- Otters find flat rocks or hard surfaces that can serve as an "anvil" to break the shells of mollusks.
- They hold the mollusc in their forepaws and place it on the anvil.
- Using controlled force, they repeatedly strike the shell with the rock until it cracks open, revealing the soft tissue inside.
2. By Using Teeth:
- Otters have strong, sharp teeth that they use to crush and break the shells of mollusks.
- They will bite down on the mollusk's shell, using the crushing power of their jaw muscles to crack it open.
3. By Twisting and Pulling:
- Some mollusks, such as mussels and clams, have strong adductor muscles that keep their shells tightly closed.
- Otters can use a combination of twisting and pulling motions to pry the shells open.
4. By Using Their Paws and Claws:
- Otters have dexterous paws with sharp claws that they can use to manipulate the shells of mollusks.
- They may use their claws to wedge between the shell valves or to hold onto the mollusk while they use their teeth or rocks to break the shell.
The specific technique used by an otter to open the shells of molluscs may depend on the species of otter, the type of mollusk, and the individual otter's preferences.