Debunking the Myth: Sea Otters Don’t Hold Hands for Love

Have you ever seen a picture of sea otters (Enhydra lutris) floating on their backs while holding hands? If you have, you probably thought you were looking at a pair of otters in love. While that’s a nice thought, there’s a more practical reason behind their handholding. Interestingly, this behavior is unique to sea otters. River otters (Lontra canadensis) do not possess this trait. Continue reading to discover the reasons otters hold hands.

Why Otters Hold Hands

Sea otters primarily hold hands while they sleep. They may roll over onto their backs and float in the water while sleeping. They usually choose a place near the shoreline where the water is calm, but even calm sea currents will allow untethered otters to drift apart.

Several otters may join hands in what is called a raft. This ensures that the group stays together. The raft also helps keep the group, called a family or a romp, warm. Self-preservation is another reason why sea otters hold hands while they’re asleep. A sleeping otter is easy prey for apex predators like sharks and killer whales. But a raft of otters will appear more formidable, possibly discouraging an attack. Pups are small and especially vulnerable to predators.

Until they can swim, pups ride on their mother’s chest. When it’s time to forage, the mother sea otter wraps her baby in kelp to keep it from drifting away. Pups mature quickly and are weaned by the time they reach six months old. At this point, they will join the raft, though their mothers will keep them close.

Not a Sign of Show Affection

Humans tend to anthropomorphize their pets and other animals. So, it makes sense that when we see otters holding hands we assume they’re in love. While the notion of sea otters linking hands as a sign of affection or a declaration of romantic love is sweet, there is no evidence to support this idea. On the contrary, courting sea otters are more likely to tussle aggressively. So, the next time you see a pair of otters holding hands, resist the urge to assume they’re in love, because, as it turns out, they’re simply being safe and practical.