Otters are carnivorous mammals that eat fish, crabs and crayfish. They also prey on small land creatures such as turtles.
Otters typically consume 20% of their body weight each day, making them high maintenance pets that require special nutrition that cat food cannot provide. To thrive in captivity, otters need a steady source of food.
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They Don’t Have Teeth
Otters are carnivores, meaning they consume a variety of food sources. This includes crayfish, fish and crabs as well as small mammals and reptiles.
They feed on insects and other invertebrates such as snails, worms and sea urchins.
Some otters, such as giant and North American river otters, primarily catch their prey with their jaws; other species like Asian small-clawed otters and sea otters prefer to use their dexterous hands first before crushing it with their powerful jaws.
Researchers discovered that some otters possess stronger and stiffer jaw bones than others, which would allow them to bite harder and faster even if their teeth are smaller. This is likely because otters need the ability to chew through and tear through prey shells in order to consume the meat.
This study is the first to demonstrate that otters, particularly giant river otters, can use their mouths to crush shells of large mollusks and echinoderms. This discovery offers us insight into otter behavior and feeding habits.
They Can’t Bite
Otters, belonging to the mustelidae family (the same as mink and badgers), are powerful predators that can take down larger prey such as birds, mammals and fish with ease. When provoked they can become aggressive and bite in self-preservation.
Otters tend to live alone in the wild, typically maintaining small territories of several square miles that revolve around bodies of water such as lakes or rivers.
These areas are usually identified by piles of scat, or spraint. The scats serve to alert other otters that the territory has been claimed and to deter attacks from rival otters.
Another fascinating otter fact is that they use tools to crack open crab shells and clam shells. These include stones from below the ocean floor large enough for use as an anvils and small enough for them to carry under their arm or carry up close.
They Can’t Dig
Otters are carnivores and feed on fish, crabs, crayfish, frogs, mussels and other aquatic creatures. They may also consume small mammals and water birds.
River otters are generalist carnivores, feeding on a variety of animals in their natural habitat. Their diet changes according to the season and includes small freshwater fish like minnows, sunfish and suckers as well as worms, insects, aquatic plants, roots and eggs.
Sea otters have a more specific diet, often feeding on sea urchins. They crack open their shells with their incisors and then scoop out the inside using either their paws or tools.
Otters possess a distinctive scent gland on their bodies and like to rub themselves against objects or other animals to mark their territory. They take great care in grooming themselves, spending much of their daytime grooming their fur.
They Can’t Breathe
Otters are unique among mammals in that they cannot breathe underwater. However, they can hold their breath for a short period of time which may prove useful when hunting or swimming.
Otters boast long and sleek bodies with webbed feet, making them excellent swimmers. Additionally, their powerful tails enable them to move quickly through the water.
Sea otters can remain submerged for five minutes or more, while river otters remain submerged up to eight minutes.
Otters boast the densest fur in the world, trapping air to keep them buoyant. Additionally, their thick coat acts as a thermal insulator so they stay warm even in frigid waters.
Otters typically form social groups, consisting of a mother and her young. However, they can also be found in small family units. They become especially active during the spring when they give birth. Otters possess strong territorial instincts; they will attack other animals to defend their home turf.
