The biological name is Lontra Canadensis. River otters have also been known to utilize the burrows made by red foxes, woodchucks, beavers, nutria, and muskrats. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. Otters are carnivores? Some of the best known are the giant otter, the sea otter, the European otter, the Northern river otter among others. Sea otters are known for their remarkable ability to use rocks to smash open shellfish to fill their stomachs. Giant Otter Facts. They eat fish, crayfish, crabs, and frogs. River otters seldom feed on mammals as they do not form an essential part of their diet. Facts about River Otters talk about an animal, which can be found on the coasts or waterways of North America. River otters are intelligent animals and they often like to play. Otters are wonderfully skilled predators, who display a number of interesting behaviors and traits. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water. 2. Sadly speaking, pollution and urbanizations have led to the decrease in river otter population. You will notice that these white markings are different on each of them. Sea otters eat 25% of their body weight in food every day. They feed primarily on fish and create their dens in natural hollows or burrows made by other animals. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. The larger specimens with the weight of 15 kg (33 lb) are also found. Photo by Andrea Westmoreland. Let’s take a closer look. One of the more intriguing river otter facts is that these animals largely communicate using auditory and olfactory signals. Other sounds … Some common river otter playtime activities include somersaulting, wrestling, flopping around, sliding -- all surely amusing sights to behold. They are beginning to disappear from regions once considered as major habitats such as in New Mexico, Indiana Kansas, Arizona, South Dakota, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Ohio. 4. Facts about Otters. Otters are part of the Mustelid family of animals which also includes badgers, pine martens and weasels. Thermoregulation and Metabolic Rate. Learn where the otter lives, what they eat, what a group of otters is called, the names of various otter species and much more. In warmer times, you may also see otters sliding down a riverbank. North American river otters weigh 11 to 31 pounds and range from 26 to 42 inches long plus a 12 to 20 inch tail. Crayfish are the second most common prey of river otters. River otters are underwater acrobats that are known for their social and playful behavior and have been observed sliding down slippery slopes for fun. Sock Puppet! Giant otters wake up during the day making them diurnal. River otters are aquatic mammals. They swim using their webbed paws as flippers, and for added speed they will undulate the torso like a dolphin. River otters also consume crustaceans such as crayfish since crayfish is relatively abundant species and is available all year round. Here are 8 facts about this joyous, playful, swimming mammal. Several conservation projects have been started in an attempt to stabilize their numbers. The gestation period lasts for 61 – 63 days. The juveniles are blind and toothless at birth. In addition to fish and crayfish, river otters will feed on other readily available prey. The river otter was first identified in 1777. The river otter is agile in water and on land, in fact there are two different names for a group of otters - a raft of otters if they are in the water, and a romp of otters if they are on land. The young will become independent after six months. There are various sounds that river otters make, depending on whether they are playing, irritated, in pain or in distress. River otters are found in diverse habitats ranging from coastal marine waters such as inland wetlands, marshes, lakes, rivers, coastal shorelines to the freshwater streams. Female otters from the regions of California often weigh up to 60 pounds. Otters are playful creatures, frequently seen sliding down riverbanks or burrowing through snow. River otters are predators; they avoid feeding on carrion. Discover the animals that roam North American forests and mountains with these fun animal figures. Can You Use CBD To Your Pets? Amazing Facts About the Otter. African clawless otters ( Aonyx capensis ) and Congo clawless otters ( A. congicus or A. capensis congicus ) occupy murky waterways and thus rely more on manual dexterity than on vision to obtain food (mostly crabs) from under rocks. Environment Agency.) River otters are most commonly heard emitting a low frequency chuckling. The length of a tail … 50 AllTime Best Christmas Songs For Your Holiday Playlist, 50 Interesting Prairie Dog Facts That You Never Knew About, 100 Interesting Facts That Will Boggle Your Mind, 300 Random Facts No One Knows What To Do With, 100 Nutrition Facts To An Easier And Healthier Lifestyle, 100 Amazing Facts That Will Blow Your Mind, 300 WTF Facts That Will Make You Question Everything, 300 Weird Facts That Will Confuse And Amaze You At The Same Time, 100 Did You Know Facts Most People Have Never Heard About, Weight: 11 to 31 pounds (5 to 14 kilograms), Length: 26 to 42 inches (66 to 107 centimeters), Lifespan: 8 to 9 years (21 years in captivity), Aquatic Predators: Alligator, American crocodile, killer whales, sharks, Terrestrial Predators: Coyote, bobcat, lynx, wolf, mountain lion, black bear, domestic dogs, Human-related Mortality: Trapping, illegal shooting, road kill, accidental captures, Conservation: Bioindicator in aquatic ecosystems, Location: River Otters Live on the Water’s Edge, Name: The “River Otter” Actually Lives in a Variety of Habitats, Habitat: River Otters Are Found in Aquatic Habitats throughout North America, Homes: River Otters Are Opportunistic When Selecting Dens, Anatomy: Physical Adaptations Make River Otters Aquatic Masters, River Otters Are Near-Sighted but Can See Well Underwater, River Otters May Be Marine Animals but They Are Also Night Owls, River Otters’ Play Teaches Them Survival Skills, Does Something Smell Fishy? However, the name “river otter” is misleading. North American otters are playful animals, and indulge in water play, mud/snow sliding, and burrowing through snow. Fun Facts for Kids. The aquatic mammals have several biological adaptations that have enabled them to inhabit several environments successfully. Find out more about this beautiful mammal. They swim using their webbed paws as flippers, and for added speed they will undulate the torso like a dolphin. Reptiles and Amphibians | River Otter Facts. As the name suggests, the giant otter is the world's largest otter species and is well-known from wildlife documentaries. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). Thirteen different species of otter exist all around the world. Their habitat has been suffering from a negative impact since North America was colonized by Europe. The sightless and nearly helpless young are usually born in the months of March and May. North American river otters are … Seven Quick Facts About River Otters. A river otter’s diet consists largely of fish. They prefer slow-moving rivers, lakes, swamps and flooded forests during the rainy season. Read on and enjoy our interesting information about otters. Common otter is the other name for this animal. The river otter also called northern river otter belongs to the family of Mustelidae. Sliding and wrestling, belly flopping, and somersaulting, river otters really know how to play! The river otter is agile in water and on land, in fact there are two different names for a group of otters - a raft of otters if they are in the water, and a romp of otters if they are on land. River otters hunt more effectively in shallow water than in deep water, and, although they are proficient swimmers, all prefer slow-swimming species of fish. Males are larger in size than females (see photos). They will eat any small animals and birds they can catch. This helps them to maintain the important insulation provided by their thick fur. They can die of hunger more quickly than most animals. In the wild they live up to 8 – 9 years with the maximum age of 13 years. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. Whether it’s a lake, river, swamp or estuary, otters like a mix of land and water. Interesting facts about otters. Fun Otter Facts for Kids. They produce a growl-like sound which is often heard while they are in pain. They take advantage of any slippery slope for fun, whether it's a summer slide down a muddy hill or a winter thrill on snow and ice. Otters are sexually dimorphic, with males about 5% larger than females. They communicate via whistles, twittering noises and spitting sounds, which can be heard at night when it is quiet and still. I am going to offer some of the most interesting and rarely known river otter facts and that includes river otter habitat, diet, reproduction, and behavior. In the winter, otters have found the easiest and perhaps most fun way to get around is by sliding. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. River otters, like all otters, are carnivorous. A single otter poop is called a "spraint" like a "spraint" ankle. However, otters never eat bird eggs. They are well adapted to swimming and hunting. While river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. These otters can walk, slide, bound and even run on land. Unlike many mustelids, river otters are more social animals. The female litters one to six babies in thes underground burrows. Giant otters are members of the weasel family. On land they use a rolling gait like a horses canter, or hop-like movements. River Otter Poo-pori of Facts North American river otter (Lontra Canadensis): Photo- Publicdomainpictures.net) Things You Didn't Know You Wanted to Know About River Otter Poop. See more ideas about otter love, otters, sea otter. This site uses cookies and by continuing to browse it you are agreeing to our use of cookies. River Otter Facts. This is particularly noticeable during spring, summer and autumn. Endangered Species Facts | Top 6 Critically Endangered Species. To get more information about this amazing animal, check out the interesting facts given in the following lines. 3. Facebook; Prev Article Next Article . Like sea otters, river otters also display thickest furs that ensure a limited heat loss. They can grow to be more than a meter long, from head to tail, and weight up to 14 kg. Mammals include eastern cottontails, snowshoe hares, and meadow voles. River otter’s diet also embraces redhorses, cubs, bullheads, catfish, darters, perches, sculpins, pike, salmon, trout, and pike. Giant otter belongs to a family of carnivorous mammals called mustelid. There are various sounds that river otters make, depending on whether they are playing, irritated, in pain or in distress. It remains active all throughout the year and become increasingly active at night. River otters are nocturnal and they come out in at night in the summer and spring seasons. Otters have the thickest fur of any mammal, having as many as 850,000 hairs per square inch. They are friendly and playful which is why they’re one of the well-loved animals in the world. This species is the largest member of the otter family. Since then it has been given a total of 11 common names. They can grow to be more than a meter long, from head to tail, and weight up to 14 kg. Giant otters are endemic (live only there and nowhere else) for the South America, and they can be found in the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. They usually breed in the months of December to April. The North American otter inhabits much of the United States and Canada, from the Pacific to the Atlantic Coast, from the Gulf of Mexico to northern Alaska. They can be seen sliding down hills and slopes, as well as chasing other otters for fun. Intergroup communication generally occurs in the form of scent marking. Sea otters are known for their remarkable ability to use rocks to smash open shellfish to fill their stomachs. The river otters do not dig their own den; they use habitats of other animals such as beavers instead. River otters primarily feed on fish with the size ranges from 2 – 50 cm (0.79 – 20 inches) which is really necessary since fish is a great source for gaining calories. Some are small river otters, and some are bigger sea otters. In the wild, these otters eat crabs, shellfish and small fish like gouramis or catfish. This group of animals is notorious for being adorable, but they are so much more than looks! The average lifespan of river otters is 21 years in captivity, but they can survive up to 25 years. Polluted waters, man-made developments, soil erosion and hunting them for pelts by humans, have led to the decline of river otters over the years. 10 facts about the giant river otter: The giant river otter is giant, measuring in at 1.5-1.8 m and weighing in at 22-32 kg! Polluted waters, man-made developments, soil erosion and hunting them for pelts by humans, have led to the decline of river otters over the years. Other sounds include a hissing bark, snarling growl, shrill whistle, explosive snort, birdlike chirp and even low purring grunts. Both male and female becomes mature after two years of age. River otter reaches a length of about 66 – 107 cm (26 – 42 inches). It is recognized by its powerful neck and elongated body. There are 13 species of otter around the world and many of them are endangered. See more ideas about River otter, Otters, Sea otter. Here are 16 Interesting Otter facts. Otter watching involves perseverance. In the wild the otters are under threat from habitat destruction and pollution may be affecting food availability. River Otter Fact: Although their habitat are being threatened and numbers decreasing, they are still not considered endangered. Sliding and wrestling, belly flopping, and somersaulting, river otters really know how to play! How big is a Giant Otter? PicFacts. Otter facts A group of river otters is known as a romp; The position of its eyes are high on its head which means it can see out of the water whilst the rest of its body stays submerged below - like a hippo! A group of otters is called a raft, according to the San Diego Zoo. River otters are highly frolicsome, spirited and lively creatures. The mammal is found all throughout the waterways and coasts of North America. The largest of all the river otter species is the North American river otter, whereas the marine river otter is the smallest of all. During these seasons, river otters tend to be most active during crepuscular hours and at night. Otters consume mainly fish but many people think that they eat plants and berries. Fun Facts. Working with kids and the public it's hard to stay away from topics that make people go "eww" and get grossed out, because it grabs their attention. Read also: 50 Whale Facts About The Giants Of The Ocean. River otters primarily prey on fish, crayfish, turtles and amphibians, and rarely birds. People also call it North American river otter. River otter reaches a length of about 66 – 107 cm (26 – 42 inches). The North American river otter use a wide range of vocalizations, including whistles and buzzes to twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls. The aquatic mammals have several biological adaptations that have enabled them to inhabit several environments successfully. Check out our range of fun otter facts for kids. They are also very vocal and communicate use a variety of calls. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). The river otter population continues to decline to this day. The majority of otters spend most of their time on land. Examples of natural hollows include those in riverbanks, under logs, hollow trees and logs, rock formations, undercut banks, flood debris, and backwater sloughs. Many "play" activities serve a purpose, such as strengthening social bonds, practicing hunting techniques, and scent marking. Apart from just fun and games, sliding also has a functional purpose -- helping otters travel from point A … The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Around one-third of an otter’s body is composed of a tail. Habits. It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. (Image credit: U.K. They will line the nest chamber with soft natural materials such as hair, leaves, moss, grass and bark. They live in dens along the water’s edge. Communication. Safari Ltd® TOOBS® North American Wildlife. The river otter is the best swimmer of the weasel family. River Otters Communicate Using Sounds and Smells, River Otters Are Threatened by Habitat Loss. Top Facts about Otters. These can include rivers, lakes, marshes, estuaries, inland wetlands and coastal shorelines. Most of us don’t know much about them so here are some facts to help you educate yourself about them. Although their range is decreasing as their habitat is being threatened, they are not currently endangered. All otter species appear on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and only one is listed as "least concern." They spend most of their lives in the sea, even sleeping there. While it does have the brownish color of coat, it also features white along the length of it. Cute! River otters are able to learn vital survival skills through their play. River otters are playful creatures found throughout aquatic habitats in North America. Whereas males can reach 90 pounds too. Otters are fun creatures to watch and they are highly intelligent. Otters are fun creatures to watch and they are highly intelligent. Intergroup communication generally occurs in the form of scent marking. Latrines are the social hubs for otters. Although river otters generally prefer dens that provide seclusion and protection, they tend to be opportunistic when selecting a home. They have been seen sliding down muddy river banks, and leaping and chasing one another. Some lives in the forested areas of Pacific coast of North America. However, the largest population of these animals is found in the Great Lakes of North America. River otters can be found in Canada, the Pacific North West, the Atlantic States, and the Gulf of Mexico. Learn where the otter lives, what they eat, what a group of otters is called, the names of various otter species and much more. Learn 15 more facts about these fascinating mammals. What Are Its Benefits? While playing games, otters also learn some new techniques about fighting and hunting. Giant otters are endemic (live only there and nowhere else) for the South America, and they can be found in the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems. They primarily communicate through auditory signals. Unlike river otters, who are comfortable on land, sea otters can barely walk and almost never leave the water. They dive in rivers, lakes and streams until they can find a suitable animal to eat, which they then chase. The weight of a North American river otter measures around 5 – 14 kg (11 – 31 lb). However, these games are not undertaken purely for enjoyment. The otter is a carnivorous mammal in a branch of the weasel family called Lutrinae. Find out more about otters with fun facts for kids. They prefer slow-moving rivers, lakes, swamps and flooded forests during the rainy season. In the summer and spring seasons, river otters fancy eating amphibians including boreal chorus frogs, Canadian toads, wood frogs, bullfrogs, green frogs, rough-skinned newt, garter snakes, and Pacific giant salamander. The otter is a carnivorous mammal in a branch of the weasel family called Lutrinae. Otters are known to be playful creatures, and the Eurasian otter is no exception. However, not many species play games. The European Otter is one what has a distinct look to it. Once they catch it, they bring it to the top of the water, where they eat it. It is recognized by its powerful neck and elongated body. After a few bumps, they can slide up to 22 feet on the ice. Otters living in captivity largely prefer to consume bigger fish with the size of 15 – 17 cm (5.9 – 6.7 inches). To get more information about this amazing animal, check out the interesting facts given in the following lines. They build burrows abandoned by other animals including beavers, muskrats, and woodchucks. Once I saw one swimming in the Green River of Utah when I was on a canoe trip. The length of a tail measures around 30 – 50 cm (12 – 20 inches). Their eyes are protected while they are swimming thanks to transparent nictitating membranes, which act like swimming goggles. After a few bumps, they can slide up to 22 feet on the ice. The young will open its eyes after 30 – 38 days and they will start eating solid food after 9 – 10 weeks. Cuteness! In Alaska, the Aleutian Islands and Brooks Range hosts many river otters. Otters are very social creatures. Your email address will not be published. Check out our range of fun otter facts for kids. Giant river otter cubs are born totally covered with fur; indeed, the species is one of the only carnivores with a fur-covered nose, according to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Today I want to write about a really cute animal that is a very effective predator, the giant otter. Photo by Andrea Westmoreland. Fun Otter Facts for Kids. An otter family will defend a territory and use scent to mark the territory boundaries. Funny! One of the interesting river otter facts is that these creatures are generally nocturnal. These creatures inhabit a wide range of aquatic habitats. Otter is a common name for a carnivorous mammal in the subfamily Lutrinae. An otter’s den is called a holt or a couch. Read More: Why are Sea Otters Endangered? They are known to travel up to 400 meters (440 yards) under water. In certain areas, river otters rely on birds for their consumption and these birds include green-winged, teal, mallard, ruddy ducks, American coot, American wigeon, waterfowls, rails, and northern pintail. They use their sea whiskers to find small creatures to eat, and their paws to dig for clams. River otter swims at a speed of 11 km/h (6.8 mph); and dive at a depth of 20 meters (22 yards). 3. River otters live in dens, also known as holts. Unlike other otter species, males and females are similar sizes. If an area is polluted, the river otter will move to a new place that isn’t tainted. North American otters are capable to travel at a speed of 42 km (26 miles) per day. Litter size may compose of 3 – 5 young (1 – 3 being an average). It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. River otters are polygynous. This semiaquatic mammal has the weight of 11 to 30.9 lb or 5 to 14 kilograms. River otters are highly frolicsome, spirited and lively creatures. Giant Otter Facts. They're hungry animals! North American river otter is important predator of fish and aquatic invertebrates. The river otter is a super cool, common animal of the Rocky Mountains. This is one way to easily identify them in the wild or in captivity. It enters the English Channel at the western end of Lyme Bay, part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While river otters mostly live off fish, crayfish and crabs, sea otters have a more interesting method of sustaining themselves. *, 50 Whale Facts About The Giants Of The Ocean. During winter when the climate is much colder river otters are more diurnal in their behavior, meaning they are more active during the day. Most of us don’t know much about them so here are some facts to help you educate yourself about them. River Otter (Lutra canadensis) What they look like: The River Otter is built for swimming - they have a streamlined body, short legs with webbed feet, dense fur that keeps them warm, a tapered tail, small ears, and nostrils that can close underwater. They … Unlike other otter species, males and females are similar sizes. These include game fishes, bass (Centrarchidae) suckers (Catostomidae), and shiners. Distribution. Around one-third of an otter’s body is composed of a tail. 1-5 Otter Facts 1. They like to eat sea urchins, clams, mussels and crabs. Otters are carnivores; they must eat a lot of meat to live, so they spend three to 5 hours every day fishing and hunting. It is a member of weasel family. River otters are especially playful, gamboling on land and splashing into rivers and streams. The male river otters are not territorial. This means that river otters are actually near sighted. Conservation Status. The river otter is perfectly equipped for aquatic life. River otters aren’t just cute, they are a sign of hope for the environment . One of the more surprising river otter facts is that this build hampers their agility on land. Some kinds of otters live in groups, while others are almost always alone. The adult river otters are known to eat 1 – 1.5 kg (2.2 0 3.3 lb) of fish each day. Otters are carnivorous mammals with thick fur and webbed feet. On land they use a rolling gait like a horses canter, or hop-like movements. They are definitely meat eaters. River otters eat mostly fish, frogs, crayfish, crabs, and mollusks, with an occasional small mammal or bird.. Sea otters eat many of the same things, but mostly sea urchins, abalone, crabs, fish, octopuses, mussels, and clams.They crack open clams and mussels with rocks they hold on their stomach—the only otter species to use rocks as tools. Find out why! A river otter in England. The characteristics that create the streamlined profile of a river otter include small ears, a neck that has the same diameter as the head, short powerful legs, webbed toes, and a tapered tail that constitutes one-third of the otter’s length. Crayfish makes up one-third of the otters diet. By land and by sea. One of the more intriguing river otter facts is that these animals largely communicate using auditory and olfactory signals. Read More: How Many Sea Otters are Left in the World? If we look at the river otter vs. the sea otter size, the sea otters are the bigger creatures. It would be fair to assume that river otters are exclusively found on river banks. Dec 7, 2016 - Explore Julie Light-Gregory's board "River Otter" on Pinterest. Its eyes are placed at the top of the head, so it can remain alert whilst the rest of the body is underwater. They have 57,800 hairs per square centimeter with the length of the hair measuring at 23.8 mm (0.94 inch). The furry mammals roam for miles looking for clean water and healthy fish. If the animal has a hard shell, otters c… While river otters mostly live off fish, crayfish and crabs, sea otters have a more interesting method of sustaining themselves. They inhabit both coastal regions and inland waterways. How Many Sea Otters are Left in the World? Females are 5 per cent smaller as compared to males. River otters are underwater acrobats that are known for their social and playful behavior and have been observed sliding down slippery slopes for fun. Only one otter species seems to be thriving, and that's the North American River Otter. When river otters are rubbing themselves and rolling around, they are simply drying their fur. Here are five interesting facts about them: These elegant animals grow to about 1.8 metres long, making them the largest species of otter in the world. They glide on their bellies with their front paws by their sides. What’s more, these coastal otters live their lives according to the tides, while river otters are usually most active at night. Otters thrive on land and in the water. River otters are particularly streamlined in water. 90% of all sea otters live on the coast of Alaska. 7 fascinating facts about giant otters. They are definitely meat eaters. They glide on their bellies with their front paws by their sides. 7 FUN FACTS ABOUT OTTERS! Get information about different types of otters and discover interesting facts for kids with DK Find Out. In this post I want to introduce you to ten facts about river otters and their poop, because poop plays a central role in a river otter's social life, and their social life centers around pooing. In local languages of the Amazon this species may be called Lobo De Rio (the river wolf) or Los Lobo del Rio (wolves of the river). Not so Marine Mammal – The only otter species considered a true marine mammal is the sea otter. Today, a large number of otters are found in the United States and Canada. Quick facts. Giant otter belongs to a family of carnivorous mammals called mustelid. River Otter (Lutra canadensis)What they look like: The River Otter is built for swimming - they have a streamlined body, short legs with webbed feet, dense fur that keeps them warm, a tapered tail, small ears, and nostrils that can close underwater. Apart from just fun and games, sliding also has a functional purpose -- helping otters travel from point A … Interesting Facts About the River Otter. The primary foods for otters are aquatic invertebrates and aquatic insects. There is a zoo in Japan that has tiny holes in the Otter enclosure allowing for people who visit the zoo to shake hands with the otters. Top 12 River Otter Facts - Diet, Habitat, Anatomy & More | Facts.net . Adult beetles and stonefly nymphs are just a few of these. Hallo! White-tipped hairs are common in older otters. The weight of a North American river otter measures around 5 – 14 kg (11 – 31 lb). It can be fun to test out your knowledge as you go. Otters have the thickest fur of any mammal, having as many as 850,000 hairs per square inch. Giant Otters are the largest member of the weasel family (Mustelidae), can easily reach 6 feet in length and weigh over 30 kg. North American river otters eat mainly aquatic organisms such as amphibians, fish, turtles, crayfish, crabs, and other invertebrates.Birds, their eggs, and small terrestrial mammals are also eaten on occasion.They sometimes eat aquatic plants. River otters are aquatic mammals. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. River otters have quite a large range. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. There are 13 species of otter found all around the world. Otters consume mainly fish but many people think that they eat plants and berries. Some common river otter playtime activities include somersaulting, wrestling, flopping around, sliding -- all surely amusing sights to behold. The adult male weighs around 11.3 kg (25 lb); while the female weighs up to 8.3 kg (18 lb). It is known as the common otter or northern river otter. River otters can live in a variety of elevations and temperatures as long as they have easy access to water and a steady food supply. The species of fish will vary depending on the location and habitat. Wildlife. On a river it is vital to check for signs during winter when the vegetation has died back. River otters are semi-aquatic mammals. They have been known to feed on mollusks, aquatic insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and small mammals.