Otters are adorable, playful creatures that capture our hearts with their whiskered faces and sleek bodies.
But did you know their name, “otter,” stems from an ancient word meaning “water,” reflecting their deep connection to aquatic environments?1
Besides their aquatic abilities, these creatures are full of charming quirks and surprises.
1. Otters Have the Densest Fur of Any Mammal
With up to a million hairs per square inch, otter fur provides exceptional insulation, keeping them warm in frigid waters. This dense fur also traps a layer of air, adding to their buoyancy.
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2. Otters Use Tools
Otters are intelligent creatures known to use rocks to crack open shellfish and other hard-shelled prey. They often carry a favorite rock in their armpit pocket for this purpose.
3. Otters Hold Hands While Sleeping
To prevent drifting apart while they rest in the water, otters often hold hands with their raft mates. This adorable behavior ensures they wake up together.
4. Otters Have a Special Pocket
Otters have loose skin under their forelegs, forming a pocket-like pouch. They use this pouch to store their favorite rocks, extra food, or even their young pups.
5. Otter Poop Is Called “Spraint”
‘Spraint is a key way otters communicate with each other. Its unique scent marks territory and provides information about the otter’s sex and reproductive status.
6. Otters Have Playful Personalities
Otters are known for their playful nature. They slide on mud and snow, engage in wrestling matches, and even have been observed juggling rocks for fun.
7. Otters Are Voracious Eaters
To fuel their active lifestyle and maintain their body temperature, otters consume about 15-25% of their body weight in food each day.
8. Otters Are Surprisingly Fast Swimmers
Otters can reach speeds of up to 7 miles per hour in the water. Their streamlined bodies and powerful tails make them excellent swimmers.
9. Otters Have Whiskers with Superpowers
Otter whiskers are highly sensitive. They can detect even the smallest vibrations in the water, helping them locate prey hidden in murky environments.
10. Otters Have a Unique Way of Grooming
Otters spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves, which is essential for maintaining their waterproof fur. They blow air into their fur and rub it with their paws to keep it clean and fluffy.
11. Otter Families Are Called “Bevies” or “Rafts”
Otters are social creatures that often live in family groups. A group of otters is known as a bevy or a raft.
12. Otters Are Quite Vocal
Otters communicate with each other using various sounds, including whistles, chirps, chuckles, and growls. These vocalizations help them express emotions, warn of danger, and maintain social bonds.
13. Otters Build “Slides” for Fun
Otters are known to create natural slides on muddy riverbanks or snowy slopes. They use these slides for playful activities and to access the water more easily.
14. Otters Have Webbed Feet
Otter feet are webbed, which helps them propel themselves through the water with ease. These webbed feet also act as paddles, aiding them in swimming and maneuvering underwater.
15. Otters Have a Long Lifespan
In the wild, otters can live for 10-15 years, depending on the species and environmental factors. In captivity, with proper care, they can even live longer, reaching up to 20 years.(ref)
Otters are far more than just cute, furry faces. Their playful antics, unique adaptations, and social behaviors make them one of the most fascinating creatures on Earth.
Source:
- https://www.etymonline.com/word/otter
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.