That looks like a parent and child pair. They sleep like that, with arms linked, so they don’t get separated from each other by currents. That’s why a group of otters is called a “raft.”
You can tell they are my favorite marine mammals. ;-) They’re also very clever and they use tools! They’ll get a clam or abalone, put it on their chest and then hit it with a rock until the shell breaks and they can slurp up the delicious insides.
Comment by: benjamin ady
1I wonder how they would taste, skinned, cleaned, butchered, and served medium with garlic and mushrooms? (sorry, I just couldn’t help it)
Comment by: julie marie
2aw Helen, that was heartwarming. Made the smile go all the way to my eyes :)
Comment by: Helen
3I have to say my thoughts were more along the lines of Julie Marie’s than Benjamin’s ;-)
Comment by: Karen
4That looks like a parent and child pair. They sleep like that, with arms linked, so they don’t get separated from each other by currents. That’s why a group of otters is called a “raft.”
You can tell they are my favorite marine mammals. ;-) They’re also very clever and they use tools! They’ll get a clam or abalone, put it on their chest and then hit it with a rock until the shell breaks and they can slurp up the delicious insides.
Comment by: Helen
5Thanks for that information Karen – I didn’t know that was typical of a parent and child pair of otters!
Comment by: Justin
6That’s from the Vancouver BC Aquarium, according to the video description on YouTube. We were there on Tuesday, and saw the same otters. Very cute.
Comment by: Helen
7Great photo, Justin! We have otters at our aquarium but I’ve never seen them holding hands.
Comment by: julie marie
8I was channel surfing last night and came across a clip on giant otters (6 feet). they are very territorial and defensive and will kill intruders.
far cry from the cute playful ones we see in our aquariums!
Comment by: Helen
9Wow, I’ve never heard of those. I’d be happy to never meet one!
Comment by: Rachel
10Awwww…that was so stinkin’ cute!