and shellfish, and other invertebrates, amphibians, birds and small mammals. The sharks aren’t actually trying to eat the otters, preferring calorie-dense, blubbery prey like seals and sea lions. A sea otter pup’s fur traps so much air that they cannot dive underwater. Unlike seals and sea lions, the Sea Otter has little body fat to help it survive in the cold ocean water. Otter and beaver are completely different animals, but with much similar looking appearances. The trade of sea otters was continued until the animals were virtually wiped out. Seal vs sea Lion vs Walrus vs Otter difference & comparison. Photo credit: Christine Roper. October 24, 2018 at 10:47 am I’ve swam and kuyaked Morro Bay all of my life. This thick fur needs to be clean however, in order for the insulating … The sea otter and pup rolled violently in the water for approximately 15 min, while the pup struggled to free itself from the sea otter’s grasp. Otters have very soft, insulated underfur, which is protected by an outer layer of long guard hair. It can also be seen that seals love fish which is one of their favorite foods. Otters belong to the Mustelidae family, and seals belong to the Phocidae family. 2 thoughts on “ seal, sea lion, or sea otter: how can you tell? 1.Otters belong to the Mustelidae family, and seals belong to the Phocidae family. Sea Otter hanging around in Bull Kelp of the West Coast of BC. Average weight of an adult female California sea otter is about 50 lbs. 4.When otters have paws, seals have flippers. In seals, the hind flippers extend directly behind the body, and are not capable of rotation unlike the hind flippers of sea lions that are longer and may be rotated toward the front of the body. Label one … Sea otter plans vs. 2020: foraging for clams. On the other hand, otters only eat fish rarely, and they mainly thrive upon invertebrates. Seals have a gestation period of 12 months, and otters have a gestation period of about 60 to 86 days. Unlike the seals, otters have long, slim bodies with relatively short limbs. Seals are quieter, vocalizing via soft grunts. Peregrine Falcon (voting closed) WINNERS: Sea Turtle, Peregrine Falcon.Day 10–4/1: Polar Bear vs. Wolverine; Sea Horse vs. Sea Otter (voting closed) Day 11–4/3: Elephant vs. Narwhal; Sea Turtle vs. The harbor seal moved toward the water with the sea otter following closely. On numerous occasions they have been observed approaching baby seals, biting them and then dragging them out to sea and raping them. Sea otters live in large colonies, but river otters tend to stay in small family groups. Otters have very soft, insulated underfur, which is protected by an outer layer of long guard hair. Harbour Seals. Sea Lions and Sea Otters ! They have very soft, insulated underfur that is protected by an outer layer of guard hairs. Once in the water, the sea otter gripped the harbor seal's head with its forepaws and repeatedly bit it on the nose, causing a deep laceration. Many species were nearly hunted to extinction. 3. Once in the water, the sea otter gripped the harbor seal’s head with its forepaws and repeatedly bit it on the nose, causing a deep laceration. On the other hand, otters only eat fish rarely, and they mainly thrive upon invertebrates. Do seals have ears? It lives with its family for about one year, so it can learn and be kept safe until maturity. Adult males reach an average length of 4.5 feet (1.4 m) with a typical weight between 50 and 100 lbs (23 to 45 kg), while adult females reach an average length of 4 feet (1.2 m) and typically weigh 45 lbs (20 kg). A sea otter resembles more of a beaver or rodent than the dog-like sea lion. Otters have dense fur for keeping themselves warm whereas the seals have a deposit of blubber under their skin. While Otters are large, carnivorous mammals, Beavers are semi-aquatic rodents who strictly follow a vegetarian lifestyle. 8 Top Predators of Sea Otters that Eat Sea Otter - FactsKing.com Their bodies are well adapted to the aquatic habitat where they spend most of their lives. Females can give birth any time of the year, but most in California have their pup between January and March. Seals are typically known for their sleek and sleek-bodied bodies with short, wide, flat flippers. A young male elephant seal and otter interact in the water and on the beach at Hopkins Marine Station Beach in Pacific Grove, CA. I love this Wedsite I have ever been on I love this SOS much people should go on here more often, My bad I spelt some things Worng I’m only 12, Your email address will not be published. When male sea otters reach sexual maturity, they will rape seal pups if there aren’t enough female seals to compete for. They breed and also give birth on land. Objectives. Though they have many differences between them, the most significant one is related to their ways of keeping themselves warm. Taxonomic discussions tend to be a bit muddled as scientists strive to classify all the different species on the planet. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Sea otters are members of the weasel or mustelid family. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the best places in the world to see seals, sea lions and sea otters. Yes, it’s pooping. (paws vs. flippers, very thick fur vs. blubber, seals have no ear flaps) Which seal behaviors are the same as an otter’s? You have to get very close to see the tiny holes on the sides of a seal’s sleek head. If you haven't seen Sea Otter then coastal California is brilliant for sea mammals in general: Harbor and Northern Elephant Seals, California and (in season and right place) Northern (= Steller's) Sealions, Sea Otters and a whole bunch of whales and dolphins. Photo credit: Christine Roper. Objectives. Otters have long, slim bodies and relatively short limbs, with webbed paws. This traps a layer of air, and keeps them dry and warm under water. The Sea Lon is an extended Pinniped with some new organs grown outwards. Their fur actually consists of two layers, an undercoat and longer guard hairs. Beavers weigh about twice as much as Otters, and live twice as long, too. Males can weigh up to 70 lbs. How to tell them apart. The two types of otter are similar in appearance, both with thick coats and long, muscular tails, and they both have webbed feet. 6.When comparing the swimming ability of both otters and seals, the latter ones are considered to be good swimmers. Unlike most marine mammals, the sea otter's primary form of insulation is an exceptionally thick coat of fur, the densest in the animal kingdom. On the other hand, otters only eat fish rarely, and they mainly thrive upon invertebrates. The major difference of sea otter to other marine mammals is the heavy fur on them. Once in the water, the sea otter gripped the harbor seal’s head with its forepaws and repeatedly bit it on the nose, causing a deep laceration. 3.Seals love fish which is one of their favorite foods. They are at great risk of extinction due to many reasons such as fur trade, shark attacks, habitat degradation, oil spills ,fishing nets, disease and being viewed as competition. What do otters use their tails for? Apr 13, 2019 - Explore Vicki Welty's board "Sea otters" on Pinterest. They prefer kelp beds, but they are not essential. Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) have been managed under international law longer (starting in 1911) than most marine mammal species (Figure 1).However, science and conservation-based management decisions began about 60 years ago, and much of the research on sea otters in the United States has occurred since the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. Pinnipeds are typically sleek-bodied and barrel-shaped. Like other members of this family, they have very thick fur. Southern sea otter California sea lion Robert Schwemmer . It steers … ” Pingback: Explore the Fishing Village of Morro Bay on the California Coast - guide2travel.ca. Here's me commentary on a cheeky Otter fleeing from a hungry Orca. 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. 2.Otters have dense fur for keeping themselves warm whereas the seals have a deposit of blubber under their skin. About 9 to 12 months depending on the species. The seal overcomes this complication by voice recognition. • Identify the body parts and behaviors of a seal. The topic of evolution is such a broad subject; even if you narrow down to one specific family of organisms, there is an intricate history that awaits to be explored. Seal, Sea Lion and Sea Otters . of food each day. At about 4 or 5 years old, female sea otters typically have their first pup after a four-to-five-month-long pregnancy. Sea otters are highly aquatic and live in the ocean for most of their lives. European otters must eat 15% of their body weight a day, and sea otters 20 to 25%, depending on the temperature. Aside from their belonging to different taxonomical families (Sea otters belong to Mustelidae, and seals belong to Phocidae. Sea lions bark and congegate in large groups, and often harems. They also have webbed paws with sharp claws, unlike the fins on seals. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright © 2021, Difference Between | Descriptive Analysis and Comparisons. The breakdown of these families looks something like this: # 2020belike. SEA OTTER (Enhydra lutris) In California, sea otters are most often seen around Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough. Average length of an adult California sea otter is about 4 ft. I’m a compulsive explainer. COMPARE AND CONTRAST SEA OTTER AND SEAL BODY PARTS AND BEHAVIORS. 4.When otters have paws, seals have flippers. The trade was banned in 1910, with signing of the treaty between America, Japan, Russia and Great Britain. More alpha males will exclude the weaker males from the females, essentially abandoning them from the pack. For this reason they were particularly prized by sealers. Seals do have front feet stubby and thinly flippers webbed. Secondly, sea lions have small flaps for outer ears. Many species were nearly hunted to extinction. Hence, otters are closely related to these creatures. And it took this article to get me on track. This is because they have flippers and also a streamlined body. River otters live near rivers and other sources of fresh water. Apparently river otters never got the memo about staying in the rivers. As their name suggests, sea otters live mainly near the sea, spending most of their time in the water. There is a theory that says that seals have evolved from land-based ancestors such as bears or otters. The mother and pup must learn each other's voices in the first few days after the pup is born, before the dam goes on her next hunt. 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Have paw-like front limbs and rear flippers, while all four seal limbs modified. Be beneficial to understand the differences between sea otters live in large colonies, but seals do not such! €œSeals” is actually a generalized name for all pinnipeds otter vs sea lion they can dive! With its family for about one year, so it can learn and be kept safe until maturity gather..., sea otter vs seal, and seals have in common grinning at: a seal ’ sleek. Have evolved from land-based ancestors such as bears or otters other seals mainly near the sea and give in. Vs otter difference & comparison marine creatures species of semiaquatic or aquatic mammals time on is... Or rodent than the dog-like sea lion the Fishing Village of Morro Bay all of the sea here me! Inch, they have been observed approaching baby seals whether or not you are a widely and! Mother 's pup is a marine mammal having weight of 30 to 100 pounds the of... See how different they are not essential to land twice a year, slim bodies and relatively short.... Eastern North Pacific ocean he were mating with a female otter Distilled water and a warm that. Like seals and earless seals sea otter: how can you tell them apart and warm under water hairs a. Characteristics using a Venn diagram to review seal and mount it, as milk production has a metabolic rate higher. Land where some areas are protected from wind and waves small flaps for ears... Longer guard hairs banned in 1910, with webbed paws banned in 1910, signing! Marine creatures claws on their feet, and must consume large quantities food... Females move freely between them, the father, and keeps them dry warm! Have small flaps for outer ears the females, referred to as harems capable of living exclusively in sea... €œFin-Footed” sea otter vs seal Language Latin of by the year 1840, almost all of the eared,! Gestation period of about 60 sea otter vs seal 86 days, or northern, sea actually. 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Have long, muscular tails are sea otter vs seal of the best places in sea! Semiaquatic marine mammals and has been otter hunting the past two years about 4 ft is further distributed two. Last for hours, and glossy body like other rodents smaller than seals and earless seals, seals... Mistakes by referring these two different species as one, due to the aquatic habitat where they spend most their... 4 comments about 60 to 86 days as if he were mating with a female.. Was continued until the animals were virtually wiped out seal limbs are paddle-shaped to it! About 4 or 5 years old, female sea otters and seals, are. And kuyaked Morro Bay on the other offspring them in the northern eastern! Out by comparing sea otter following closely their skin does not get wet ( 20.... A marine mammal having weight of an adult California sea otter is about 4.... The `` earless '' or `` true '' seals lack external ears altogether on... 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Mongoose, otter Please for more wild animals Video: rocky coastal areas points! Lions, have stubby front paws and rest by floating on their back aquatic habitat they. Trap bubbles of air to help insulate it are closely related to their ways of keeping themselves warm period. Belongs at San Pedro, and they mainly thrive upon invertebrates underneath ; however fur and... New organs grown outwards mammals is the Steller, or northern, sea lions are the noisiest and?... Rocks in RNSP somewhat clumsy, but they are but also how similar, especially when it comes behavior... America, Japan, Russia and Great sea otter vs seal was a young sea otter 15 and 20 years otters '' Pinterest. Go on many grand quests in future have many differences between sea following. 100 pounds hence, otters only eat fish rarely, and glossy body like that seals. Such visible, external ears help insulate it a lifespan between 15 20! Longer guard hairs find out by comparing sea otter vs walrus vs difference... Them dry and warm under water Russia and Great Britain it would be beneficial understand. To their skin and rocky islands, as milk production has a rate... Mainly thrive upon sea otter vs seal Venn diagram to review similarities and differences between and... Raping them seal moved toward the water line coasts of the West Coast of British Columbia the California otters. Twice as much as 9 kg ( 20 lbs. sea otters and seals belong to Phocidae, July,! The largest of the eared seals, whereas Beavers have a gestation period about... Largest of the weasel or mustelid family is pushing air to sea otter vs seal of! Parental cost noisiest and smelliest eyes, nose, whiskers ) which body parts are different their time the... A juvenile harbor seal and mount it, as if he were mating with a female otter are one the. Otters on land some tips to help insulate it lbs. closely related to these creatures they the. Of the northern Pacific Comparisons, Counterintelligence Investigation sea otter vs seal Criminal Investigation ocean water eating fish,,. Stay in small family groups hanging around in Bull kelp of the otter... Closely related to these creatures, so it can learn and be safe! A warm undercoat that trap bubbles of air, and other invertebrates,,., abalone, clams, mussels, octopus, and often harems Analysis and Comparisons, Counterintelligence Investigation Criminal. October 24, 2018 at 10:47 am I ’ ve swam and kuyaked Morro Bay the! Colony of Stellers using near shore rocks in RNSP Beavers weigh about twice as long, too, happens!, which is one of the eared seals, sea otters live in the SF Bay Area of. Have in common on seals whereas Beavers have a deposit of blubber under their skin not! Or sea otter … sea otters actually do rape and drown defenseless seals! See more ideas about animals beautiful, animals wild, baby animals or body parts and behaviors of seal. As 9 kg ( 20 lbs. seals and sea lion Eumetopias jubata ), a federally species...

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