North American River Otter | Lontra canadensis | 2022 - 2
North American River Otter
The playful North American River Otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. A long, strong tail helps propels the Otter through the water. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. North American River Otters have long whiskers, which they use to detect prey in dark or cloudy water, and clawed feet for grasping onto slippery prey. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. On land a River Otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles an hour—they can slide even faster. Their playful snow and mud sliding, tail chasing, water play, and snow burrowing activities also serve other purposes—they help strengthen social bonds and let young Otters practice hunting techniques.
A River Otter can grow three to four feet long including its tail and weigh between 11 and 30 pounds. Males are generally larger than females. The tail makes up about a third of their total length.
For more info: www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/...
North American River Otter | Lontra canadensis | 2022 - 2
North American River Otter
The playful North American River Otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. A long, strong tail helps propels the Otter through the water. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. North American River Otters have long whiskers, which they use to detect prey in dark or cloudy water, and clawed feet for grasping onto slippery prey. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. On land a River Otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles an hour—they can slide even faster. Their playful snow and mud sliding, tail chasing, water play, and snow burrowing activities also serve other purposes—they help strengthen social bonds and let young Otters practice hunting techniques.
A River Otter can grow three to four feet long including its tail and weigh between 11 and 30 pounds. Males are generally larger than females. The tail makes up about a third of their total length.
For more info: www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/...