What Is a Group of Otters Called? The Official Terms Are Adorable

A group of otters is called a romp, a lodge, or a raft, depending on the context. SarahLou Photography / Shutterstock

Otters are found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica, sliding down muddy banks, cracking shellfish and floating on their backs. People often ask, "What is a group of otters called," because these animals spend so much time together.

The short answer depends on the species, the setting and sometimes even what the otters are doing at the moment. Like many animals, otters rack up more than one collective noun.

Contents

'Raft' Is the Most Common Answer
'Romp' Describes Otters on Land
'Lodge' Is Used When Otters Share Shelter
Why Otters Have More Than One Collective Noun

'Raft' Is the Most Common Answer

A group of otters is most commonly called a raft. You will hear this term most often with sea otters, which live along coastal waters and spend much of their lives floating.

Sea otters link arms or wrap themselves in kelp so the whole raft does not drift away while they sleep. It looks a bit like people holding hands in a swimming pool to stay together.

'Romp' Describes Otters on Land

Another collective noun for a group of otters is a romp. This name shows up most often with river otters and giant otters when they gather on land.

Otters play hard. They chase each other, wrestle, slide down riverbanks and run through wetlands. 'Romp' captures that high-energy, social behavior better than almost any other word.

'Lodge' Is Used When Otters Share Shelter

When otters gather inside a den or resting spot, the group can be called a lodge. Lodges are common along lakes, rivers, and other freshwater habitats.

These shelters help otters rest, raise pups, and stay protected from predators and harsh weather. The word "lodge" focuses less on movement and more on shared space.

Why Otters Have More Than One Collective Noun

Otters belong to the subfamily Lutrinae, a branch of the weasel family known for social behavior. Different names highlight different parts of their lives.

Language evolves the same way animal behavior does. Humans created multiple terms to describe what they saw, whether otters were floating, playing or sleeping. That is why you will see raft, romp, and lodge used instead of a single answer.

Otters are not unique here. Other animals also have more than one collective noun, depending on context.

For example, cats can form a clowder, a glaring, or a kindle. The name changes based on tradition, region and how people observed the animals behaving at the time.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.