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Otters: Playful River Friends

What is an otter?

An otter is a smart, playful mammal that loves water. It has a long, sleek body, a strong tail, and super-thick fur to stay warm even in chilly rivers or oceans.

Where do otters live?

River otters live in clean rivers, streams, and lakes, often resting in cozy dens called holts. Sea otters live in the ocean, drifting near kelp forests and floating on their backs like fuzzy boats.

What do otters eat?

They munch on fish, crabs, and clams. Sea otters are tool users—they tap shells with rocks to open them! Their whiskers help them feel wiggly prey in murky water.

How do otters play and stay safe?

Otters slide down muddy banks, chase bubbles, and wrestle gently. Play teaches pups to swim, dive, and hunt. They groom their fur often to keep it fluffy and waterproof, and some hold hands while floating so they don’t drift apart.

How can we help otters?

Keep rivers and beaches clean, throw trash in bins, and never feed wild animals. Watch otters from a distance and support groups that protect healthy water and safe habitats.

Fun fact time!

Baby otters are called pups. Sea otter moms sometimes wrap pups in kelp like a blanket, and sea otters even have tiny “pockets” under their arms to store a favorite rock.