North American River Otter
Lontra canadensis
Otters have approximately 156,000 hairs per square centimeter, creating a waterproof coat that traps air for insulation.
- Scientific name
- Lontra canadensis
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Mammalia › Carnivora › Mustelidae › Lontra
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- wetland
- Habitat
- Freshwater and coastal marine habitats including rivers, lakes, marshes, and wooded estuaries.
- Diet
- Primarily fish and crustaceans like crayfish; also consumes amphibians, turtles, and occasional small mammals.
- Range
- North America, Canada, United States
- Size
- Length: 66-107 cm; Weight: 5-14 kg
- Lifespan
- 8-15 years
- Active
- crepuscular
- Threats
- Water pollution (specifically heavy metals), habitat fragmentation, and loss of riparian vegetation.
- Safe to approach?
- Observe from a distance of at least 50 feet. While they appear playful, they are wild predators with a powerful bite; do not attempt to feed or pet them. If bitten or scratched, seek medical attention immediately to treat potential infection or screen for rabies.
The North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis ), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter , is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur.
Photo: Adam Jackson, CC0, via iNaturalist
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