what do otters even eat

Otters are skilled predators with big appetites. Their diet depends largely on their species and environment, but they generally focus on what they can find in the water:

• Fish: This is the staple for most otter species. They are excellent swimmers and catch everything from small minnows to larger freshwater or saltwater fish.
• Crustaceans: Crayfish, crabs, and shrimp are favorite snacks. Otters are famous for their dexterity, often using their paws to pry open shells.
• Mollusks: Sea otters, in particular, spend a lot of time diving for clams, mussels, urchins, and snails.
• Amphibians and Reptiles: Frogs, salamanders, and occasionally small turtles are common targets for freshwater otters.
• Small Mammals and Birds: If the opportunity arises, otters may catch small rodents, muskrats, or even waterfowl that are resting on the water's surface.
• Insects: Younger or smaller otters may also supplement their diet with aquatic insects.

Because they have such high metabolisms to keep warm in the water, otters need to eat quite a lot—some species consume 15% to 25% of their body weight in food every single day.