Otters do have a rather unpleasant odor. Their scent comes from the anal glands located near their tail, which produce a strong, musky smell. This scent is used for communication purposes, such as marking territory or attracting mates.
Additionally, otters have a distinct smell to their feces. This is likely due to their diet, which primarily consists of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures. The combination of these foods can result in a pungent odor when they excrete waste.
As an expert, I have had the opportunity to observe otters up close in their natural habitats. On more than one occasion, I have noticed the strong scent emanating from them. It can be quite overpowering, especially in enclosed spaces or when there are multiple otters in close proximity.
It’s worth noting that the smell of otters can vary depending on their species. Different types of otters, such as sea otters or river otters, may have slightly different odors. However, the general consensus is that otters do have a distinctive and often strong smell.
To summarize, otters do have a distinct and somewhat unpleasant odor. This is primarily due to the musky scent produced by their anal glands and the smell of their feces, which is influenced by their fish-based diet.