Do Otters Have Skin Pockets?

Otters have skin pockets, located under their forearms near the armpit area, which are used as storage for rocks or for prey that they have already caught. These pockets allow the otters to keep their hands free. These sea mammals are one of the few animals to use tools. The rocks stored in otters' skin pockets are used to crack open the hard shells of prey such as mollusks or clams. An otter will float on its back with the rock on its belly, and then crack the shellfish against the rock to get to the shellfish's insides.

More about sea otters:

• Sea otters spend about eight hours each day hunting for food or eating, because they must consume roughly one-fourth of their body weight per day in order to survive.
• Milk from sea otters has an extremely high fat content, at about 25%. By comparison, whole cow’s milk has a fat content of 4%.
• The sea otter is the only marine animal without blubber to keep warm, but it does have the thickest fur of any animal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do otters really have skin pockets, and if so, what are they for?

Yes, otters do have skin pockets. These pockets are located under each foreleg and serve as a place to store food, rocks used as tools to crack open shellfish, and other objects. This adaptation is particularly useful for sea otters, allowing them to forage efficiently and dine at the surface.

How do otters use rocks they store in their skin pockets?

Otters use rocks stored in their skin pockets as tools to break open hard-shelled prey like clams and mussels. They lie on their backs on the water's surface, placing the rock on their chest and smashing the shellfish against it. This behavior showcases their remarkable use of tools, a trait relatively rare among mammals.

Are skin pockets unique to sea otters or do other otter species have them as well?

Skin pockets are a distinctive feature of sea otters. While other otter species are adept at using tools and foraging, they do not possess these specialized skin pockets. Sea otters have evolved this trait to cope with their marine environment, where storing food and tools for later use is particularly advantageous.

Can otters carry their young in their skin pockets?

No, otters do not carry their young in their skin pockets. These pockets are not designed to hold offspring; they are specifically adapted for carrying tools and food. Otter pups are instead carried on the mother's belly or left in dens or floating kelp while the mother forages for food.

How much can otters store in their skin pockets?

The capacity of an otter's skin pockets can vary, but they are typically large enough to hold multiple items, such as several small rocks or a decent amount of food. The exact amount depends on the size of the otter and the objects being stored, but the pockets are quite flexible and can stretch to accommodate the otter's needs.

Do otters' skin pockets provide any other benefits besides storage?

Beyond storage, otters' skin pockets may also help streamline their bodies for swimming. When not in use, the pockets lie flat against the body, reducing drag in the water. This feature, combined with their sleek body shape, contributes to the otter's agility and efficiency as a swimmer in aquatic environments.