01/08/2026
Next time you see a sea otter floating on its back, look closely at its paws.
It might be holding a rock like it’s holding a key.
Sea otters have loose folds of skin under each forearm that work like pockets. They use them to stash food while they dive.
And they also use those pockets to carry tools. A smooth rock can come along for the whole hunt.
When it’s time to eat, the otter brings the rock out and uses it to smash open hard shells. It can crack clams, mussels, and other tough snacks without wrecking its teeth.
What’s wild is the rock isn’t always random. Some otters seem to pick a “good one” and reuse the same rock for years.
So yes, they basically have a built-in tool belt. It’s one of those animal facts that sounds fake until you see it happen.
References
Sea Otter Anatomy - Ocean Today, NOAA
Sea otter - Monterey Bay Aquarium
Otter Armpits - Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Wild View
6 Things You Otter Know about Otters - Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) Catalyst
Sea otters get more prey and reduce tooth damage using tools - Reuters
Note: The images used in this post have been created using AI for illustration purposes only.
