Page 21 - World of Animals - Issue #33

OF THE WORLD

Meet the playful and charismatic mammals that

hold hands when they fall asleep, have unrivalled
parenting skills, mythical abilities and a talent for

catching crabs

Words Naomi Harding

Otters are amazing creatures. Not only are they at a speed of 14.5 kilometres per hour (nine miles
some of the cutest animals out there but they’re also per hour) in search of fish, while the river otter can

playful, mischievous, and we’re only just starting to catch fast moving crustaceans with its bare hands
understand how intelligent they are. They can clutch using only its eyesight and whiskers to sense changes
rocks firmly in their paws to use as tools and smash in water pressure. Webbed feet and a propeller-like

apart crustaceans or pick up sticks to prize open tail drive them forward as water glides over their
clams. They can solve basic puzzles such as stacking streamlined bodies and waterproofed fur making
cups of varying size, they play fight with one another, them incredibly agile- a necessary adaptation

and use muddy riverbanks as waterslides repeatedly considering the otter is both predator and prey.
for nothing else other than pure enjoyment. A long history of a strained relationship between
Aside from incredible intelligence, they’re man and otter has meant they have become
unbelievable hunters and some of the most well increasingly nervous of our presence and are
adapted predators on the planet. The sea otter, for extremely elusive. That coupled with a talent for fast
example, can hold its breath for up to eight minutes yet silent movement means you only need to blink
while frantically darting around beneath the surface and you’ll miss them.

© Andy Rouse

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