FfFfFfFF 58,059 Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 Whether tossing pebbles between their paws or rolling stones on their chest and even into their mouth, otters are experts at rock juggling. Now researchers say the behaviour largely appears to be linked to a rumbling tummy. Many species of otters are known to toss pebbles around, often while lying on their backs, in what appears to be an example of animals playing with inanimate objects. Mari-Lisa Allison, of the University of Exeter, said: “[I have seen] an otter at the fence putting a pebble through the mesh and then catching it underneath and rolling it round, round the fence”. “This seems to be the immediate driver of the behaviour. There, in that moment, they are rock juggling because they are hungry, they are anticipating food and they are getting excited,” said Allison. But, she noted, further research is needed. “The ultimate function is still quite a mystery,” she said. Writing in the journal Royal Society Open Science, Allison and colleagues told of examining the behaviour of otters at three wildlife parks and zoos in the UK. The team recorded about 12 hours of observations for each of 48 otters, six of which were smooth-coated otters and 42 of which were Asian small-clawed otters. Further analysis revealed that among otters aged 11 years or below, juggling was more frequent the younger the animal, suggesting, the team said, that the movements could help with the development of motor skills. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/may/06/tummy-rumbles-otters-juggle-pebbles-probably-when-peckish Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Notorious Bean 8,524 Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 They are so cute, they hold hands aswell when they are sleeping https://open.spotify.com/track/7q1GGm2mBlC9hPWige0C6e?si=6b5319d0e3b44fa6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOVE JUNKIE 3,299 Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 I know a thing or two about hungry otters if you know what I mean And they sure do know how to juggle I'm so sorry. They are very cute <3 on a three day bender Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimisaMonster 31,073 Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 Me when I can't decide over Japanese or Mexican Stream my new single, 💜"Heartbeat"💜, on Spotify! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
weed 78,870 Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 Those types of otters are so cute but ever since I saw a post with a scary otter I've never forgot about them Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taylucifer 5,249 Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 33 minutes ago, LOVE JUNKIE said: I know a thing or two about hungry otters if you know what I mean And they sure do know how to juggle TayDaily Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
vyniildisk 12,689 Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 57 minutes ago, LOVE JUNKIE said: I know a thing or two about hungry otters if you know what I mean And they sure do know how to juggle I'm so sorry. They are very cute <3 Do you own one? They are very cute! Raccoons too! I want a raccoon si badly but they can be very agressive Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RudraCNG 15,506 Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 16 minutes ago, Dulo Peep said: Do you own one? They are very cute! Raccoons too! I want a raccoon si badly but they can be very agressive I don't think he's talking about the actual animal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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