These Adorable Otters Get Into Some Snow Day Shenanigans

A group of otters is called a “romp,” and it’s easy to see why. Otters have a reputation for being social animals with playful behavior, as demonstrated by these North American river otters at Zoo Knoxville. Otters Clayton, Reed, and Pascal slide down the snowy hills on their bellies like children on sleds. Despite appearances, it’s not all fun and games for otters. There is scientific evidence that their sliding is more than just shenanigans.

The North American River Otter

North American river otters, Lontra canadensis, are semi-aquatic mammals found in any type of water across the U.S. and Canada. They are extremely adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and elevations. River otters have long, slender bodies with flattened heads, earning them the affectionate nickname “water sausages.” They are powerful swimmers, reaching speeds of 6-8mph. These otters have short, stocky legs with webbed feet. Their long, muscular tails make up between 30-40% of their length. River otters typically reach between 3-5 feet long, including the tail. They weigh from 10-30 pounds, with males being larger.

Otters’ eyes and short ears are high on their heads so they can see and hear at surface level while the rest of their body is submerged. They have long, stiff whiskers on their muzzles that help them navigate and sense movement underwater. Most of the fur on the otters’ bodies is dark brown. Their faces and necks are a lighter brown with light brown to grey fur on their bellies. Like many mammals, otters have two layers of fur. They have a short, soft, dense undercoat and long, coarse hairs that make up the outer coat. This layered fur allows the otters to slide on snow and ice in winter, as well as mud when the weather is warmer.

Otter Fur Makes the Best Sled

Scientists have found that the surface of the otters’ under-hairs is made to interlock with the base of the guard hairs on the outer coat. This forms a web-like structure that repels water and reduces heat loss. The dense underfur also forms air pockets, which help insulate otters’ skin against the cold. In addition to the structure of the fur, it is coated with body oil secreted from the sebaceous glands under the otters’ tails. This oil also increases their fur’s water resistance.

When it comes to sliding, the trapped air in their fur creates a buffer between the otter’s body and the ground. The oil they secrete makes their fur slick and reduces friction. This slippery, cushioned fur allows them to slide down snowy or icy hills very quickly. Their narrow bodies are also streamlined, which decreases drag on land or in water. By alternating running and sliding, otters can reach speeds of 15-18mph.

Otter Antics

In the video above, the otters run up the hill and slide down over and over. Researchers have documented that sliding is sometimes just play behavior, as these otters have shown. Yet, this type of playful activity has other purposes. Sliding provides exercise and enhances coordination. It is also believed to be a way for otters to conserve energy. Otters have very high metabolisms to generate body heat, so they must eat frequently to maintain their energy levels. They are not as agile on land as they are in the water, so sliding helps them cover more distance with less effort.

Scientists also believe play activities are used to teach young otters important survival skills, including how to hunt and how to navigate their surroundings. For adult otters, play is thought to improve hunting skills, reinforce social bonds, and mark territory. Since Clayton, Reed, and Pascal make their home at Zoo Knoxville, they don’t face the same challenges as wild otters. So it’s likely they took the slopes for some snow day sledding fun, but whatever the reason, it’s all downhill from here.