882 River Otter Img_2173

2173 River Otter Info – Erie Zoo, 423 West 38th St., Erie, Erie, PA. September 1, 2008. Decimal degrees: 42.097980, -80.076446

 

"River Otter"

 

"An agile swimmer and diver, this streamlined animal propels itself with webbed feet, powerful stubby legs, and a broad tail. Since its short legs permit only a slow lope on land the otter ordinarily travels by water. A dense, oily coat and a layer of fat under the skin keep the animal warm even in icy water. While pursuing prey, otters are aided by strong senses of touch, smell, and hearing as well as by an ability to stay underwater for periods of more than a minute. Dens are often made in stream banks or the bases of hollow trees.

 

Lutra canadesis canadensis

Range: southern United States to northern Canada and Alaska

Habitat: streams and rivers

Diet in wild: fish, frogs, crayfish, insects

weight: 15 to 25 pounds

Life span: 15 to 20 years

Social Behavior: pairs"

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