I was absolutely fascinated to read that giant otters are very vocal and can make about 40 different sounds to communicate with each other.

This particular species (Pteronura brasiliensis) is considered to be the noisiest one of all and has definite sounds to indicate their feelings – for instance, if they are alarmed by something they bark, if annoyed they growl, and they have different types of humming of cooing sounds when they are reassuring other members of the group.

Giant otters are also known as ‘water dogs’, as they are big, sociable animals. I would imagine the fact that they have such a nice disposition probably didn’t help them when they were being hunted for their pelts.

However they are, as their name says, big animals – growing to 2m (6ft) long and are very powerful hunters. They can kill and consume caimans and anacondas as part of their diet. Bleh!

Giant otters, like their European counterparts, are very sociable and move around in family groups centred around the dominant mother and father. Yes they can get aggressive if other groups intrude into their territory but for the most part, seem to be a laid back and close-knit bunch.

If you know mustelids, you’ll know this is very unusual since most other species tend to be solitary animals who only come together to mate, then the female gives birth to her kits and once they’re about 10 weeks old, they all go off on their own.

I’ve often wondered if the solitary species would be different if they were sterilized. We know how aggressive our male ferrets can be with each other if they are left as whole hobs but once they’ve had the snip, they become cuddly little pussycats ;-)

Speaking of ferrets … I am suffering badly from withdrawal symptoms! Monty is a lovely toy but hardly a proper substitute from the real McCoy!

I haven’t heard from my friend who’s looking after the gang so I can only assume everything is going well and they are all happily settled. Only 15 more days and we’ll have them back at home with us.

Our flight lands at one in the morning of October 1 and if it were up to me, I would be going straight to my friend’s house to pick the babies up but I don’t think that would be appreciated at all. Hahaha – imagine her face if we knocked on her door to take them home at that time!! She’d kill me.

No, we’ll have to go home first and make a fuss of our dog, and then head up to pick the gang up some time during the late morning.

I’m counting the days off with eager anticipation ;-)

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