Are otters social or solitary?

Social and Territorial Behavior River otters tend to be solitary and fairly territorial. Avoidance is a very significant factor in river otter social behavior. River otters defend their territories by marking, scratching, and occasionally fighting. Male river otters ignore females and young through most of the year.

Are otters solitary creatures?

Some otters live in large groups while others live completely alone or with only one or two others. It depends on the species of Otter as well as where they are located. They can live in groups that are up to 100 in size called rafts.

Are otters social animals?

Sea otters are a social species—females and their pups are often observed spending time together in one group and males in another. As one of the few animals that uses tools, sea otters feed on shelled creatures like clams and abalone, using a rock to break them open.

Do otters live in groups?

While river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. Otters are playful creatures, frequently seen sliding down riverbanks or burrowing through snow.

Is the giant otter solitary?

Giant otters live in family groups which include monogamous parents and the offspring from several breeding seasons. They den by burrowing into banks or under fallen logs, and establish a home territory that they will aggressively defend. Like most other otter species, giant otters come ashore to give birth.

What is the difference between a sea otter and a river otter?

Physical Characteristics. River otters are typically about one-quarter the size of sea otters, and they have tails that are longer and more rounded. While sea otters have rear flippers that are much larger than their front feet, a river otter’s limbs are of roughly equal size.

Are otters monogamous?

Otters have a playful reputation, but their love runs deep. River otters, in particular, are known to be monogamous, and typically stay loyal to one partner during the course of their lives.

Are otters considered predators?

Otters are voracious predators, close to being apex [top predator] in most places where they live.

What do you call a group of otters?

11. A group of resting otters is called a raft. Otters love to rest in groups. Researchers have seen concentrations of over 1,000 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.

Is an otter an apex predator?