North American river otter
Quick Summary
The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a semiaquatic mammal belonging to the weasel family. These otters are found in aquatic environments across North America, from coastal regions to high mountains.12
River otters have a lithe body, short legs, a strong neck, and a long, flattened tail that aids in swimming. They possess webbed feet for efficient movement in water. While they can spend time on land, they are primarily aquatic.31
Their diet is opportunistic and includes fish, frogs, crayfish, crabs, and mussels, varying with availability. River otters use their keen eyesight for hunting fish and their dexterity to find prey under rocks. They are known for their playful behavior and often slide down mud or snow banks.13
River otters typically have one to five pups per litter, reaching sexual maturity between two and three years of age. Threats to their populations include habitat destruction, pollution, and human activities like hunting and trapping.13
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