Otters are fascinating animals belonging to the mustelidae family. They live mainly in bodies of water - rivers, lakes and ponds - and prefer thickets of aquatic plants in which they can hide and sleep. 
Otters are very agile and active animals. They can dive to a depth of six meters and spend up to two minutes underwater. The body of otters is elongated, flexible and covered with thick brown or gray fur, which protects them from cold and water. These cute animals have very sharp teeth and claws, which they use to catch fish and other prey. 
Otters are very social and live in groups of up to 20 individuals. They use a wide variety of sounds (squeaking, whistling, purring) and movements to communicate within the group. A cute feature of otters is their “games” - they can ride on their backs, slide down slides of snow or mud, and even play hide and seek. 
Otters have been observed to sometimes juggle stones. Scientists thought that in this way the animals developed fine motor skills to make it more convenient to grab crayfish and pluck meat from under the shell. However, in the end they concluded that playing with stones only indicates that the animal wants to eat. Most often, young and elderly individuals play with stones. 
Sea otters (sea otters), relatives of river otters, even have something like a pocket for their favorite stone - they hide it in the folds of their skin. They break shells with them. 
Otters are an important part of the ecosystem in which they live. They help control populations of fish, crayfish and other aquatic animals. And not only animals: otters carry seeds of aquatic plants on their fur. 
Despite their outward peacefulness, they can sometimes attack humans. This usually happens when the otter feels that its cub or territory is under threat. But most often they prefer to hide and not meet people. 
Unfortunately, otters have been brutally hunted in the past for their pelts, which were used to make clothing. But today otters are protected in almost all countries, and the use of their skins is prohibited. 
Many people love otters for their adorable facial expressions, especially when they are interested in something or are happy. Combined with a small nose and round ears, it's no wonder these animals have so many fans. 
Well, the most touching fact about sea otters: married couples or parents with a cub can hold their paws while sleeping in the water so that they are not carried away from each other by the current.
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