Don't forget to double click on pictures to enlarge

Monday, August 26, 2013

Did you know?


 Here is a really cute sea otter. Since I live in the desert and have only seen a few of these I found some fact about them to be very interesting indeed.
 

Sea otters use tools.

They are one of few animals that use tools like rocks, cement blocks and they have even been seen using a glass soda bottle for the purpose of cracking their favorite food, crab, even though they have a mouthful of mostly molars that are designed for crushing and grinding the shells. 

 yikes!


Sea otters have built-in storage.

Sea otters have a baggy patch of skin under their forelimbs, and this is used for storage. They can keep extra food in this spot, and also store a favorite rock for cracking the shell of their prey.



Young sea otters can't dive underwater.

Young sea otters are so buoyant that they can't dive underwater. Before they go foraging, the mother sea otter will wrap their young in a piece of kelp to keep them anchored in one spot.

 

Sea otters have very dense fur.

Sea Otters are the only marine mammal without a layer of blubber (fat) and their fur has ten times the number of hairs per square inch compared to a human head of hair. They spend several hours per day grooming their fur because their body warmth depends on it.



 Totally true:)

They are very sociable and found in groups which are called "rafts"

Their only predators are humans, great white sharks and killer whales.


Oh me oh my...that is a lot of facts and I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did.


 

7 comments:

Bev said...

WOW amazing creation!!!

Granny Annie said...

I have seen them floating and holding hands. It is the sweetest thing. I guess we all have predators no matter how cute we are.

Nancy said...

What cute and fun creatures. I love the fact they hold hands and form rafts while sleeping.

Michelle said...

Their hand holding habit is just too precious.

Lap Dog Knits said...

they are adorable...I've seen a few but always enjoy seeing them more!!! thanks for sharing - a fun blog post...I love the part about them holding hands....and maybe someday I'll surprise Hubby with the correct answer with "the raft"

Lady Di Tn said...

Wow I always feel like a student when I come here. Must be the time of year. LOL I think they use tools to save on dental bills because it is hard to find Otter Dentist. Peace

Tanna said...

Amazing little critters!! Thank you for all the interesting facts and for your sweet comment on my blog. Hope you are enjoying a wonderful day. blessings ~ tanna