#vibrissae

[bowelfly]

armored jerboa

[ask-a-vetblr]

is it normal for a cat to have a few long, coarse hairs just above their dewclaw? i just noticed them on my cat. they are distinctly different from the rest of her fur, almost like whiskers.

Sueanoi here.

Yes, they're normal. Those are called Carpal vibrissae. They are the same type of tactile sensing hair like the whiskers on their face.

[image source: veterinarian key]

[quickwitter]

GIANT OTTER Pteronura brasiliensis Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Los Angeles, California ©Laura Quick Hard to photograph as they are always moving! The river otter's eyes and ears are located high on its head for surface swimming. A third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, protects the eye and allows the otter to see when swimming underwater. ... River otters have long, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey. These are freshwater river otter from South America #giant otter #otter #losangeleszooandbotanicalgardens #losangeleszoo #lazoo #glaza# ©lauraquick #docentclass #vibrissae #carnivore #mammalia #aquaticlife #webbedtoes #furcoverednose #sleeping #pteronura brasiliensis https://www.instagram.com/p/B40-1Tfn5I6/?igshid=6umtiushz9c7

[animalworld]

Lazy Afternoon with GIANT OTTER Pteronura brasiliensis Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Los Angeles, California ©Laura Quick

I stopped by the otter midday and they were all sleeping, when I stopped by on my way back through the zoo they were still crashed out. Initially I was disappointed, but they are so active you almost never see them in repose. And I like the images of them sleeping.

The head-body-tail length of an adult giant otter can be over six feet. Adult males weigh up to 70 pounds, females are a little smaller. They have many adaptations for life in the water. The toes are fully webbed. Their long, torpedo shaped bodies move through the water with minimal resistance. A powerful laterally flattened tail provides swimming power. There are numerous vibrissae (sensory whiskers) on the muzzle and head to help find prey in murky water. The fur is very dense and water repellent. The giant otter is one of the few species of carnivore whose nose is completely covered with fur.

Other Posts you might like:

European Sea Otter

Sleeping South American Sea Lions

Sleeping Swift Fox

[projectyancy-blog]

Word a Day | Day #16 | Vibrissae noun- Long stiff hairs growing around the mouth or elsewhere on the face of many mammals, used as organs of touch; whiskers. ⇛⇛⇛ #day16 #illustration #graphicdesign #30dayproject #wsu #vector #design #dictionary #vibrissae #cartoon #cat #wiskers #meow #cute https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt83Gw3nvJT/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=aafax6hzrtk4

[neaq]

Animal fun fact: The whiskers on the seals and sea lions are called vibrissae. They feel like uncooked spaghetti and help these agile marine mammals with navigation and hunting for prey.

[whitetail-deer]

Boop incoming!

[bowelfly]

@boxheadpaint‘s Mr Kite