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| Although at ease on land, the Otter is most comfortable and graceful in the water. A great diver, the Otter can also remain submerged for several minutes, swimming as far as a quarter mile. The Otter has short, sleek dark brown hair, a long body, and a broad flat head. Its long prominent whitish whiskers and long thick tail, which tapers to a point, give the Otter its distinct appearance. It also has webbing on all four feet, making it a rapid swimmer. The Otter has no problem finding food in any lake, pond, creek, river or marsh. Their only competition is the Mink, who hunts mainly on the shorelines. Their main food sources are fish, frogs, crayfish, and a wide variety of aquatic insects. They have also been known to eat the odd Muskrat or duck. In winter, the Otter will make circular holes in weak spots of the ice. These holes are kept open all winter, with no visible tracks around them. Tracks can be seen in the snow on land where the Otter travels to other waterways. The Otter slides down hills in winter, usually for travel, but also for fun. This sliding accounts for over half their traveling distance, and is much easier than walking. Otters are very vocal animals. This includes a whistle for long distances, a chuckle for siblings or mates, a grunt, snort, growl, and a shrill, chattering call used during mating season. They dig permanent dens in banks, with entrances above and below water level. Inside is a nest of sticks, grass, reeds and leaves. Males will mate with females that have ranges overlapping his territory. Mating season is early spring, and will produce an average of three or four young, born blind and well furred. They will remain with the mother, learning a great deal until fall or winter when the ice once again seals the area. The male will return when the young are half grown to help care for them. |
(Family Mustelidae)
River Otter (Lontra canadensis)
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