Otters are truly fascinating creatures. These unique marine mammals are known for their dense coats, round bodies and expressive faces. Unless you happen to live by an ocean where sea otters dwell, you likely only see them at an aquarium or zoo, and you can’t keep them as pets. Still, when it comes to cute animal posts on social media, otters are nearly as popular as common critters like dogs and cats.Pictures and videos of otters holding hands (well, actually paws!) have become particularly beloved, instantly brightening our feeds with behavior that’s recognizable for its human qualities yet wrapped up in a fuzzy package. Given the popularity of otter hand-holding pictures online, it might seem like a common trait, but that’s actually not the case. Read on to get the scoop on sea otter paw-holding and learn more fun facts about the amazing animals.Touching pawskaren crewe/Getty Images
Why do sea otters hold hands?
The idea of otters holding hands is sweet, so it’s no wonder images of this behavior have gone viral. However, it’s not something otters do every day. The experts at Sea Otter Savvy, an organization dedicated to protecting the creatures and providing education about them, say it’s rare and is more likely to be seen in otters in captivity than in wild sea otters.It’s believed that when sea otters do hold paws, the behavior keeps them from drifting apart while they sleep. Holding paws can also keep them warm.This is the life…Mike Edwards – Twister Aerials & Design/Getty Images
Sea otters sleep on their backs
Otters spend a lot of time floating on their backs — they know how to relax, and they’re talented at staying stable while they do it. Sea otters will even form a “raft” — essentially, a big group of fuzzy guys (or girls, since rafts are typically gender-segregated) going belly-up. Rafting helps them stay together and conserve energy while they doze.A raft in actionHal Beral/Getty ImagesHeather Barrett, Sea Otter Savvy’s Communications Director, says sea otters are quite resourceful and can even make their own rafts from seaweed and kelp. These seaweed creations keep otters stable and comfy.
Floating on a bed of kelpBetty Wiley/Getty Images
Otters are ultra-fuzzy
Sea otters are known for their plush fur. In fact, they have up to 1 million hairs per square inch, making them the mammals with the thickest fur. Much of their day is spent grooming this fur to stay warm. Because sea otters are the only marine mammals without blubber (a layer of fat), their fur is essential to regulating their temperatures — and it also looks pretty fabulous!Such a luxuriant coatKevin Schafer/Getty Images
Otters need to eat a lot
“Otters have the highest mass specific metabolic rate,” says Barrett. This means they burn through calories very quickly (unlike humans!) and have big appetites. In fact, otters can eat eat 25% of their body weight in food a day in order to get enough calories. They even have a clever mealtime hack: They store food in large skin folds under their armpits and use their tummies as tables to eat off of.That tummy makes the perfect table for a crabChase Dekker Wild-Life Images/Getty Images
Spectacular sea otters
There’s so much more to sea otters than just being cute. While these animals are certainly adorable, they’re also vital parts of our ecosystem and possess keen instincts. (Using seaweed and kelp as a raft? Pretty darn smart, if you ask us!) Otters even know how to use tools and are able to use rocks as hammers to break open prey in hard shells.Sea otters may not commonly hold paws, but there’s no denying the range of their abilities. Whether they’re using their tummies as tables or taking well-deserved naps, these furry guys remain eternally charming.Oh hi!Cameron Rutt/Getty Images
For even more adorable animals, check out these stories:Looking At Cute Cats Triggers Changes in the Brain That Lower Stress, Say Scientists10 Cute Fox Photos and Fun Facts That Will Brighten Your Day15 Teddy Bear Dog Breeds That Look Like Stuffed Animals Came to Life
