The
Northern River Otter (Lutra canadensis) is a large aquatic
mustelid with a long streamlined body of dark brown fur. The
throat is light silver grey. The feet are webbed. Generally the
male is larger than the female. On average they are about 4 feet
long, not including the tail. They weigh about 25 pounds. A similar
animal is the Sea Otter.
These animals are intelligent, curious
and very playful. Though active both day and night, they are
secretive and seldom seen.
Otters mate in early spring, just after
the birth of the litter; but because the implantation of the
embryos is delayed, the total gestation can be anywhere from
288 to 380 days. There is normally one litter of one to 6 young
born blind and fully furred in March or April. The female cares
for the pups until they are about six months old, then both parents
care for them.
River Otters live along rivers, ponds and
lakes in wooded areas. Their range is from Alaska and most of
Canada south to northern California and northern Utah. In the
East they are found from Newfoundland to Florida. They generally
live to 8 or 9 years in the wild.
These animals are well made for an aquatic
life. The body is streamlined, the tail broad and flat making
a good rudder and the nostrils are valved to keep out water.
They can remain submerged for several minutes and can dive to
a depth of 55 feet. They can also move about very well on land.
River Otters eat fish, small mammals such
as mice and and some invertebrates. The den is found along a
bank with entrances both underwater and aboveground. The nest
inside is made of leaves, reeds, grass and sticks. Otters will
also reside in the old dens of other animals such as beaver and
muskrat and natural shelters, such as a hollow log.
The plush River Otter shown at top is made
by Hansa. Check the Gift
Shop to see if there are any River Otters there.
Other animals that you can find
in the forest are:
Aardvark | Anteater
| Armadillo | Badgers | Bat
| Beaver | Bears
| Bighorn | Boar
| Bobcat | Chipmunk
| Cougar | Deer
| Elk | Ferret
| Fox | Groundhog
| Hedgehog | Kangaroo
Rat | Lynx | Marmot
| Marten | Moose | Mouse
| Opossum | Otter
| Porcupine | Potbelly
Pig | Rabbit | Raccoon
| Red Wolf | Reindeer
| Squirrel | Sloth
| Skunk | Tapir
| Tarsier | Weasel
| Wolf | Wolverine
