You might think river otters would be deathly afraid of alligators. After all, alligators do prey on otters. However, would you believe that sometimes it’s the other way around? A video taken in Florida, as shown on NBC 5 Chicago, shows a group of river otters appearing to taunt an alligator as it peered menacingly out of the water.
American alligators inhabit bodies of water throughout Florida.
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Alligators and River Otters Coexist in Florida
The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) can be found in freshwater bodies of water throughout Florida, with the exception of the Florida Keys. American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) also live throughout the state and can be found in marshes, swamps, rivers, and lakes. Because their habitats overlap, the two species are bound to meet.
Otters Are Tougher Than They Look
In the video, which was filmed at Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, Florida, three otters are seen frolicking at the water’s edge. The video also reveals an alligator swimming in the lake nearby. The alligator appears to be watching the otters as the otters rush back and forth. Although we can’t know what’s going on in the minds of the otters, they seem to be fully aware of the alligator’s presence. What’s more, they appear to be teasing it.
River otters are predators and use their stamina, intelligence, and sharp teeth to take down prey larger than themselves.
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Why wouldn’t an otter flee from the alligator at first sight? As it turns out, otters are adept at fighting off alligator attacks and have even been known to attack alligators. Otters are predators, eating a diet of fish, reptiles, and small mammals. They are strong swimmers with sharp teeth and a powerful bite. River otters tend to have the upper hand when they are in the water. However, on land, they are more vulnerable to predators.
River Otters Have Been Observed Attacking Alligators
Perhaps the otters in the video are unafraid of the alligator because in the wild, otters have been observed attacking and preying on alligators. National Geographic shared photos of a river otter in Florida attacking an alligator.
River otters are fast swimmers, adept at hunting fish and other aquatic animals.
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The alligator was estimated to be around four or five years old and five feet long. River otters are only around two and a half feet long and weigh around 20 to 30 pounds. According to National Geographic, river otters have learned to grab alligators by the back of the head. Alligators swing their heads from side to side when fighting, and this keeps the otter safely away from the thrashing.
The otter’s advantage comes with its stamina. Although alligators can hit hard and fast, they can’t maintain their energy levels. If the otter can outlast the alligator, the reptile will experience a buildup of lactic acid in its muscles. Once that happens, the alligator can become severely weakened and unable to move effectively due to the buildup of lactic acid, making it vulnerable to predation or other threats.
