A sub-species of otter, river otters are semi- aquatic mammals that have streamlined and serpentine bodies, with a thick and lustrous coat. Found in the United States and Canada, the mammal generally dwells in freshwaters and coastal mariner habitats. River otters are expert swimmers and have long and sensitive needle-like whiskers, which help them to sense preys underwater. A wide head, round eyes, small nostrils, stout legs and a tapering tail, characterizes them physically. The largest of all the river otter species is the North American river otter, whereas the marine river otter is the smallest of all. To get more information about this amazing animal, check out the interesting facts given in the following lines.
Facts About River Otter
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Genus: Lontra
Species: Lontra Canadensis, Lontra Feline, Lontra Provocax, Lontra Longicaudis
Length (Male): 3-4 ft
Length (Female): 3 ft
Average Weight: 6-10 kg
Number of Teeth: 36
Diet: Carnivorous (snakes, frogs, bugs, waterfowls, mussels, salamanders, crabs, turtles, muskrats and birds)
Natural Habitat: Wetlands and Aquatic Environments
Age of Maturity (Males): 5-7 years
Age of Maturity (Females): 2 years
Longevity: 8-15 years
Gestation Period: 9-10 months
Number of Offspring: 1-6
Interesting and Amazing Information About River Otters
- River otters can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes.
- River otters spend two-thirds of the time on land and can run at a speed of 29 km/hour.
- While on the water surface, a river otter can swim at a speed of about 6 miles per hour. Furthermore, below the water surface, it can swim at 3 to 4 miles per hour.
- River otters have ears and nose with a special skin that closes and keeps them watertight underwater.
- Male river otters are approximately 17 % larger than females.
- Old male river otters often have white body fur.
- Baby river otters are called pups and they are born toothless and blind.
- River otters have long strong guard hairs, which form the outer coat and protect the finer and denser under-fur of the body.
- Eyes of river otters have special lenses that aid in underwater vision.
- River otters are normally nearsighted above water.
- River otters often use the senses of sound, touch and smell to communicate with each other.
- River otters always clean themselves after having meals.
- A river otter marks its territory with feces and urine. Often, a river otter squirts its fecal matter with a musky-smelling liquid, from the scent glands, and uses it as a territory-marker.
- River otters mainly hunt during the night, and never hoard food. They always kill only as much as they can eat.
- Generally, river otters mate underwater. However, terrestrial mating is also common.
