Sea otters can use stones and shells to break open their prey. They do not all do it in the same way: U.S. Geological Survey data show large differences between individuals, linked partly to diet and food availability. [1]
Here is a concrete example: after surfacing, an otter can roll onto its back, rest a stone on its chest and pound a hard-shelled mollusc against it. Tools for Critical Thinking in Biology describes the behaviour: tool and workbench travel together. [2]
Take this with youOur comment: when lunch puts up a fight, a tool helps. Around here, at least, the toolbox floats.
Read the sources (2)
- Tool-use frequency by individual sea otters in California U.S. Geological Survey · accessed 10 Sept 2026
- Tools for Critical Thinking in Biology — chapter 8 (excerpt) National Center for Science Education · accessed 10 Sept 2026
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