In this soothing episode, we answer the adorable question: How does an otter sleep? From foraging with a secret armpit rock to exploring mossy coves and cuddling up in a bundle of kelp, listeners will drift alongside a baby otter and discover the power of family, patience, and being held close. It’s a cozy, calming journey into the heart of the sea, perfect for winding down and letting go.

The Otter

Patience 

Hi there! Thanks for dropping in for this cozy episode. And with a question like XXX’s, it’s sure to be cute, too. 

XXX:  “How does an otter sleep?”

YES. Otters are the cutest. Did you know that otters have the thickest fur in the entire animal kingdom? This allows them to keep warm in frigid waters. That would sure be nice to have in winters here in NH. 

First, let’s start by getting our wiggles out. Go ahead and wiggle. 

That’s right–your toes and arms, your fingers and legs. Wiggle them up and down and all around. Now settle those wiggles into a comfortable spot. Take a deep breath in, feeling your body fill with calm.… breathe out, as you exhale whisper to yourself, ‘I am safe.’ Inhale again… and feel love fill your body. Whisper, ‘I am loved.’

With one more deep breath, your imagination is ready. So let’s begin our adventure…

It’s a beautiful evening, just off the coast of Alaska.

You’re floating on your back in the cool, salty water—but with your thick, cozy fur and warm, round body, you feel perfectly relaxed. The water hugs you gently, like a blanket that knows just how you like to be held.

Above you, the sun is dipping low behind a great white iceberg. Golden light seeps across the sky like a carton of orange juice spilled across white linen. 

You are a baby otter. And you like being a baby otter. 

You drift in the water as you think back over your day…

It started early—just as the sun was peeking over the water. Your big brother gave you a playful nudge, and you dove beneath the waves. Cold water rushed in around you, your mind instantly clear. You search for breakfast on the ocean floor. The sand ripples from the ceaseless currents. Rocks and shells litter the ground, but you’re looking for just the right one. You swim with ease through the kelp forests. 

Finally, you find it: a smooth little clam tucked inside the sand. With a smile, you reach under your armpit, and pull out a rock. Yep, you have a secret armpit sack that holds your favorite rock, perfect for cracking open oysters. 

Being an otter is simply too fun. 

Tap. Tap. Crack.

Inside was a soft, tasty prize, and you munched happily as you floated back to shore. 

(Music/sound break)

Later, you wandered to a part of the coastline you’d never explored before—a mossy little grove right where the land meets the sea. The green moss squished gently beneath your little claws, and the air smelled sweet—full of flowers that clung to the cliffs. Pale green lichen thriving on the exposed rocks, delicate yellow glacier lilies, and something your mom called Sea Thrifts–pink, globe-like orbs scattered along the coast. 

You think of your mom now—the way she moves through the water, so smooth and graceful. She never says much, but you’ve learned by watching: how to twist your body with the current, how to dive deep…how to float still and peaceful, even when the water is rough. 

Buuuuut, your siblings weren’t so peaceful today…not even close.

You remember the games, the laughter, the chaos: playing tag underwater, swiping each other’s snacks. Someone may have even stolen your favorite rock when you weren’t looking. That was a hard moment. Things got a little messy—but you forgave them, of course. That’s what family does.

As the sun dips below the water, you feel your tired body craving rest. You place your paws on your lap, tuck in your tail, and feel the ocean gently rock you back and forth. 

As if she could feel your every emotion, your mother begins weaving kelp over your small body, wrapping you in a snug little bundle, keeping you safe and afloat in the water. 

Drifting in your snug cocoon of kelp, you feel her paw graze your own. Your mother, your hero, who taught you how to dive down deep, who gifted you your favorite rock, now has one more gift. Her love and protection. So as you drift on the surface of the water, she takes your paw in hers, making sure you don’t drift away from the pack in your sleep. 

You love her so much. 

Tomorrow, you’ll play with your friends, learn new tricks, and maybe get into a little bit of trouble. And all the while, your pack will be right here, guiding you, making sure you don’t drift too far. 

And as the stars begin to appear above, you let your body relax…
and your eyes begin to close…
and you fall…
into a deep, peaceful…
sleep.