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Lontra canadensis
Fast Facts
- Even though otters are considered land mammals, they spend a lot of their time in the water and are specially adapted to fishing in cold northern waters. Their fur is water repellant to help keep them warm.
- They can close their nostrils and ears when swimming or diving.
- They can hold their breath for up to eight minutes.
- Babies are helpless when born and keep their eyes closed for three to four weeks.
- They do not build their own dens, but rather take dens leftover from other animals.
- They can re-breathe air bubbles when under the ice.
Range
Most of North America, except deserts and plains
Habitat
Lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, and estuaries
Size
4 feet long, between 11-35 pounds
Nutrition
Primarily fishes, but may consume insects, crayfish, frogs, snakes, lizards, smaller mammals, and small water birds