Group Of Sea Otters Perform Unintentionally Synchronized Swimming Routine Across Inlet

Jun 20, 2020 by apost team

Nature is often beautiful, whether it intends to be or not. While otters are known for their playful antics, most people do not think of them as particularly graceful creatures. However, the otters at the Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing, CA show that their skills extend well beyond smashing oysters on their chests. They are natural-born synchronized swimmers.

Not only is this stunning accomplishment, but it appears that each member of the raft shares the same behavioral repertoire of synchronized swimming. Otters are renowned for their incredible hearing, and they are experts at sensing their surroundings, including movement and sound, according to the National Ocean Service. In many species, this function is so powerful that one animal can "hear" and track another. Perhaps this is the skill they are using to swim in such a graceful formation?

According to SeaWorld, otters can swim and move at speeds of nine mph, and swimming at this high speed takes a significant amount of energy. Considering the energy demands and the potential dangers of diving so deeply into the water, it makes sense for the otters to monitor their surroundings while and take a rest while they float lazily.

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Otters are often a favorite of tourists in the summer months. Otters tend to stay at the surface when there are few visible predators near, such as birds. Thus, although this routine looks like a coordinated show, the otters are likely unaware of the artistry they are displaying.

Otters generally maintain a community for protection. Thus, it is extremely rare to see a single otter by itself. Further, they realize they are vulnerable creatures and that they need to look out for each other. To maintain recognizance, Otters will often walk or swim in a formation that allows them to keep an eye on every angle. This is why otters are so often seen floating in a circle with each looking a different direction. It allows them to lazily float while still being able to alert each other of danger in all directions.

Yet, this may not be giving the otters enough credit. Otters are known to be extremely playful creatures, and they will often engage in various forms of games and gymnastics in their free time. Sometimes this will involve jumping off rocks for fun, play-fighting, or even "making music" by yelping back and forth at each other in their unique otter ways.

Thus, the display we see here may be a purposeful act by the otters. Creating fun swimming patterns and other choreographed movements might just be a fun way for them to pass the time. And unlike a lot of synchronized swimming, there is no risk of biased judging!

But maybe it does not matter if the otters are purposefully engaging in a synchronized swimming routine or not. In any case, they certainly seem to be enjoying themselves, and we can certainly enjoy their antics, too. It is a nice reminder that we all need to take the time out of our stressful lives to take a deep breath, be with friends, and float lazily down the river.

What do you think these otters are thinking about as they swim so gracefully? Tell us your favorite example of an animal accidentally demonstrating a graceful routine! And pass this lovely video on to fellow animal lovers.