Otternet was formed to help educate people about otters - providing a wealth of facts not found anywhere else on the web. Many species of otter are either threatened or endangered. Otters, once sought after for their fur, are making a comeback in some areas. Although there is still the threat of illegal poaching, otters are faring better than earlier this century due to the assistance of many organizations throughout the world.
The Sea Otter eats about 30% of their body weight daily because they have such a high metobolic rate, with a diet which includes clams, mussels, urchins, crabs and abalone. Sea Otters are the only tool-using marine mammal! They use a stone to break open shells as they float on their backs, using their backs as a table for the shell.
Giant Otters live in groups called holts. Each holt has a territory, and different holts territories do not overlap. Giant Otters are very social animals living in family groups, including male and female parents and their young. Older siblings even "babysit" young cubs while the rest of the family is hunting.