North American River Otter

The North American river otter can dive to a depth of 60 feet and may hold its breath under water for eight minutes. It enjoys playing with stones and other objects. Its diet is primarily fish, but also includes frogs, shellfish, and small rodents. Its range includes Canada, the upper Great Lakes region, New England, the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states, and Alaska. The otter's water repellant fur keeps it dry and warm, and its long, stiff whiskers are used to detect movement under water and to avoid rocks in dark, murky waters. When swimming under water, otters can close their nostrils and their ears. By 1900, unregulated trapping and water pollution had caused otter populations to decline. Since 1996, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 states.

Norristown, Pennsylvania · United States