Facts about Otters

1. 07

   When threatened, a spotted-necked otter in Africa can remain submerged for up to 6 minutes while escaping predators like crocodiles and pythons in freshwater lakes and rivers.

   OttersMay 14sharebiologydefensebehavior
2. 06

   Eurasian otters can travel up to 25 kilometers in a single night while hunting along riverbanks and coastal areas for fish and amphibians.

   OttersMay 14sharebehaviormeasurementlocomotion
3. 05

   North American river otters can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes and dive to depths exceeding 60 feet while hunting fish and crustaceans underwater.

   OttersMay 14sharebiologybehaviormeasurement
4. 04

   Sea otters use rocks as tools to crack open shellfish, carrying their preferred stone in a pouch of skin on their chest while diving.

   OttersMay 14sharebehaviortool-useadaptation
5. 03

   Holding their breath for up to 8 minutes, sea otters can dive to depths of 250 feet while foraging for sea urchins and crabs on the ocean floor.

   OttersMay 14sharebiologybehaviormeasurement
6. 02

   Giant otters in the Amazon can reach lengths of 5.6 feet, making them the longest mustelid species on Earth.

   OttersMay 14sharebiologymeasurementgeography
7. 01

   Approximately 650 times denser than human hair, sea otter fur contains up to 1 million hairs per square inch, providing insulation without blubber.

   OttersMay 13sharebiologymeasurementadaptation