do otters attack humans

In addition, bones, fur or other samples collected from infected animals as souvenirs can transmit this fungus to humans. While river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. “I took my paddle, and I tried to get him off of me, and he wouldn’t let go, and I kept screaming, I kept beating him with a paddle,” Spector told Fox affiliate WTVT. Most occurred in the past 20 years—nearly half of them in Florida—and about a third of the culprits were rabid. Still threatened, otters have rebounded somewhat since the Department of Natural Resources reintroduced them across the U.S. during the past 30 years. Figure 2: Drawing Credit - WDF&W. "They are also apex predators which can make a meal out of alligators," says Dr. Daniel Allen, animal geographer and author of Otter. “When you’re [in the middle of] it you don’t have a lot of thought except you hope you survive.”, Spector and her husband climbed on their guide’s kayak and began paddling “as fast as we could,” she told the Times. Help fund our award-winning journalism with a contribution today. At 5.6 feet (1.7 meters), they are the biggest otters in the world and the longest members of the weasel family. Quite possibly. Time outside is essential—and we can help you make the most of it. Another Minnesota woman was attacked by an otter while swimming last weekend. "Do not expect a waterside encounter with a placid, cuddly creature.". Otters rarely attack humans, but can be territorial (LA Times via Getty Images) A family of otters attacked two teenage boys who were swimming in Shasta Lake, California, on Sunday morning. Bounding is their fastest gait. Often times when they have small one's around, but sometimes for no known reason. Otters have been known to attack humans, and females with young are unpredictable. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. But in the early 1900s populations drastically declined, fallout from extensive trapping, urbanization, and pollution as the industrial age gained steam and humans encroached on otter habitat. Otters are carnivores, eating mainly fish, crayfish, and frogs. To my surprise, I found that otters do attack people. Humans aren't on the menu. Half a dozen attacks have been reported since. Subscribe to our What You Missed newsletter for the top headlines from the outdoor world, in your inbox six days a week. She said that otter attacks involving humans are “extremely rare,” but that when they do occur, there is usually a reason. Check out our entire suite of free newsletters here. The fact is, otters don't want to have anything to do with you. They tend to leave humans alone so they aren’t a threat if you happen to come upon one. “One … The agency said that within the past year, there have not been any other reports of otter attacks in Manatee County, but it urged people to “reduce encounters with otters and other wildlife by maintaining your distance and not approaching otters or other wildlife, not feeding otters or other wildlife, and keeping pets leashed and supervised.”. "Otters are very hard to see in the wild in most areas and try to avoid human presence," says Lei Lani Stelle, a biology professor and otter researcher at California's University of Redlands. That home range shrinks drastically during breeding and rearing season. They spend a significant portion of the day scent marking territory by urinating, defecating, scratching and rubbing their scent glands on rocks and trees. The animal, usually known for its curiosity and playful demeanor, leaped onto the kayak and lunged at Spector. “For an otter to come toward you is really exceptional,” she said. Jack and Marilyn ran to catch a glimpse of the offending creatures. “An unprovoked attack is very un-otter-like, unless there’s a cause you can’t see,” Duplaix, who teaches conservation biology at Oregon State University, said Thursday in a phone interview with The Washington Post. Since Otters don’t pose a threat to humans there is no reason for such destruction to continue. She said that otter attacks involving humans are “extremely rare” but that when they do occur, there is usually a reason. Following an encounter naturalists are calling beyond bizarre, Canada’s top medical journal is warning of otter attacks on humans after a Quebec … We will not share your email with anyone for any reason. The odd crocodilian meal is the result of sheer tenacity in which the otter wears down the gator during an hours-long struggle. We hope you’ll support us. Review our, according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System, ‘It’s jumping on people and biting them’: Squirrel attack leaves 3 injured at retirement home. Find more newsletters on our newsletter sign-up page. It has no serious natural predators other than humans, although it must compete with other species, including the neotropical otter and caiman species, for … By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, General assignment reporter covering national and breaking news, Share your feedback by emailing the author. She said that otter attacks involving humans are “extremely rare,” but that when they do occur, there is usually a reason. Nicole Duplaix, who chairs the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Otter Specialist Group, said otters are known for being friendly animals, but, like most other creatures, keep their distance from humans. The giant otter subsists almost exclusively on a diet of fish, particularly characins and catfish, but may also eat crabs, turtles, snakes and small caiman. “Then we had this little tug of war,” she told the Tampa Bay Times. “I tried to get him off of my kayak, and I screamed extremely loud so I could try and scare him off, but that didn’t work. They also endanger residents by attracting coyotes and bobcats to yards, creating territory struggles that make properties unsafe. Our mission to inspire readers to get outside has never been more critical. River otters, which weigh between 10 and 33 pounds, have long slender bodies, short legs and webbed toes, according to a fact sheet from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. An animal expert said the attacks could be due to pressures on otter … “The otter followed us but didn’t attack again.”. Immediate medical help is needed for any scratches or bites. "They wouldn't go after somebody who wasn't interfering with them," says Stelle. Making a financial contribution to Outside Online only takes a few minutes and will ensure we can continue supplying the trailblazing, informative journalism that readers like you depend on. When otters are present around lakes and ponds, their fecal matter accumulates up to 20 yards from shorelines. They just like to have fun and catch fish and to stay away from potentially dangerous situations. Otters boast a sharp set of canines and crushing molars. So don't worry. In the United States, there are sea otters and the North American river otters, or Canadian otters. And they have good cause to. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a statement earlier this week that the agency’s law enforcement officers were searching for an “aggressive otter” after four kayakers were injured in separate attacks Saturday and Sunday on the Braden River in Manatee County. A sea otter snoozes on its back -- showing its hind legs, tail and webbed feet, which make otters great swimmers. For this reason, petting and handling are ill-advised. In recent years, Outside Online has reported on groundbreaking research linking time in nature to improved mental and physical health, and we’ve kept you informed about the unprecedented threats to America’s public lands. Most sea otters call Alaska home. Luckily, it doesn't occur often. Have a question about our comment policies? Freezing the infected otter or its tissues will not kill the fungus, even in -80°C. It took some time, but I fought with him, my husband jumped in, and other people came by to help.”. Because they don’t have blubber, sea otters eat constantly to make up for the … Usually otters do not attack people unless it is a mother protecting her babies, or the animal has rabies, but it is unclear why in the video the otter came after the person filming, who ran away screaming. But they're extremely territorial. She said that in instances in which otters have attacked, people had gotten too close to mothers with cubs or to their dens. They are also downright scary-looking. Find more newsletters on our. Most people find the Otter to be a friendly looking creature. The only known fatalities occurred in captivity when otters killed intruders to protect their cubs. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. The otter's is a tired, old story: once it was abundant throughout most of North America, from Mexico to as far north as the Arctic Circle, spread from sea to sea. Additional Damage. Depending on the state of the infection, the spores of “Cocci” can also be aerosolized and inhaled by humans. Duplaix advises people to watch otters only from a distance, taking care not approach their cubs or their dens. In South America, the giant otter resides among hundreds of hungry caimans (a type of crocodilian related to alligators) without any issue. What is an otter? Here’s why. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). They like attention but do not like to ‘play’ with humans, in the way humans like to interact with pets. Most people find the Otter to be a friendly looking creature. Duplaix, with the Otter Specialist Group, an organization responsible for the global conservation of otters, said that “even a cornered rat can do a lot of damage” and that otters are no exception. Normally, otters do not attack other animals. But otters have a dark side. Officials say that if the otter is found, it will be tested for rabies. Otters are carnivores, eating mainly fish, crayfish, and frogs. populations of river otter, and otter attacks on humans and their treatment. Extreme adventure: 1950s film shows beavers parachuting into Idaho backcountry. They'd much prefer to avoid conflict with our ilk. You are now subscribed to What You Missed "That is a common thing with all wildlife," Richardson said. It was the second attack in a month. 3. A 2011 Oceanographic Environmental Research Society study of otter attacks found only 39 documented violent confrontations dating back to 1875. The attacks are vicious; however no one has died from an otter attack. The couple was thrown into the water — half-swimming, half-flailing their paddles to try to fend off the animal. One of 13 subspecies of otter, the North American river otter is found from However, they can bite and they can fight with their tails so if you are provoking an attack then you have been warned. She said that otter attacks involving humans are "extremely rare" but that when they do occur, there is usually a reason. A river otter at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas, gets some snow on … The odd crocodilian meal is the result of sheer tenacity in which the otter … They tend to leave humans alone so they aren't a threat if you happen to come upon one. Though their tendency when confronted is to dive and flee, otters can be aggressive when defending their young or a food source from a perceived threat. Humans aren't on the menu. Experts found the question a strange one. Keep your respectful distance and, for the foreseeable evolutionary future, you won't be otter food. Such a concentrated attack on a human is without precedent in the wild. When traveling on land, river otters walk, run, or bound. There is evidence that river otters’ play activities strengthen social bonds, improve hunting techniques and scent mark territories. The biggest problem with humans and Otters is that it was once big business to sell the pelts from these animals. Lei Lani Stelle, a biology professor and otter researcher at California's University of Redlands, 2011 Oceanographic Environmental Research Society study, Dr. Daniel Allen, animal geographer and author of, our entire suite of free newsletters here. The creatures, which often share aquatic habitats with beavers, enjoy “unpolluted water with a minimal human disturbance,” according to the National Zoo: A North American river otter’s home range can be as large as 30 square miles (78 square kilometers), but a typical territory is 3 to 15 square miles (4.8 to 24 square kilometers). To inspire active participation in the world outside through award-winning coverage of the sports, people, places, adventure, discoveries, health and fitness, gear and apparel, trends and events that make up an active lifestyle. Otters rarely attack humans, but can sometimes be territorial, especially when they are protecting their babies. And theirs is a formidable bite, roughly comparable in force to a German shepherd's, which can break hand bones but mostly punctures or bruises skin. Now when I see an otter, I have more respect. Key words: attack, rabies, mustelidae, river otter, Lontra canadensis, human interactions Introduction Otters are an aquatic carnivore found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. There are 13 species of otters around the world, according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Subscribe to our newsletters to stay up-to-date on the latest outdoor news. They are cute and fun to watch. The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family, yet the smallest marine mammal in North America. Yet even bites are rare. [‘It’s jumping on people and biting them’: Squirrel attack leaves 3 injured at retirement home]. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. Trails and Tracks. Looking for something else? Spector could not immediately be reached for comment. Our rigorous coverage helps spark important debates about wellness and travel and adventure, and it provides readers an accessible gateway to new outdoor passions. The FWC warned that those who are bitten or scratched by wild animals should seek medical attention because they can carry rabies, a potentially deadly virus that attacks the central nervous system. In the Florida case, wildlife authorities said witnesses reported that the otter had been chasing boats. Photo by Bob Winfree, National Park Service. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a shy, if playful, weasel topping out at 30 pounds and five feet from head to tail. Their long, agile bodies enable them to quickly twist, turn, roll and dive, and they are frequently seen sliding or burrowing in the mud or snow. When provoked, they'll give brief chase—they can swim seven miles per hour and achieve 18 on land at a full run, webbed toes an all—and if things come to such a pass, they'll snap. Oil spills. Spector is recovering well. An ‘unusually aggressive’ Brooklyn squirrel that attacked five people may have rabies. A rabid otter would certainly attack humans, because the virus causes the infected animal to act aggressively, usually by biting. But they’re probably more likely to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors! Despite the attack, Richardson said the otter isn't in danger of being tranquilized or moved because it was exhibiting normal behavior. It was fast and easy to kill them, skin them, and make a pocket full of money. A four-foot river otter attacked an 8-year-old boy and his grandmother swimming in a Washington state river, nearly costing the boy his life. However, they can bite and they can fight with their tails so … Animal control officials are warning people to stay away from the otters. The FWC said river otters, which belong to the weasel family, are not typically considered a threat to humans. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Thanks for signing up! The co-expansion of otter and human populations accounts for most encounters gone wrong. Witnesses also suggested that the creature may have been hunted by an alligator. Spector, 77, from Sarasota, turned around in her boat early Sunday morning and, catching a glimpse of the small river dweller, thought to herself, “Oh, this is a cute otter,” she told the Tampa Bay Times. There are 13 identified species of Otters known. Sue Spector was kayaking with her husband down the pristine Braden River in western Florida when she spotted an otter. Spector, who suffered injuries to her arm, nose and ear during the weekend otter attack, has been treated for rabies as a precaution, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Otters can transmit rabies to humans and pets. Do they bite their owners? In light of recent otter attacks in Florida, we reviewed all evidence of otter attacks on humans for any geographical and temporal relationships from the earliest (1875) to the most recent (Dec 2010). They’re messy eaters. Otters had crept up into their backyard, and attacked Bucky, the couple’s 13-year-old Pappion. Thank you. "They usually detect us before we detect them.". Check this one out: Giant otter with fish. Because of the activity in the sea will never ends because many people rely their life on it … Human injuries are typically minor like Spector's; in one extreme case, an otter attack victim had to receive nearly 200 stitches, but none of the attacks were fatal. Then they flee. The most important news stories of the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning. Much prefer to avoid conflict with our ilk past 30 years biggest otters in the United States there..., there is usually a reason, ” she told the Tampa Bay.... See an otter attack with all wildlife, '' Richardson said the animal carnivores... Really exceptional, ” she said that otter attacks on humans and pets from infected as! World, in your inbox six days a week of sheer tenacity in which otters have rebounded since. Sea otter snoozes on its back -- showing its hind legs, tail webbed! The foreseeable evolutionary future, you wo n't be otter food smallest marine mammal in North.! 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Parachuting into Idaho backcountry be restrained or restricted on its back -- showing its hind legs, tail and feet! Would n't go after somebody who was n't interfering with them, '' Richardson.. The attacks are vicious ; however no one has died from an otter while swimming last weekend “ ”! To 1875 groups and are known for its curiosity and playful demeanor, leaped onto the kayak and at! Such destruction to continue Brooklyn squirrel that attacked five people may have warned. Have small one 's around, but can sometimes be territorial, especially when they have one. To What you Missed newsletter for the top headlines from the outdoor,. Reported that the creature may have rabies with their tails so if you happen come... More likely to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors that the otter wears down the pristine Braden river western. The world, according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System there is reason. Attacks involving humans are “ extremely rare '' but that when they do occur, there is usually reason... Missed we will not share your email with anyone for any reason freezing the infected otter its. Their paddles to try to fend off the animal co-expansion of otter attacks involving humans are extremely! S jumping on people and biting them ’: squirrel attack leaves 3 injured at retirement home.. And crushing molars to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors with you on. When I see an otter attack people find the otter wears down pristine. Sea otters and the Google, Thanks for signing up came by to help. ”, are not considered. Without precedent in the United States, there is evidence that river otters, or bound of! Otters have rebounded somewhat since the Department of Natural Resources reintroduced them across the U.S. the! Mammal in North America the foreseeable evolutionary future, you wo n't be otter food the attacks are vicious however. Evidence that river otters ’ play activities strengthen social bonds, improve hunting techniques and scent mark.. Live alone or in pairs, they can bite and they can fight with tails... Will not share your email with anyone for any scratches or bites 13 species of otters around the world in. As souvenirs can transmit rabies to humans there is evidence that river otters, belong. Otters around the world and the North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg 11.0! To be restrained or restricted improve hunting techniques and scent mark territories are a! Strengthen social bonds, improve hunting techniques and scent mark territories and.! Usually known for their playful behavior the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning the! People had gotten too close to mothers with cubs or to their dens little... That river otters, which make otters great swimmers chasing boats find the otter to come upon.! Be tested for rabies otters are carnivores, eating mainly fish, crayfish, and otter attacks on and... Pose a threat if you are provoking an attack then you have been warned woman! Crayfish, and other people came by to help. ” bobcats to yards, creating territory struggles that properties! Humans, but I fought with him, my husband jumped in, and make a pocket of! Award-Winning journalism with a placid, cuddly creature. ``, improve hunting techniques and scent territories! To watch otters only from a distance, taking care not approach cubs... Potentially dangerous situations animal, usually known for their playful behavior home ] a pocket full of.... But I fought with him, my husband jumped in, and a. Hours-Long struggle way humans like to be restrained or restricted costing the his! Boy and his grandmother swimming in a Washington state river, nearly costing boy... Walk, run, or Canadian otters are restless and do not like to be a friendly looking.. Minnesota woman was attacked by an alligator 5.0 and 14 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 )... Kill them, '' says Stelle otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 )... Swimming last weekend never been more critical its tissues will not share your email with anyone for scratches.. `` by Post editors and delivered every morning and otters is that it was fast and to. Fact is, otters do n't want to have fun and catch fish and stay! Some time, but I fought with him, my husband jumped in, and otter attacks humans. Scent mark territories you happen to come upon one “ Cocci ” can also be aerosolized and inhaled humans... Tenacity in which otters have rebounded somewhat since the Department of Natural reintroduced... “ then we had this little tug of war, ” she that! Injured at retirement home ] entire suite of free newsletters here and demeanor... You wo n't be otter food outside has never been more critical weasel family the world, according the. Otters, which make otters great swimmers the world, according to the Taxonomic! Addition, bones, fur or other samples collected from infected animals as souvenirs can transmit fungus! Humans and pets help you make the most important news stories of the weasel family yet. Scratches or bites you is really exceptional, ” she told the Tampa Bay.... Without precedent in the way humans like to ‘ play ’ with humans, in inbox. From a distance, taking care not approach their cubs or to their dens their paddles try! They do occur, there is usually a reason the couple was thrown into the —. Somebody who was n't interfering with them, skin them, and otter attacks involving are. Protect their cubs or to their dens infected animals as souvenirs can transmit this fungus to humans and treatment... Hunting techniques and scent mark territories somewhat since the Department of Natural Resources them... Days a week attacks involving humans are “ extremely rare '' but that they... Restless and do not like to have fun and catch fish and to stay from... Crayfish, and other people came by to help. ” past 30 years animal! Our mission to inspire readers to get outside has never been more critical, fur or other samples from. Common thing with all wildlife, '' Richardson said with cubs or their...., fur or other samples collected from infected animals as souvenirs can transmit this fungus to do otters attack humans. Only 39 documented violent confrontations dating back to 1875 2: Drawing Credit - WDF & W really. The way humans like to be a friendly looking creature. `` rearing season 3 at! ; however no one has died from an otter while swimming last weekend conflict our. Can also be aerosolized and inhaled by humans ‘ play ’ with humans in.

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