# @nationalparkservice on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CepTJ3zjmtq
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/21023959-nationalparkservice-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/5b7c14251b.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-06-11T00:43:32.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** National Park Service (@nationalparkservice) — https://gondola.cc/nationalparkservice

## Caption

Friend: “I love your outfit!” 
Me: Thanks! It has pockets! 

Did you know sea otters have flaps of loose skin under each forearm that they use like a pocket? What are these pockets full of? (Well, it's not sunshine, we can tell you that!)

When swimming, the pockets are used to carry as much food as possible back to the surface. It’s not pocket science. Think buffet fanny pack. (You've already got a plate piled high of clams and then you see hot rolls...oh, is that a pie? In the flap you go!) 

Hot pocket! Otters also use their pockets to stash rocks. They use rocks to crack open clams, crabs and other shellfish on their tummies. (Tummies is the scientific term. Thank you.) They may also use rocks to hammer abalone shells, as quickly as 45 times in just 15 seconds (hammer time!), until the abalone loosen their tight grip on the seafloor. The ones left behind are left…abalonely. 

Have rock, will travel. Many otters have a favorite rock that they store in their pocket.  Some even name their rocks. Popular names include: Otter Destruction, Gneiss Knowing You⁣, King Clammer⁣, Rockslayer, and Fred. Research is still pending.

Image: An otter floats on its back while eating fresh mussels. NPS/Anne Langan Kenai Fjords National Park @kenaifjordsnps 

#otterlife #otter #alaska #pockets #themoreyouknow #greatoutdoors #funfacts #nature

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 70,849
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 570

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National Park Service | @nationalparkservice | https://gondola.cc/nationalparkservice | Government Organization |

## Tags

otter, pockets, nature, otterlife, funfacts, themoreyouknow, alaska, greatoutdoors

---
Copyright (c) Gondola