Why Do Otters Rub Their Cheeks?

The Sea Otters rub their faces to groom their fur; driving out moisture, adding air bubbles and spreading the natural squalene oils secreted by their skin to keep it waterproof. Since it is essential to keeping warm & buoyant, a large part of the sea otters day is spent on grooming.

Why do sea otters touch their faces?

“Sea otters groom the fur on their faces by rubbing their faces with their paws,” Michelle Staedler, Sea Otter program manager at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, told the Cut.

Why do otters cuddle?

To prevent themselves from floating away in the swirling sea while they sleep, sea otters often entangle themselves in forests of kelp or giant seaweed to provide anchorage. This is also the reason why they hold hands. They do so in order to prevent themselves from drifting away from the group.