A sea otter seems to share an intimate moment with a small shark that confused everyone. The moment was captured by wildlife photographers Don Henderson and Alice Cahill off the Californian coast.
As the incredible photos show, the otter embraced the tiny shark. But marine experts aren’t sure if it was a hug or an otter trying to eat. However, the moment was incredible!
Although in the feeding process, sea otters dive and bring marine creatures above the water to better enjoy their meals, this is the first time the otters have brought a shark to the surface because – as is well known – sharks are not part of these furry mammals’ menu. That makes the moment even more compelling.
“If you observe sea otters long enough, you will see a reasonable sample of bottom-dwelling marine life brought to the surface out of hunger or curiosity,” Sea Otter Savvy, who was the first to share the moments, wrote.
‘We’re not sure which was the case here, but these ‘incredible’ images are the first known record of a ‘feeding-like’ interaction between a sea otter and this creature .”
While the otter’s true intentions regarding this little shark may never be known, the pair eventually parted their ways after a few cuddling moments!
“To my knowledge (and a team of colleagues), this is the first recorded horn shark capture by a sea otter,” said Michael D. Harris of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
“There are reports of sea otters catching skates and rays, but this is the first report of a shark. Sea otters will eat fish, but that’s a very rare observation in California… but it’s tough to tell what the otter was doing with it. ”
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