Otters grace the world with a fascinating presence. On the one hand, there are otters so adorable, they make you want to create an otter fan page account. On the other hand, there are otters so strangely large and strong-looking, that even the Rock would probably mosy on over to the other side of the river to avoid conflict.
In light of World Otter Day, we’re profiling this mysterious species by sharing some facts that are so cute and even a little wild, you’ll probably want to pledge your allegiance to the creatures out of cuteness or curiosity. There all kinds of otters you’ll meet in this post!
Meet Otter Lebron James who was taught how to dunk in order to fix his arthritis
What is World Otter day?
Otters are so interesting and loved by the world, that they have a whole day dedicated to them. But unfortunately, it’s not all mussels and sea or river frolicking for these friends. Of the 13 species of otter, IUCN lists five as endangered, five as near-threatened, and two as vulnerable. Cue World Otter Day’s desire to spread awareness. It’s celebrated annually on the last Wednesday of May, by the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF).
There are so many ways to help the otter family, but first, let’s get you acquainted.
Meeting the Otter, the bio
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Otters are incredibly necessary for riverine and marine environments. They are the little (and sometimes not so little, here’s looking at you giant river otter) ecosystem heroes. Sea otters are a keystone species, which means that their role in the environment has a greater effect than other species. Otters are top predators and so vital to maintaining the balance in the ecosystem from key forests to nearshore ecosystems. They also help to reduce levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide! Absolute legends.
Adorable facts
Sea otters hold hands when they sleep
Otters will hold hands when sleeping to stop them from drifting away from each other.
Happy #WorldSleepDay pic.twitter.com/2IG8Ebc6mj— Amanda (@Pandamoanimum) March 16, 2018
Yes, it’s true! Sea otters, particularly mothers and their pups, sometimes hold hands to avoid drifting away from each other.
Kelp blankets are their thing
Another adorable fact is that sea otters sometimes sleep wrapped in long strands of kelp like a blanket, or use each other to keep warm.
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Sea Otters juggle rocks
Otters love to juggle rocks and no one’s sure why… pic.twitter.com/nlw11q9Mxa pic.twitter.com/vxvzHJiEdk
— UberFacts (@UberFacts) July 11, 2018
..and they keep their favourite ones in a special pouch (which is curiously under their arm). So technically, otters have pockets!
Mothers teach their pups to hunt by letting the little ones think they’ve caught a fish all on their own
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The mother otter will go about and catch a fish and then proceed to let them go for the pups to catch
Some otters can weigh at only 200g when they’re pups
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According to SeaWorld. That’s approximately half a block of butter. You are an adorable block of butter otter pup!
Otter pups have to be taught how to swim by an adult otter
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Just like you when you were a young buck tossed into the water with some inflatables.
Otters are incredibly smart
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They’re actually one of the smartest ocean animals, according to Ocean Conservancy.
The spectrum of otters
- The giant otter averages on length at 145 to 180 cm. The record length is 240cm, according to SeaWorld.
- The largest river otter is the North American river otter, whose height can range from 100 to 153 cm.
- The smallest river otter is the marine otter, averaging 87 to 115 cm (34-45 in.).
Otters of SA
The Cape Clawless otter and the Spotted-necked otter are the two species of otter that are proudly local.
In Clawless Cape otter, news, an Otto named Lazerus recently overcame his fear of water.
Threats to the otters
On a more serious note, otters do face trials and tribulations. Pollution, pesticides, and conflicts with fishermen who kill them for eating their fish (as per National Geographic). Additionally, fisheries and deforestation are a large factor in destroying their habitats.
So, this World Otter Day, hop onto International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF)’s page where you can find out about petitions, donations and all the in-betweens to helping the otters out a little.
Right now, they’re asking us to raise awareness by using the #WorldOtterDay. Spread the word and love, and help a little water Otto out today, and beyond today.
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Picture: John Vargas