Welcome to Playful the fanlisting devoted to Otters.
About
There are 13 otter species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family (Mustelidae) and are noted for their playful behaviour. The otter has a lithe and slender body with short legs, a strong neck, and a long flattened tail that helps propel the animal gracefully through water. Swimming ability is further enhanced in most species by four webbed feet. Two species are marine, and the others living predominantly in fresh water. Otters range in size from 3 kg (6.6 pounds) in the Asian small-clawed otter to 26 kg (57 pounds) in the giant otter and 45 kg (99 pounds) in the sea otter. Fur colour is various shades of brown with lighter underparts.
River otters hunt in both freshwater and saltwater environments and are able to spend significant amounts of time on land. Sea otters, on the other hand, are coastal marine mammals and live almost exclusively in the water. To eat and sleep, sea otters float on their backs, a behavior not seen in river otters. Sea otters are much larger than river otters and have extremely dense fur coats. While river otters have long, pointed tails, sea otter tails are relatively short and flat.
- Tool Users: Sea otters are one of the few animals known to use tools. They often use rocks to crack open shellfish.
- Food Enthusiasts: Otters, especially sea otters, are known to eat a lot. They can consume up to 25% of their body weight in food each day, according to the Cousteau Society.
- Social Creatures: Otters are social animals and live in groups. Sea otters form rafts, while other species form family groups.
- Hold Their Breath: River otters can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes while diving.
- Unique Fur: Otters have a dense underfur and longer guard hairs, which help them stay warm and dry in the water.
- Vocal Animals: Otters make a variety of noises, including squealing, chirping, purring, and gurgling.
- Nurturing Parents: Otter pups stay with their mothers for an extended period, learning essential survival skills.
- Keystone Species: Sea otters play a crucial role in their ecosystem by controlling sea urchin populations, which helps protect kelp forest.
- Endangered: Of the 13 species of otter, IUCN lists five as endangered, five as near-threatened, and two as vulnerable. Only the North American river otter is a species of least concern.