This Baby Otter is Remarkably Similar to a Baby Human

This adorable post from wild_animalsgram asks, “What could be sweeter?” and the answer is a resounding, “Nothing.” Because nothing could possibly be sweeter than this baby otter chewing on its tiny little paws, just like human babies do. With their big eyes and chubby limbs, otter pups resemble human infants, but how similar are they really? You might be surprised to find out just how much baby otters and baby humans have in common.

Asian Small-Clawed Otter Babies

The otter baby in the video above is an Asian small-clawed otter, Aonyx cinereus. Of the 13 otter species, Asian small-clawed otters are the smallest. They weigh less than 10 pounds and only grow to around two feet long, including their tails. These otters are native to freshwater and coastal waters in Southeast Asia, southern China, and southern India. Although they are semi-aquatic, they spend more time on land.

Like human babies, otter pups are altricial. This means they are underdeveloped and need a parent’s care until they mature. While human babies are born with their eyes open, otter pups’ eyes are closed for around 3-4 weeks. Otters’ fur darkens from light grey to brown when they are about 6-7 weeks old. The little otter shown above is around 2-3 months old. At this age, the average weight is between 1.5-2 pounds. They will grow to adult size in around six months, but will not reach maturity until about 1.5 years.

Otter vs. Human Milestones

Both human and otter pups receive all of their nourishment from milk during the first developmental stage. Fortunately for nursing mothers of both species, the babies are not typically born with teeth. Baby otters’ permanent teeth begin to come in around three weeks old, with canines erupting at around three months. The video above shows this little otter already has canine teeth. Human babies generally do not begin teething until closer to six months, but permanent teeth will eventually replace their baby teeth.

Otter babies are also similar to human babies in that they cannot move independently. The pups don’t begin moving on their own until they’re at least a month old. Human babies typically don’t begin crawling until 6-10 months. So, otter and human parents must carry their babies everywhere. Otter pups don’t know how to swim either. Like human infants, otter babies learn by watching their parents and older family members. Both human and Asian small-clawed otter babies are also very vocal. These otters have over 12 different types of vocalizations. However, unlike human babies, researchers do not believe otters acquire this repertoire by hearing and mimicking adults.

Why Do Human and Otter Babies Chew on Their Hands?

Human babies chew and suck on their hands for a few different reasons. This behavior is commonly called “mouthing.” Infants might do it when they are hungry, self-soothing, teething, or just exploring. While adults and older children use touch to get information, babies learn more from the sensory nerve endings in their mouths. Experts believe otter pups chew and suck on their paws for similar reasons. This otter may associate the sucking motion with food, as well as the comfort of nursing. The pup is likely still teething, so its gums could be painful, too. The otter may also be learning about its own body or discovering the taste and texture of its paws.

As otters mature, their ways of exploring and manipulating the environment continue to share similarities with humans. As we can see in the video, their paws have little webbing, plus opposable “thumbs” that are more human-like. Adult otters of other species use their mouths for tactile information. However, Asian small-clawed otters rely on the tactile sensitivity and dexterity of their front paws like humans rely on their hands.

Of all the things otter babies and human babies have in common, one of the most human-like behaviors is these otters live in family groups and form strong bonds with their family members. This little otter and its siblings won’t venture out of the den for a few more weeks. However, when they do, they will continue to eat, play, and sleep together as a family.