RIVER OTTER
River otters are nocturnal
which means they hunt most at night time .During the day, they sleep in their
underground dens.
Anatomy: River otters are from 3 to 4 feet
(0.9-1.3 meters) long and weigh about 44-82 lb (20-37 kg). The tail is 1 to 1 1/2
feet (30-45 cm) long. Webbed feet help the otter swim quicker. These sleek
mammals have short legs and semi-retractible claws.
Both their ears and the nostrils close when the animal is under water.
Fur: River otters are kept warm by their
dense fur and high metabolism. They are moving all year long, even through very
very cold winters. Careful grooming with their paws
keeps their fur waterproof.
Diet: River otters are carnivores
That means they eat meat. They
eat crustaceans (like crayfish), slow-swimming fish (like trout), amphibians, insects,
small mammals and birds. They hunt for their prey in the water and on the land.
These intelligent mammals have a great sense of smell; they use their sensitive
whiskers to help find prey in muddy water.
Predators: River otters are threatened
by the bald eagle, some bears and
coyotes.
Classification: kingdom Animalia,
Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia
(mammals), Order Carnivora, Family Mustelidae (weasels, ferrets, minks, skunks, otters,
badgers), Genus Luta
Ellen A.