Otters, playful and adaptable creatures found worldwide (except Australia and Antarctica), gather in groups with surprisingly specific names. The question of “what is a group of otters called?” doesn’t have one simple answer. Like many animal species, otters are described by multiple collective nouns—terms that reflect how they behave in different situations.
Rafts: Otters at Sea
The most common term for an otter group is a raft. This is particularly fitting for sea otters, who spend most of their lives in coastal waters. These animals often link paws or wrap themselves in kelp to avoid drifting apart while resting or sleeping—a behavior that visually resembles people holding hands in a swimming pool.
The term “raft” highlights the otters’ tendency to float together in larger bodies of water, emphasizing their aquatic lifestyle.
Romps: Otters on Land
When otters gather on land, especially river otters and giant otters, they’re often called a romp. This name perfectly captures their playful, high-energy behavior. Otters are known for chasing, wrestling, sliding down muddy banks, and frolicking in wetlands—activities that embody the spirit of a “romp.”
Lodges: Otters at Rest
Otters also form lodges when they gather in dens or other resting spots. These shelters are common near lakes and rivers, providing protection from predators and harsh weather while allowing otters to raise their pups in peace. “Lodge” focuses on the shared space and the otters’ need for safety, rather than their movement.
Why So Many Names?
The variety of collective nouns reflects both animal behavior and human observation. Otters, belonging to the Lutrinae subfamily of the weasel family, are naturally social creatures. Over time, humans developed multiple terms to describe them based on how they behaved in different contexts.
This isn’t unique to otters: other animals have multiple collective nouns as well. Cats, for example, can be a clowder, a glaring, or a kindle —the term depending on tradition, region, and observed behavior.
Ultimately, the name you use for a group of otters depends on where they are and what they’re doing. Whether it’s a raft, a romp, or a lodge, each term provides a unique insight into the lives of these fascinating animals.
