Wildlife Wednesday 12/31/2025

Happy #WildlifeWednesday, party animals! On New Year’s Eve, a date known for elaborate gatherings and celebrations, let’s learn about one of the most social and playful animals in Ohio, the North American river otter.

Widely appreciated for their adorableness thanks to their fluffy fur and cute facial features, otters are also renowned for their lively and entertaining behavior. They are so playful in fact, that a group of otters is collectively called a “romp.”

Some otter recreation activities include:

*Wrestling with each other, both on land and in the water

*Chasing each other, especially targeting the long furry tails of their companions

*Collecting rocks and ice chunks and other objects to toss and carry around

*Rolling, both on land and submerged underwater

*Burrowing and tunneling through large snow drifts

*And, most famously, sliding long distances on their bellies, over ice and snow and down muddy hillsides and river banks

Playtime strengthens otters’ social bonds, allows them to practice maneuverability, fine tunes their hunting techniques, and is also just plain fun.

Have a safe and happy new year as we channel our inner river otter and romp into 2026!