Welcome to Bloganuary. It’s this thing that WordPress is doing to encourage bloggers to post something every day by providing a regular prompt. I think that “Bloguary” would not only sound better but makes more sense. Maybe they’re saving that for next month. But if they go with Blogebruary I’m dropping out. Anyway, today’s prompt asks the question: What is your favorite animal?

Hey everyone, Peckapalooza here. My favorite animal is the river otter. I know, kind of a random choice, but hear me out. These little critters are just so darn playful and full of personality.

For starters, otters are super social and live in big family groups called rafts. They’re always wrestling, chasing each other, and sliding down riverbanks just for the fun of it. You gotta admire their dedication to goofing off. An otter’s day is like one big playdate. Sure beats the average daily grind!

And talk about agile – otters can sprint on land, dive underwater, and swim super fast, up to 7 mph. Makes sense for an animal that splits its time between land and water hunting for fish, crabs and other prey. But I like to think they evolved insane aquatic skills just so they can perfect their log-sliding and river surfing techniques.

Of course, let’s not forget their signature move – laying on their backs and smashing open shellfish on their tummies. Cracking open a clam or mussel takes skill, but otters make it look easy and fun. Kinda makes me want to try it, you know, if I had fur and a shellfish obsession.

So in summary, otters manage to fit lots of playing into their river-swimming, prey-chasing, survival-focused lives. We humans could learn a thing or two from them about taking time to splash around and have fun. Plus I dare you not to crack a smile watching videos of them sliding down hills or floating on their backs. They’re just so darn cute!

Let me know in the comments what your favorite animal is and why. I’d love to hear other people’s thoughts on the finest furry, feathered and finned friends out there. Otters FTW!

Feature Photo by Timothy Wills-DeTone