What do otters look like

Fewer sea urchins in turn help prevent kelp forests from being overgrazed. The otter is one of the few mammals that use tools. Ever wonder where otters actually store these tools for safe keeping? A group of resting otters is called a raft. Otters love to rest in groups. Researchers have seen concentrations of over 1, otters floating together.

To keep from drifting away from each other, sea otters will wrap themselves up in seaweed, forming something that resembles a raft. Otters might look soft and cuddly but remain dangerous wild animals. Otters have strong teeth and a powerful bite.

So, whether you see an otter on land or at sea, be sure to maintain a safe distance of at least 5 kayak lengths or 60 feet from the otters. Learn more about staying safe around sea otters. Make sure to take pictures from shore or at least 5 kayak lengths from the otters and always use your zoom.

Love these fun otter facts? Check out this otter-worldly info. Photo by Lilian Carswell, U. Fish and Wildlife Service. A sea otter snoozes on its back — showing its hind legs, tail and webbed feet, which make otters great swimmers.

A group of otters stay together for mutual protection from predators in the waters around Moss Landing, California. A rescued sea otter pup is taken to Alaska SeaLife Center to be treated. Photo by U. Asian otter species also face threats from the illegal pet trade. All rights reserved. Common Name: Otters. Scientific Name: Mustelidae. Type: Mammals.

Size: 2 to 6 feet long. Weight: 10 to 75 pounds. Share Tweet Email. Go Further. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city. Animals This frog mysteriously re-evolved a full set of teeth. Animals Wild Cities Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London. Animals Wild Cities Morocco has 3 million stray dogs. Meet the people trying to help. Animals Whales eat three times more than previously thought. Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big.

Environment As the EU targets emissions cuts, this country has a coal problem. Paid Content How Hong Kong protects its sea sanctuaries.

They have short legs, webbed toes, and tapered, muscular tails that aid in swimming. In fact, they can stay underwater for up to eight minutes because of their closeable nostrils and ears.

These playful pests are mostly seen in ponds, lakes, rivers, and other aquatic areas. They den in yards and homes near water sources, typically living under porches and decks. Occasionally, an otter will retreat into a beaver dam, which may lead homeowners to mistake the two.

Although both animals swim, it is easy to tell them apart. Beavers have wide, flat, hairless tails and are rounder in shape than otters, which typically look sleek and athletic. Although they may look adorable, otters can be dangerous around humans, pets, and children.