This Sea Otter Can’t Decide Whether to Play With a Crab or Eat It

This gorgeous sea otter is having trouble deciding whether a crab is a friend or food. At first, it balances the crustacean on its stomach and even pats it affectionately. Then, it grasps it between its front flippers and mouth and spins a few. We have no idea whether the crab is alive or dead, but it is probably not enjoying the experience as much as the otter!

Watch the Game Now!

Where Do Sea Otters Normally Live?

Sea otters can be found off the coast of North America, from the Alaskan Peninsula to Vancouver Island in Canada. They also live along the California coast from Ano Nuevo to Point Sur. There is also a population living off the coast of Russia. They cannot extend their range any further north because of sea ice or any further south because the kelp forests disappear. There are three recognized subspecies living in different locations.

When it comes to habitat, they like temperate coastal locations with an ocean floor made up of rocks or soft sediment. These animals are highly dependent on the offshore kelp forests and spend most of their time in them foraging for food. Shallower water is preferred so that they do not have to spend so much time diving. However, they can dive to depths of 140 feet if they have to.

What Do Sea Otters Normally Eat?

These animals are carnivores and will eat any fish or invertebrates they can get hold of in kelp forests. On their list of prey items, you will find sea urchins, sea stars, limpets, and mussels. Other otters are experts at catching fish, while some, as you see in this clip, are very fond of crabs. They often stick to just a few prey species and become experts at catching them!

Sea otters locate their prey using their sensitive whiskers. They eat three or four times a day and consume up to a quarter of their body weight in food.

What Is the Otter Doing With the Crab?

We get a glimpse of just how dexterous these creatures are in this clip. They are able to use their forepaws to grab prey as well as roll, twist, and pull it apart. Some are even more clever. They use a rock to break open crab shells. Otters may do this by placing the prey on their chests and smashing it with a rock.

What we see here is an otter washing the crab by holding it against its body and turning it in the water! It’s not a game but food preparation!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/David McGowen