Do Sea Otters Really Hold Hands?

Sea otters hold hands to protect themselves while sleeping. Since sea otters float on top of the water, they are at risk of drifting away from their groups, so while they sleep, the otters typically hold each other’s paws to keep from becoming separated. These groups of sea otters are referred to as rafts and can consist of just a few or as many as 100 otters. During the daytime, sea otters often tie themselves with sea plants growing on the ocean floor to anchor themselves so they don't float away. They generally do this when lying on their backs and using rocks to crack open mussels or clam shells to eat.

More about sea otters:

• A sea otter will spend an average of three hours each day grooming itself.


• To keep themselves warm in the cold ocean temperatures, sea otters eat about 25% of their body weight every day.


• A sea otter's fur is the thickest of any animal, with about 1 million hairs per square inch (6.45 square centimeters).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do sea otters really hold hands?

Yes, sea otters do hold hands, a behavior known as "rafting." They do this to prevent drifting apart while sleeping or resting in the water. This adorable practice helps them maintain proximity to one another, ensuring they stay together as a group, which can be crucial for their safety and social structure.

Why is it important for sea otters to stay together in groups?

Staying together in groups, or rafts, is vital for sea otters as it provides safety in numbers from predators. Additionally, it is important for thermoregulation and social interaction. Sea otters have a high metabolism and need to conserve energy, so grouping together helps reduce heat loss and allows for cooperative behaviors like grooming.

How many sea otters can form a raft?

Rafts of sea otters can vary greatly in size, ranging from a few individuals to hundreds. According to researchers, the largest raft ever observed contained over 2,000 sea otters. These large groupings are more commonly seen in areas with abundant food sources and are primarily composed of single-sex members, with males and females forming separate rafts.

Are there any other reasons sea otters hold hands besides staying together?

Beyond staying together, hand-holding or rafting helps sea otters protect their young and maintain their territory. Mothers with pups will often hold onto their offspring to prevent them from drifting away. Additionally, by staying close, they can defend their feeding grounds more effectively against other marine animals or rival otter groups.

What time of day are sea otters most likely to be seen holding hands?

Sea otters are most likely to be seen holding hands during their resting periods, which can occur at any time of day. However, they are often more visible to humans doing this behavior during the daytime when they are resting after foraging for food, which typically happens at night.

Does the hand-holding behavior of sea otters have any impact on their conservation status?

While the hand-holding behavior itself does not directly impact the conservation status of sea otters, it does highlight their social nature and the importance of group dynamics for their survival. Conservation efforts benefit from public interest and awareness, and the endearing sight of otters holding hands can help garner support for protecting these animals and their habitats.