6 Facts About River Otters from a 6-Year-Old

Published by Gavin Begley on 12/31/2025 12/31/2025

Even though we live around the ocean, the otters you see on SḴŦAḴ | Mayne Island are usually river otters, not sea otters! Here are six facts from a six-year-old about these interesting animal friends.

1. They spend most of their time out of the water. They sleep on land.
2. They are mammals. 
3. They are predators. They usually eat small fish, but one river otter could take down one alligator by themselves. It would be good for them to have back up though.
4. Wolves, bears, and cougars are their predators.
5. They are very fast and they use tools.
6. They can smell underwater. That’s impossible for most species!

I really like river otters. If you see one on the dock, stay back and respect their space.