Facts about River Otters talk about an animal, which can be found on the coasts or waterways of North America. It is known as the common otter or northern river otter. People also call it North American river otter. The biological name is Lontra Canadensis. This semiaquatic mammal has the weight of 11 to 30.9 lb or 5 to 14 kilograms. Get other interesting facts about River otters below:
Facts about River Otters 1: the coat
River otters have a special coat fur. It is water repellant and thick which keeps the body of river otters insulated and protected.
Facts about River Otters 2: a versatile animal
River otters are considered as a versatile animal because they can live on land and water. They are included in the family Mustelidae and subfamily Lutrinae.
facts about River Otters
Facts about River Otters 3: habitat
River otters live in various habitats such as tidal flat, river, swap, coastal area, estuary and lake. They will build a burrow around the body of water.
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Facts about River Otters 4: the den
A tunnel opening is always found in the den of river otters. It allows them to access it inside and outside.
River Otters Facts
Facts about River Otters 5: reproduction
The litters produced by the female river otters are around one to six youngs. They will deliver the baby otters inside the underground burrows.
Facts about River Otters 6: the diet
Fish is considered as the most preferable food for river otters. They also hunt other animals like crayfish, small turtles, salamanders, freshwater clams, frogs, mussels, and snails.
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Facts about River Otters 7: the types of fish
The types of fish consumed by river otters include catfish, suckers, and perch.
Facts about River Otters 8: threat
The number of river otters is declining due to the habitat loss. Moreover, the environmental pollution also gives negative effect to their population.
River Otters
Facts about River Otters 9: sexual dimorphism
In most cases, the female river otters are 5 percent smaller than the male counterparts are. There was a report related to the sexual dimorphism of river otters in Idaho. Compared to the females with the similar age, the adult males were 17 percent bigger.
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Facts about River Otters 10: life span
If river otters are kept in captivity, they may live up to 21 years. The life span of wild river otters is only 8 to 9 years. Some of them may reach 13-year life span.
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Tags: Mammalia
