Sea otters are charismatic marine mammals known for their dense fur and habit of floating on their backs in coastal waters. They spend their entire lives in the ocean, primarily along the northern and eastern North Pacific coasts. These highly social animals often gather together. The animal kingdom assigns specific collective nouns to groups of various species, and the sea otter is no exception.
What is the Name for a Group of Sea Otters?
The collective noun for a group of sea otters floating together is a “raft.” This term refers to sea otters (Enhydra lutris) resting on the water’s surface. While other otter species, like river otters, may be called a romp or a bevy, “raft” is uniquely associated with sea otters in their marine habitat. The name is descriptive of how the animals appear when they congregate, resembling a floating mass.
Characteristics of a Raft
Rafts are typically observed in sheltered coastal areas, often utilizing the dense canopy of kelp forests as a natural boundary. The size of these floating groups can vary dramatically, ranging from a couple of individuals to massive gatherings. While most rafts contain 10 to 100 otters, some super-rafts have been documented with over 2,000 individuals. These groups are often segregated by sex; male otters tend to form bachelor rafts, and female otters congregate with their pups in separate groups.
The Purpose of Grouping
Floating together in a raft offers several advantages for sea otters, related to survival and energy conservation. Unlike most other marine mammals, sea otters do not possess blubber and rely on their dense fur for insulation. Grouping helps conserve body heat in cold Pacific waters, reducing the energy needed to maintain their high body temperature. Rafting also provides safety; gathering in large numbers offers protection from predators like sharks.
A primary function of the raft is to prevent individual otters from drifting away from foraging grounds or into open water while resting or sleeping. To stay anchored, otters frequently wrap themselves in strands of kelp, creating a tether to the underwater forest. The behavior of otters “holding hands” is another anchoring strategy, where pairs or small groups link paws to prevent separation by strong currents.