Relationships between humans and wild animals from different species are not commonly seen. Wild animals typically maintain a level of caution around humans, and humans reciprocate that caution. Moreover, there are numerous laws at the state and federal levels that restrict interactions between humans and wild animals due to the potential negative impact on the wild animals. However, these obstacles did not deter a wild sea otter from forming a heartwarming friendship with a commercial fisherman in California in a rather adorable manner. Despite the absence of a shared language, the otter managed to convey its friendship in a clear and touching way!
Imagine this incredible gesture of friendship! A TikTok user known as @user8736150399263, who is also identified as “Squidkiller420,” was at the docks when a lovely sea otter approached him and offered its favorite shiny rock in a moment straight out of a scene from Animal Crossing. Charmed by the otter’s gesture, Squidkiller interacted with the rock for a brief period while the otter swam around in the water patiently before returning to claim its rock and swim away. Although their brief encounter lasted less than a minute, a new friendship had been established—marked by a small, polished, shiny rock held by a friendly sea otter.
In a related incident, a river otter at the Birmingham Zoo entertained guests with a humorous display of ‘twerking,’ showcasing the playful nature of these animals.
Users on TikTok were amazed by Squidkiller’s incredible stroke of luck in being trusted with the otter’s cherished rock, if only for a fleeting moment. Speaking on behalf of the otter, @inspired_by_animals remarked, “‘Look how smooth this rock is, it’s my favourite one!'” Meanwhile, @sabrinasm33 exclaimed, “Oh, if an otter handed me a rock, I would be overjoyed,” and @tallformyheight agreed, “I would be ecstatic if an otter shared its special rock with me. Life would never be the same. It’s all downhill from there.”
The significance of the otter offering its favorite rock to its new human friend cannot be overstated. Otters utilize rocks as tools for cracking open clams and other shellfish, carefully selecting and preserving their preferred rocks. According to the NOAA, sea otters carry their “favorite” rocks with them in pouches located below their forearms. Therefore, the rock handed to Squidkiller was likely one of the otter’s cherished possessions, signifying a level of trust in their newfound companion. It was akin to Squidkiller entrusting the otter with one of his prized commercial fishing tools, albeit with probable practical difficulties for the otter to manage compared to a simple rock.
Encountering a friendly otter is an extraordinary experience, but being entrusted with its “favorite rock,” even momentarily, elev
