May 31, 2023 – Otters

Today is World Otter Day! There are 13 different species of otters, and due to human interaction and environmental issues, all but one have populations that are decreasing. Five otter species are even on the endangered list. But the North American River Otter seems to be thriving. The other otter native to America is the sea otter, with around 90% of the world’s population living in coastal Alaska. A group of otters is called a bevy, family, lodge, romp, or a raft when they’re in the water. They have the thickest fur of any mammal, it’s about a thousand times more dense than a human! They have 2 layers of fur, which trap air next to the otter’s skin to keep them warm and dry while also helping them with buoyancy. Otters eat 20-33% of their body weight each day, spending around 5 hours a day foraging. It’s the only marine mammal that catches fish with its front paws rather than its mouth. And they also are one of the few mammals that use tools, using rocks to smash open clam shells. Sea otters hold hands when they sleep so they don’t drift apart. Learn more here.