Otters keep favourite things in their pocket — and this fact surprises many people around the world. Otters have always been fascinating animals, and you can usually spot them near water bodies. They mostly feed on aquatic creatures such as crabs, clams, and sea urchins. Their diet also includes snails, fish, and other sea animals. But what’s truly interesting is not what they eat, but their adorable habit of keeping their favourite things—just like humans do.
First, let’s talk about a special pocket-like structure found just below their forearm. This unique feature makes otters quite different from many other animals. Actually, this is not a real pouch but a fold of skin that forms a small pocket-like space. What makes this so fascinating is how otters use it. To eat hard-shelled animals, they use stones or small rocks to break open the shells and reach the soft part of their prey. If they find a stone they like, they keep it safely inside this pocket under their arm. This pocket can be seen below their forearm near the armpit area.
There are only a few animals in the world that use tools to make life easier, and otters are one of them. They are not only cute and playful but also intelligent creatures who use tools regularly. Just like humans, they sometimes have favourite objects. These favourite things could be a piece of wood or a stone they use to crack the shells of their prey. Even when not in use, they often keep their favourite stone in their pocket for a long time—sometimes even for more than a year!
Keeping food or objects in pockets is common in the animal world. For example, squirrels store seeds inside their cheeks before taking them to their nests. Similarly, otters sometimes store their favourite food in their “pockets” to use later. However, the most amazing thing is how long they keep their favourite stones. When they find one they really like, they use it to crack shells, then put it back in their pocket and carry it everywhere. Some otters have been seen keeping the same stone for over a year, which is truly remarkable. Unlike most animals, they hold onto non-food items they cherish. This behavior shows how intelligent and emotionally aware otters can be.
Do otters keep favourite things in their pocket?
Yes, they actually do! Researchers have observed that otters have this special behavior. They often keep a stone they like and carry it for months or even years until they lose it. Since otters are aquatic and move frequently while hunting or playing, it’s common for them to eventually lose their favourite stone. But the fact that they keep it for so long proves this behavior is real and unique.
Do otters really have pouche in their body?
Not exactly. Otters don’t have true pouches like kangaroos. What they have is a fold of skin that functions like a small pocket. This fold helps them store stones, food, or other objects they find useful. It might look like a pouch, but it’s actually just loose skin that they cleverly use for storage.
In short, otters keep favourite things in their pocket, showing how intelligent and resourceful these playful animals truly are. Their habit of keeping and treasuring certain stones for long periods highlights a remarkable mix of instinct, intelligence, and emotional behavior in the animal world.
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