Most people regard otters as adorable and peaceful
members of the animal kingdom.
And it's time to rethink those stereotypes.
South American giant otters are as ferocious as they come.
These fearless creatures have no problem taking on some of
the deadliest predators on our planet.
Prepare yourself for an all-out brawl
with a family of giant otters.
Giant otters are most common in Brazil's Pantanal wetlands.
They also live in the La Plata, Orinoco
and Amazon river systems.
They can grow up to a whopping 1.8 m (5.9 ft)
and weigh between 22 and 32 kg (49 and 71 lb).
These apex predators are phenomenal swimmers.
Their tails make up an impressive amount of their
body length, helping the otters steer and turn
in the water.
They use their long, sensitive whiskers
to detect prey in murky waters.
These carnivores consume about 4.5 kg (10 lb)
of food per day.
They mostly hunt fish and small water animals,
but scientists classify them as opportunistic eaters
that will bite into any meat source they can find.
Giant otter families have monogamous parents
and up to twenty offspring.
Giant otters are born with white markings
on their throats and under their chins that allow otters to
identify each other.
Every otter communicates using its unique voice.
Giant otters are highly territorial and extremely
protective of their young.
This is why they end up going toe-to-toe with larger,
deadlier predators.
But what helps them win these battles?
It's strength in numbers.
Otter families maintain their dens by digging into banks or
under fallen logs.
They defend their homes at all costs.
Otters use warning sounds to keep predators,
like caimans, away.
When that doesn't work, they fearlessly attack as a team.
Teamwork makes the dream work.
Although this can give them a winning advantage,
they may have casualties.
In battle, their long, sharp nails and rows of cutting teeth
leave marks on their enemies.
Another type of otter even battles komodo dragons.
Giant otters' relentless defense, aggression
and family bond sends a strong message to predators
near the area to move on.
If they don't, they risk injury or death.
Giant otters have well-developed
anal scent glands under their tails.
"What's that smell? Man."
This stinky feature is a way of marking their territory
against intruding animals.
Animal experts believe that the otters also use their scent
to tell others about their social status,
identity or mating status.
"I'm kind of a big deal."
Giant otters leave their scent on as many mounds as
possible so the wind can spread it.
"You smell that? What is that?"
They're just as aggressive with their putrid odors
as their fighting spirit.
Unfortunately, the giant otter population is decreasing.
They're facing more threats from human activities such as
overhunting and habitat loss.
Let's hope these wild cuties can still thrive.
If you're on the hunt for more fearless, ferocious animals,
check out our episode on honey badgers
battling deadly animals.
Being highly territorial and extremely protective
is what giant otters do.
And that's what makes them Crazy Creatures.