The Cades Cove area’s beautiful natural scenery is always teeming with wildlife. You may have the exciting opportunity to see some of the residents during your visit. While the most popular animal is the black bear, there are many other creatures wandering about in the national park, including river otters. Let us tell you more about them! Here are some fascinating facts about river otters in Cades Cove:
1. They Have Two Layers of Fur
River otters spend two-thirds of their life on land, but they swim a lot. While these versatile creatures sleep on land in dens, they catch fish underwater. They use their long whiskers to detect fish in muddy waters. So, how do they stay warm and dry? One of their unique features is having 2 layers of fur. The inner layer is soft and keeps an otter warm. On the other hand, the outer layer is coarse and repels water. It's almost like having a raincoat on all the time!
2. They Are Great Swimmers
River otters in Cades Cove have excellent swimming abilities. In fact, they can swim 8 miles per hour which is about 3 times faster than humans. Their short legs, webbed feet, and powerful tails all work together to propel them through the water. River otters also don’t have to come up for air as much as we do. They can hold their breath underwater for up to 8 minutes. In addition to being great swimmers, river otters can also dive to depths of up to 60 feet.
3. They Eat A Lot
River otters may be small, but they have a big appetite. They weigh between 20 to 25 pounds and consume 20 to 33% of their body weight each day. They spend around 5 hours looking for food. When river otters catch prey, they tuck them into the pockets of loose skin under their arms. They are carnivores. In addition to fish, they eat insects, turtles, and small mammals. River otters have a set of 36 large teeth as well as thumbs and forepaws that they use to catch prey.
Where to Find River Otters in Cades Cove
Where can you find river otters in Cades Cove? Long ago, the Cherokee people called Cades Cove “Tsiya’hi” which means “Otter Place.” In 1986, the National Park Service started a program to reintroduce otters to the Smokies. Today, you can find them around Abrams Creek in Cades Cove. This scenic hike is a trail that is 5 miles roundtrip and moderate in difficulty. While Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, it has a large volume of water rushing down. If you do see otters or any other wildlife during your hike, refrain from getting too close. Maintain a distance of at least 150 away! Bring a pair of binoculars for the best view.
Now you know all about river otters in Cades Cove. Want to learn about more wildlife in the area? Check out our other list of animals you might spot on the Cades Cove Loop!
