12/29/2024
Sea otters hold hands when they sleep to keep from drifting apart.
Sea otters, often spotted floating in groups called rafts, have developed an adorable behavior to stay together. While sleeping or resting on the water, they hold hands (or paws) to prevent themselves from drifting away with the currents. This behavior is known as "rafting," and it helps them maintain social bonds while staying safe in the open water.
Some sea otters even anchor themselves to kelp forests by tangling themselves in the long strands, which act like a natural tether. This adds extra security during sleep or rest and helps them conserve energy.
Fun bonus: A group of otters can have dozens or even hundreds of members, forming massive rafts on the ocean surface. The largest recorded raft contained over 2,000 otters!
