Hobbies And Interests
Habitat and Threats
River otters live in estuaries, rivers, ponds and lakes with fresh water. The northern river otter is found across the U.S. and Canada, except in the Arctic. The southern river otter is found in Argentina and Chile. Many species of otters are on the endangered species list, including the southern river otter. Numbers are dropping due to pollution, loss of habitat and hunting to obtain their fur. Oil spills are another major threat because oil can penetrate their fur and cause hypothermia, while at the same time contaminating their food supply.
Identification
River otters have long, sleek bodies and usually weigh no more than 14 kilograms. They have a tail that is about two-thirds the length of their body. They live in dens in riverbanks or shorelines and forage along the shore and in the water. They can be distinguished from sea otters by their smaller size and longer tail. Their thick fur is most often brown and grey, which they groom regularly to keep it well oiled. They have strong claws and webbed feet.
Diet
Otters have a varied meat diet of fish, frogs and shellfish. They are one of the few animals that have the ability to use tools, which they use to open up food they are unable to open with their powerful claws. Rocks are used to smash shells and abalone to get to the meat. The otter's diet also consists of sea urchins, which eat kelp. By keeping the sea urchin population in check, they maintain the kelp and keep the ecosystem alive and in balance.
Behavior
Otters are very intelligent. They are an adaptable animal, which is one of the reasons they can be found in many places around the globe and varying habitats. The otter doesn't have a natural fear of humans, as most animals do, which can work against them because it makes them easy to capture and kill for their fur. They need ample space, otherwise, they are prone to experiencing stress, even in captivity. Because of their playful nature, they are delightful to watch, both in the wild and in captivity.