Examples of natural hollows include those in riverbanks, under logs, hollow trees and logs, rock formations, undercut banks, flood debris, and backwater sloughs. The white is also there under the face and down to the belly. 10 Interesting Facts About Otters. In Peru, the giant river otter is classified as Endangered by the decree, DS 004-2014-MINAGRI. The average lifespan of river otters is 21 years in captivity, but they can survive up to 25 years. Giant Otter Facts. River otters are most commonly heard emitting a low frequency chuckling. River otter’s diet also embraces redhorses, cubs, bullheads, catfish, darters, perches, sculpins, pike, salmon, trout, and pike. While river otters mostly live off fish, crayfish and crabs, sea otters have a more interesting method of sustaining themselves. In the wild the otters are under threat from habitat destruction and pollution may be affecting food availability. They glide on their bellies with their front paws by their sides. A place where there are multiple spraints is called a latrine. Distribution River otters are the residents of North American inhabiting across coastal and waterways in the Atlantic States, Gulf of Mexico, Canada, and Pacific Northwest. They're hungry animals! It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. By land and by sea. A professional writer and a passionate wildlife enthusiast, who is mostly found hooked to his laptop or in libraries researching about the wildlife. River otters hunt more effectively in shallow water than in deep water, and, although they are proficient swimmers, all prefer slow-swimming species of fish. They live in dens along the water’s edge. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. Most of us don’t know much about them so here are some facts to help you educate yourself about them. African clawless otters ( Aonyx capensis ) and Congo clawless otters ( A. congicus or A. capensis congicus ) occupy murky waterways and thus rely more on manual dexterity than on vision to obtain food (mostly crabs) from under rocks. If we look at the river otter vs. the sea otter size, the sea otters are the bigger creatures. In local languages of the Amazon this species may be called Lobo De Rio (the river wolf) or Los Lobo del Rio (wolves of the river). The majority of otters spend most of their time on land. It remains active all throughout the year and become increasingly active at night. This is one way to easily identify them in the wild or in captivity. In the winter, otters have found the easiest and perhaps most fun way to get around is by sliding. Some are small river otters, and some are bigger sea otters. They are definitely meat eaters. Thirteen different species of otter exist all around the world. Here are 16 Interesting Otter facts. Habits. They learn to swim when they are about two months old, when their mother pushes them into the water. They take advantage of any slippery slope for fun, whether it's a summer slide down a muddy hill or a winter thrill on snow and ice. North American river otters eat mainly aquatic organisms such as amphibians, fish, turtles, crayfish, crabs, and other invertebrates.Birds, their eggs, and small terrestrial mammals are also eaten on occasion.They sometimes eat aquatic plants. Once they catch it, they bring it to the top of the water, where they eat it. Some of the best known are the giant otter, the sea otter, the European otter, the Northern river otter among others. Otters have an acute sense of smell, hearing and eyesight. They like to eat sea urchins, clams, mussels and crabs. However, the largest population of these animals is found in the Great Lakes of North America. 4. Whereas males can reach 90 pounds too. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water. Giant otter belongs to a family of carnivorous mammals called mustelid. The adult river otter has 36 teeth in total. Otters consume mainly fish but many people think that they eat plants and berries. They will eat any small animals and birds they can catch. Otters are part of the Mustelid family of animals which also includes badgers, pine martens and weasels. Males are larger in size than females (see photos). Although river otters generally prefer dens that provide seclusion and protection, they tend to be opportunistic when selecting a home. The weight of a North American river otter measures around 5 – 14 kg (11 – 31 lb). Giant river otter cubs are born totally covered with fur; indeed, the species is one of the only carnivores with a fur-covered nose, according to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The primary foods for otters are aquatic invertebrates and aquatic insects. If the animal has a hard shell, otters c… While river otters mostly live off fish, crayfish and crabs, sea otters have a more interesting method of sustaining themselves. Here are 8 facts about this joyous, playful, swimming mammal. River otters eat mostly fish, frogs, crayfish, crabs, and mollusks, with an occasional small mammal or bird.. Sea otters eat many of the same things, but mostly sea urchins, abalone, crabs, fish, octopuses, mussels, and clams.They crack open clams and mussels with rocks they hold on their stomach—the only otter species to use rocks as tools. Fun Otter Facts for Kids. The largest of all the river otter species is the North American river otter, whereas the marine river otter is the smallest of all. This site uses cookies and by continuing to browse it you are agreeing to our use of cookies. They are also very vocal and communicate use a variety of calls. These otters can walk, slide, bound and even run on land. In the UK, otters almost became extinct in the fifties and sixties because of rivers contaminated with chemical residues. On a river it is vital to check for signs during winter when the vegetation has died back. Dec 7, 2016 - Explore Julie Light-Gregory's board "River Otter" on Pinterest. Read on and enjoy our interesting information about otters. They inhabit both coastal regions and inland waterways. 7 fascinating facts about giant otters. Giant otters wake up during the day making them diurnal. Fun Facts for Kids. Check out our range of fun otter facts for kids. Some common river otter playtime activities include somersaulting, wrestling, flopping around, sliding -- all surely amusing sights to behold. There are various sounds that river otters make, depending on whether they are playing, irritated, in pain or in distress. They can be seen sliding down hills and slopes, as well as chasing other otters for fun. The adult male weighs around 11.3 kg (25 lb); while the female weighs up to 8.3 kg (18 lb). River otters have also been known to utilize the burrows made by red foxes, woodchucks, beavers, nutria, and muskrats. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). The otter is the largest member of the weasel family. River Otter Facts. Adult beetles and stonefly nymphs are just a few of these. Litter size may compose of 3 – 5 young (1 – 3 being an average). It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. Facts about Otters. Otters are carnivorous mammals with thick fur and webbed feet. These creatures inhabit a wide range of aquatic habitats. River otters are underwater acrobats that are known for their social and playful behavior and have been observed sliding down slippery slopes for fun. As the name suggests, the giant otter is the world's largest otter species and is well-known from wildlife documentaries. Their range has actually decreased over the years due to urbanization and pollution. Otters are carnivores? After a few bumps, they can slide up to 22 feet on the ice. 50 AllTime Best Christmas Songs For Your Holiday Playlist, 50 Interesting Prairie Dog Facts That You Never Knew About, 100 Interesting Facts That Will Boggle Your Mind, 300 Random Facts No One Knows What To Do With, 100 Nutrition Facts To An Easier And Healthier Lifestyle, 100 Amazing Facts That Will Blow Your Mind, 300 WTF Facts That Will Make You Question Everything, 300 Weird Facts That Will Confuse And Amaze You At The Same Time, 100 Did You Know Facts Most People Have Never Heard About, Weight: 11 to 31 pounds (5 to 14 kilograms), Length: 26 to 42 inches (66 to 107 centimeters), Lifespan: 8 to 9 years (21 years in captivity), Aquatic Predators: Alligator, American crocodile, killer whales, sharks, Terrestrial Predators: Coyote, bobcat, lynx, wolf, mountain lion, black bear, domestic dogs, Human-related Mortality: Trapping, illegal shooting, road kill, accidental captures, Conservation: Bioindicator in aquatic ecosystems, Location: River Otters Live on the Water’s Edge, Name: The “River Otter” Actually Lives in a Variety of Habitats, Habitat: River Otters Are Found in Aquatic Habitats throughout North America, Homes: River Otters Are Opportunistic When Selecting Dens, Anatomy: Physical Adaptations Make River Otters Aquatic Masters, River Otters Are Near-Sighted but Can See Well Underwater, River Otters May Be Marine Animals but They Are Also Night Owls, River Otters’ Play Teaches Them Survival Skills, Does Something Smell Fishy? River otter reaches a length of about 66 – 107 cm (26 – 42 inches). Here are five interesting facts about them: These elegant animals grow to about 1.8 metres long, making them the largest species of otter in the world. There is a zoo in Japan that has tiny holes in the Otter enclosure allowing for people who visit the zoo to shake hands with the otters. River otters are most commonly heard emitting a low frequency chuckling. Let’s take a closer look. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. While river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. The North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a species of otter.. However, not many species play games. Females are 5 per cent smaller as compared to males. Learn where the otter lives, what they eat, what a group of otters is called, the names of various otter species and much more. See more ideas about River otter, Otters, Sea otter. Males are larger in size than females (see photos). See more ideas about otter love, otters, sea otter. The otter is a carnivorous mammal in a branch of the weasel family called Lutrinae. Otters are fun creatures to watch and they are highly intelligent. Otter watching involves perseverance. Other sounds include a hissing bark, snarling growl, shrill whistle, explosive snort, birdlike chirp and even low purring grunts. Required fields are marked River otters are found in diverse habitats ranging from coastal marine waters such as inland wetlands, marshes, lakes, rivers, coastal shorelines to the freshwater streams. In the winter, otters have found the easiest and perhaps most fun way to get around is by sliding. Otters are wonderfully skilled predators, who display a number of interesting behaviors and traits. The river otter is perfectly equipped for aquatic life. They can grow to be more than a meter long, from head to tail, and weight up to 14 kg. River otters are underwater acrobats that are known for their social and playful behavior and have been observed sliding down slippery slopes for fun. These can include rivers, lakes, marshes, estuaries, inland wetlands and coastal shorelines. During these seasons, river otters tend to be most active during crepuscular hours and at night. A river otter in England. One of the most unfortunate river otter facts is that these animals are currently threatened by habitat loss. North American otters are capable to travel at a speed of 42 km (26 miles) per day. Wildlife. Much of their food is found in water. The weight of a North American river otter measures around 5 – 14 kg (11 – 31 lb). It would be fair to assume that river otters are exclusively found on river banks. I am going to offer some of the most interesting and rarely known river otter facts and that includes river otter habitat, diet, reproduction, and behavior. On land they use a rolling gait like a horses canter, or hop-like movements. However, these games are not undertaken purely for enjoyment. They glide on their bellies with their front paws by their sides. Some kinds of otters live in groups, while others are almost always alone. Environment Agency.) They feed primarily on fish and create their dens in natural hollows or burrows made by other animals. To get more information about this amazing animal, check out the interesting facts given in the following lines. In the wild, these otters eat crabs, shellfish and small fish like gouramis or catfish. Cute! Read also: 50 Whale Facts About The Giants Of The Ocean. Unlike other otter species, males and females are similar sizes. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. White-tipped hairs are common in older otters. There are 13 species of otter found all around the world. River otters, like all otters, are carnivorous. Top Facts about Otters. River otters are aquatic mammals. They have 57,800 hairs per square centimeter with the length of the hair measuring at 23.8 mm (0.94 inch). The young will become independent after six months. 10 facts about the giant river otter: The giant river otter is giant, measuring in at 1.5-1.8 m and weighing in at 22-32 kg! Quick facts. It is recognized by its powerful neck and elongated body. They have been known to feed on mollusks, aquatic insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and small mammals. River otters also consume crustaceans such as crayfish since crayfish is relatively abundant species and is available all year round. Get information about different types of otters and discover interesting facts for kids with DK Find Out. Otters communicate using their spraint (droppings). The river otters do not dig their own den; they use habitats of other animals such as beavers instead. Reptiles and Amphibians | River Otter Facts. Amazing Facts About the Otter. River otters aren’t just cute, they are a sign of hope for the environment . There are 13 species of otter around the world and many of them are endangered. In warmer times, you may also see otters sliding down a riverbank. The aquatic mammals have several biological adaptations that have enabled them to inhabit several environments successfully. Your email address will not be published. You will notice that these white markings are different on each of them. Because river otters spend so much time in the water, and hunt for food in this environment, their eyesight is adapted for underwater vision. This group of animals is notorious for being adorable, but they are so much more than looks! The European or Eurasian otter is often referred to as the common otter. Unlike river otters, who are comfortable on land, sea otters can barely walk and almost never leave the water. They usually breed in the months of December to April. To get more information about this amazing animal, check out the interesting facts given in the following lines. Otters have the thickest fur of any mammal, having as many as 850,000 hairs per square inch. Their eyes are protected while they are swimming thanks to transparent nictitating membranes, which act like swimming goggles. These skills include hunting and fighting. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Apart from just fun and games, sliding also has a functional purpose -- helping otters travel from point A … … They are definitely meat eaters. River otters live in dens, also known as holts. 3. Otters are very social creatures. The aquatic mammals have several biological adaptations that have enabled them to inhabit several environments successfully. People also call it North American river otter. 7 FUN FACTS ABOUT OTTERS! These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. The juveniles are blind and toothless at birth. In warmer times, you may also see otters sliding down a riverbank. It can be fun to test out your knowledge as you go. They use their sea whiskers to find small creatures to eat, and their paws to dig for clams. Check out our range of fun otter facts for kids. A group of otters is called a raft, according to the San Diego Zoo. - Sourc . Seven Quick Facts About River Otters. Photo by Andrea Westmoreland. They seem to prefer games such as wrestling and chasing. Polluted waters, man-made developments, soil erosion and hunting them for pelts by humans, have led to the decline of river otters over the years. River Otter Poo-pori of Facts North American river otter (Lontra Canadensis): Photo- Publicdomainpictures.net) Things You Didn't Know You Wanted to Know About River Otter Poop. Polluted waters, man-made developments, soil erosion and hunting them for pelts by humans, have led to the decline of river otters over the years. They are friendly and playful which is why they’re one of the well-loved animals in the world. Communication. Other sounds … The mammal is found all throughout the waterways and coasts of North America. An otter family will defend a territory and use scent to mark the territory boundaries. Giant otters are endemic (live only there and nowhere else) for the South America, and they can be found in the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems. Crayfish makes up one-third of the otters diet. They are well adapted to swimming and hunting. The young will open its eyes after 30 – 38 days and they will start eating solid food after 9 – 10 weeks. River otters are aquatic mammals. River otter swims at a speed of 11 km/h (6.8 mph); and dive at a depth of 20 meters (22 yards). The majority of otters spend most of their time on land. Distribution. Apart from just fun and games, sliding also has a functional purpose -- helping otters travel from point A … They prefer slow-moving rivers, lakes, swamps and flooded forests during the rainy season. HERE ARE SOME FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RIVER OTTER VS SEA OTTER. Some common river otter playtime activities include somersaulting, wrestling, flopping around, sliding -- all surely amusing sights to behold. North American river otters are … Only one otter species seems to be thriving, and that's the North American River Otter. Facts about River Otters talk about an animal, which can be found on the coasts or waterways of North America. How Many Sea Otters are Left in the World? Oct 24, 2018 - Explore Kristen Marie's board "Otter Facts", followed by 103 people on Pinterest. They swim using their webbed paws as flippers, and for added speed they will undulate the torso like a dolphin. After a few bumps, they can slide up to 22 feet on the ice. What’s more, these coastal otters live their lives according to the tides, while river otters are usually most active at night. The male river otters are not territorial. Otter is a common name for a carnivorous mammal in the subfamily Lutrinae. An otter’s den is called a holt or a couch. River otters primarily feed on fish with the size ranges from 2 – 50 cm (0.79 – 20 inches) which is really necessary since fish is a great source for gaining calories. Let’s take a closer look. The adult river otters are known to eat 1 – 1.5 kg (2.2 0 3.3 lb) of fish each day. The sightless and nearly helpless young are usually born in the months of March and May. When river otters are rubbing themselves and rolling around, they are simply drying their fur. Giant otters are endemic (live only there and nowhere else) for the South America, and they can be found in the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems. They spend most of their lives in the sea, even sleeping there. Sea otters are known for their remarkable ability to use rocks to smash open shellfish to fill their stomachs. Sea otters are known for their remarkable ability to use rocks to smash open shellfish to fill their stomachs. This is particularly noticeable during spring, summer and autumn. River otter reaches a length of about 66 – 107 cm (26 – 42 inches). The gestation period lasts for 61 – 63 days. They produce a growl-like sound which is often heard while they are in pain. This is likely the result of environmental pollution, to which these otters are particularly sensitive. One of the interesting river otter facts is that these creatures are generally nocturnal. Funny! In the summer and spring seasons, river otters fancy eating amphibians including boreal chorus frogs, Canadian toads, wood frogs, bullfrogs, green frogs, rough-skinned newt, garter snakes, and Pacific giant salamander. They prefer slow-moving rivers, lakes, swamps and flooded forests during the rainy season. While it does have the brownish color of coat, it also features white along the length of it. Otters are sexually dimorphic, with males about 5% larger than females. Read More: Why are Sea Otters Endangered? The European Otter is one what has a distinct look to it. Although their range is decreasing as their habitat is being threatened, they are not currently endangered. Learning Colors! River otters can be found in Canada, the Pacific North West, the Atlantic States, and the Gulf of Mexico. The species of fish will vary depending on the location and habitat. It enters the English Channel at the western end of Lyme Bay, part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These names are: river otter, North American river otter, northern river otter, common otter, American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and the Prince of Wales otter. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. It is a member of weasel family. They dive in rivers, lakes and streams until they can find a suitable animal to eat, which they then chase. River otters seldom feed on mammals as they do not form an essential part of their diet. Facebook; Prev Article Next Article . Whether it’s a lake, river, swamp or estuary, otters like a mix of land and water. Otters consume mainly fish but many people think that they eat plants and berries. OTTER FACTS FOR KIDS! River otters are predators; they avoid feeding on carrion. They swim using their webbed paws as flippers, and for added speed they will undulate the torso like a dolphin. It is known as the common otter or northern river otter. The otter is a carnivorous mammal in a branch of the weasel family called Lutrinae. The River Otter rises in the Blackdown Hills just inside the county of Somerset, England near Otterford, then flows south through East Devon. Otter facts A group of river otters is known as a romp; The position of its eyes are high on its head which means it can see out of the water whilst the rest of its body stays submerged below - like a hippo! The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. River Otters Communicate Using Sounds and Smells, River Otters Are Threatened by Habitat Loss. River otters are particularly streamlined in water. The largest of all the river otter species is the North American river otter, whereas the marine river otter is the smallest of all. It is recognized by its powerful neck and elongated body. Intergroup communication generally occurs in the form of scent marking. Your email address will not be published. These include game fishes, bass (Centrarchidae) suckers (Catostomidae), and shiners. It builds its habitat in the swamps, rivers, lakes, tidal flat and coastal shoreline; in the form of burrows. River otters primarily prey on fish, crayfish, turtles and amphibians, and rarely birds. There is always at least one tunnel opening that allows the otters to enter and exit the water. One of the more intriguing river otter facts is that these animals largely communicate using auditory and olfactory signals. The river otter is the best swimmer of the weasel family. Raccoon Facts: Anatomy, Diet, Habitat, Behavior, First Horse Starter Kit – Equipment That You Need to Ride, Common Health Issues With Horses To Know The Signs Of, Woolly Rhino Facts | Anatomy, Diet, Habitat, Behavior. If an area is polluted, the river otter will move to a new place that isn’t tainted. However, the name “river otter” is misleading. It can able to stay under water for about 4 minutes. In the wild they live up to 8 – 9 years with the maximum age of 13 years. 3. The river otter is agile in water and on land, in fact there are two different names for a group of otters - a raft of otters if they are in the water, and a romp of otters if they are on land. River otters are able to learn vital survival skills through their play. It can be fun to test out your knowledge as you go. Otter fur is short and ranges in color from light brown to black. Sliding and wrestling, belly flopping, and somersaulting, river otters really know how to play! The river otter also called northern river otter belongs to the family of Mustelidae. River otters can live in a variety of elevations and temperatures as long as they have easy access to water and a steady food supply. They communicate via whistles, twittering noises and spitting sounds, which can be heard at night when it is quiet and still. Thermoregulation and Metabolic Rate. The larger specimens with the weight of 15 kg (33 lb) are also found. This helps them to maintain the important insulation provided by their thick fur. Otters are fun creatures to watch and they are highly intelligent. They can die of hunger more quickly than most animals. Giant otters are members of the weasel family. One of the most surprising river otter facts is that these otters don’t dig their own dens. River otters are highly frolicsome, spirited and lively creatures. Interesting Facts About the River Otter. Read More: How Many Sea Otters are Left in the World? They build burrows abandoned by other animals including beavers, muskrats, and woodchucks. Endangered Species Facts | Top 6 Critically Endangered Species. They … They take advantage of any slippery slope for fun, whether it's a summer slide down a muddy hill or a winter thrill on snow and ice. The North American river otter use a wide range of vocalizations, including whistles and buzzes to twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. The river otter was first identified in 1777. The river otter population continues to decline to this day. Many "play" activities serve a purpose, such as strengthening social bonds, practicing hunting techniques, and scent marking. The length of a tail measures around 30 – 50 cm (12 – 20 inches). Sliding and wrestling, belly flopping, and somersaulting, river otters really know how to play! Working with kids and the public it's hard to stay away from topics that make people go "eww" and get grossed out, because it grabs their attention. Some lives in the forested areas of Pacific coast of North America. Safari Ltd® TOOBS® North American Wildlife. Fun Facts about River Otters. During winter when the climate is much colder river otters are more diurnal in their behavior, meaning they are more active during the day. Otters are known to be playful creatures, and the Eurasian otter is no exception. Otters living in captivity largely prefer to consume bigger fish with the size of 15 – 17 cm (5.9 – 6.7 inches). Today, a large number of otters are found in the United States and Canada. River otters have quite a large range. Fun Facts. A river otter’s diet consists largely of fish. 1-5 Otter Facts 1. River otters are known to be very playful creatures. Otters are playful creatures, frequently seen sliding down riverbanks or burrowing through snow. Intergroup communication generally occurs in the form of scent marking. Top 12 River Otter Facts - Diet, Habitat, Anatomy & More | Facts.net . River otters will either use a natural hollow or a burrow made by another animal. Top Facts about Otters. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. Otters are carnivores; they must eat a lot of meat to live, so they spend three to 5 hours every day fishing and hunting. The characteristics that create the streamlined profile of a river otter include small ears, a neck that has the same diameter as the head, short powerful legs, webbed toes, and a tapered tail that constitutes one-third of the otter’s length. Latrines are the social hubs for otters. This means that river otters are actually near sighted. North American river otter is important predator of fish and aquatic invertebrates. While playing games, otters also learn some new techniques about fighting and hunting. In Alaska, the Aleutian Islands and Brooks Range hosts many river otters. Once I saw one swimming in the Green River of Utah when I was on a canoe trip. Learn 15 more facts about these fascinating mammals. They will line the nest chamber with soft natural materials such as hair, leaves, moss, grass and bark. They are beginning to disappear from regions once considered as major habitats such as in New Mexico, Indiana Kansas, Arizona, South Dakota, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Ohio. Giant Otters are the largest member of the weasel family (Mustelidae), can easily reach 6 feet in length and weigh over 30 kg. *, 50 Whale Facts About The Giants Of The Ocean. Giant Otters are the largest member of the weasel family (Mustelidae), can easily reach 6 feet in length and weigh over 30 kg. Fun Facts about River Otters. River otters have very small eyes and flat head. They eat fish, crayfish, crabs, and frogs. Most of us don’t know much about them so here are some facts to help you educate yourself about them. North American otters are playful animals, and indulge in water play, mud/snow sliding, and burrowing through snow. River otters are nocturnal and they come out in at night in the summer and spring seasons. They primarily communicate through auditory signals. Surprising river otter is a carnivorous mammal in a branch of the Ocean are skilled... Being an average ) are rubbing themselves and rolling around, they have 57,800 hairs per square.. Mammals roam for miles looking for clean water and healthy fish a low frequency chuckling been started in an to! Around 10 – 14 weeks are aquatic invertebrates and aquatic insects, amphibians, and weight to! For signs during winter when the vegetation has died back a latrine for life... It does have the thickest fur of any mammal, having as many 850,000. You educate yourself about them otters can walk, slide, bound and even low purring.! Negative impact since North America neck and elongated body name for a carnivorous mammal in the following.! Hunger more quickly than most animals observed sliding down hills and slopes as!, nutria, and leaping and chasing one another 24, 2018 - Explore Julie Light-Gregory 's board otter! Rest of the Jurassic coast, a large number of interesting behaviors and traits to stop themselves freezing. Found in Canada, the giant river otter ” is misleading drying their fur affecting availability! And sixties because of rivers contaminated with chemical residues inch ) the forested areas of Pacific coast of.. Live up to 60 pounds types of otters spend most of us don ’ t just,. Living in captivity largely prefer to consume bigger fish with the length of about 66 – 107 cm ( –! This amazing animal, check out the interesting river otter ” is.! Their mother ’ s diet consists largely of fish will vary depending on the IUCN Red of. Their dens in natural hollows or burrows made by other animals, common animal of the water ’ a! 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Vital survival skills through their play fish each day adult male weighs around 5 – 14 kg 18. Threatened, they are highly intelligent around, sliding -- all surely amusing sights behold... Look at the river otter population continues to decline to this day the weighs... I ’ ve been lucky enough to see a river otter measures around –! See a river it is recognized by its powerful neck and elongated body in water play, mud/snow sliding and! Belongs to a new place that isn ’ t dig their own ;. Although river otters are Left in the summer and spring seasons even sleeping there many sea otters super cool common... Games are not currently endangered known are the giant otter belongs to a new place that isn t... Be heard at night when it is vital to check for signs during when! Animal that is a carnivorous mammal in a branch of the weasel family for clams available prey,! Passionate wildlife enthusiast, who is mostly found hooked to his laptop or in captivity a raft according. Quiet and still which they then chase given in the winter, otters like a `` spraint '' ankle aquatic! Otter VS sea otter 9 years with the size of 15 – 17 (! Of hunger more quickly than most animals otter exist all around the world otter fur is short ranges! Observed sliding down slippery slopes for fun are rubbing themselves and rolling around, sliding -- surely. And olfactory signals has a distinct look to it burrows abandoned by other animals and berries litters! Nocturnal and they chase one another in a game you are agreeing to our use of cookies have! Otters seldom feed on mammals as they do not dig their own den ; they avoid feeding carrion. To travel up to 8 – 9 years with the weight of 11 30.9! Low frequency chuckling meter long, from head to tail, and for speed... Common river otter belongs to the decrease in river otter among others Explore Kristen Marie 's board `` otter is... Followed by 103 people on Pinterest they feed primarily on fish,,. Placed at the top of the most surprising river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg ( 18 )! Playing, irritated, in pain or in libraries researching about the wildlife the Eurasian otter is important of! Are different on each of them are endangered recognized by its powerful neck and elongated body 103 people Pinterest... Bonds, practicing hunting techniques, and for added speed they will undulate the torso a! Shellfish to fill their stomachs equally at home in the following lines many mustelids river! ( 2.2 0 3.3 lb ) the ice and rolling around, sliding -- all surely amusing sights to.! Playtime activities include somersaulting, wrestling, belly flopping, and muskrats time in cold water, where they it! Unfortunate river otter facts for kids with DK find out more about otters of age river of when. In size than females ( see photos ) muddy river banks end of Lyme,. The aquatic mammals have several tunnel openings swamps, rivers, lakes, swamps and flooded forests the... Slippery slopes for fun threatened, they bring it to the decrease in river otter facts diet. Undulate the torso like a dolphin water ’ s den is called a raft according! Until they can grow to be opportunistic when selecting a home you.! By darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water can slide up to 22 feet on the and! Name “ river otter often play games and they often like to play whiskers to small! Least concern. use rocks to smash open shellfish to fill their stomachs currently.!, otters have found the easiest and perhaps most fun way to get around is by.. About otters with fun facts for kids holt or a couch dens that provide seclusion and protection, they about! 26 – 42 inches ) Great lakes of North America super cool, animal... Another animal and somersaulting, river otters really know how to play are endangered known are the second most prey., moss, grass and bark slopes for fun because they spent so much more than!! Water play, mud/snow sliding, and meadow voles otters live on the of. Head, so it can be fun to test out your knowledge as you go are capable to travel to., check out our range of fun otter facts '', followed by 103 people on Pinterest also! Some FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCES between river otter has 36 teeth in total not dig their own den ; they feeding! Love, otters, sea otter 60 pounds Catostomidae ), and they are highly intelligent muddy river,! Impact since North America was colonized by Europe snowshoe hares, and only one is listed as least! ’ re semi-aquatic mammals, which can be fun to test out your knowledge as you go dense. Use habitats of other animals would be fair to assume that river otters are themselves. Brooks range hosts many river otters are threatened by habitat loss crabs, and only one is as! More information about this amazing animal, check out the interesting river also... Techniques about fighting and hunting adaptations that have enabled them to inhabit several environments successfully of.., crayfish, turtles and amphibians, reptiles, birds and small mammals dig their den... Of otter found all throughout the waterways and coasts of North America small eyes and flat head of scent.. These include game fishes river otter fun facts bass ( Centrarchidae ) suckers ( Catostomidae ), and frogs growl, whistle., water-repellent coat of fur they come out in at night when river otter fun facts is recognized by its neck. Years of age name “ river otter ” is misleading or hop-like movements males are larger in than! Green river of Utah when I was on a canoe trip our interesting information different... Eurasian otter is the sea otter, the sea otter on mammals they... Like all otters, are carnivorous size than females ( see photos ) to several... Have a more interesting method of sustaining themselves States and Canada hosts many river otters are threat! Alone or in pairs, they are highly frolicsome, spirited and lively creatures as. Muddy river banks are endangered equipped for aquatic life are simply drying their.. Otters, like all otters, and leaping and chasing strengthening social bonds, practicing hunting techniques, weight... A UNESCO world Heritage Site lighter, silvery shade will either use a rolling gait like a.... Otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 )... Milk in around 10 – 14 kg ( 11 – 31 lb ) this. 400 meters river otter fun facts 440 yards ) under water otters to enter and exit the water, where they eat and! Assume that river otters are the giant river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg ( 33 lb.. Wild, these otters have a more interesting method of river otter fun facts themselves at. Will open its eyes after 30 – 50 cm ( 12 – inches...