Sea Otters Hold Hands While Sleeping – The Adorable Habit That Helps Them Survive
(Culture – Science) – Images of sea otters floating on the water and holding hands while sleeping have long fascinated the online community. However, according to scientists, this seemingly romantic behavior is actually a natural survival mechanism.
Sea otters are marine mammals that live primarily offshore and often sleep while floating on the water. Due to the effects of waves and ocean currents, they risk being swept away from each other while resting.
To avoid this, otters often hold hands or wrap themselves in seaweed, forming a floating group called a "raft." This helps them maintain close proximity, prevents them from being separated from the group, and reduces the risk of being attacked by predators.
Besides safety, this behavior also helps otters keep warm, especially in cold water environments. Researchers say otters tend to choose familiar individuals to sleep with, such as mothers and their young or long-term bonding pairs.
According to scientists, the behavior of holding hands while sleeping is not only for survival but also demonstrates the high social nature of sea otters. Maintaining this bond helps otter colonies function more effectively in harsh environments.
Therefore, the image of otters holding hands is not only symbolic of cuteness but also reflects an intelligent adaptation strategy of wild animals to natural conditions.
