North American river otter
The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), or the common otter, is an aquatic mammal native to only North America in the countries Canada, and the United States. River otters are a distant relative of the weasel family. North American river otters can reach a length of 3.9 ft and weigh 3 lbs. The river otter's life expectancy is 10 to 15 years in the wild and 25 years in captivity. The main habitat of the river otter are near freshwater rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, marshes, swamps, and coastal waters. They prefer fish, though they will eat amphibians such as frogs, turtles, and crayfish. They have also been reported to eat small mammals and birds.
| North American river otter | |
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| Species: | L. canadensis
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| Lontra canadensis (Schreber, 1777)
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Lutra canadensis | |
About 290 North American river otters are currently in captivity.
North American River Otter Media
Skull of a North American river otter
The North American river otter's streamlined shape allows it to glide through the water.
The North American river otter's sensitive whiskers allow it to detect prey in murky water
North American river otters have small ears
Sliding across ice is an efficient means of travel. Note the long, tapered tail.
River otter tracks, Ripon, Québec, Canada
North American river otters swimming in San Francisco Bay stop to sun themselves on rocks at Richmond, California marina
A pair of captive North American river otters at Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora, Illinois.
The species inhabits coastal areas, such as marshland
A North American river otter in San Anselmo Creek
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