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The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter and river otter, is a semiaquatic mammal that lives only on the North American continent throughout most of Canada, along the coasts of the United States and its inland waterways. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 ...
Mink and river otters live along rivers, streams, lakes, marshes, water impoundments and other areas. Both species are capable of long distance travel, foraging, and dispersal; but river otters ...
Otters are active hunters, chasing prey in the water or searching the beds of rivers, lakes or the seas. Most species live beside water, but river otters usually enter it only to hunt or travel, otherwise spending much of their time on land to prevent their fur becoming waterlogged.
A medium-sized otter, the southern river otter's body can grow up to 70 cm (28 in) long, with the tail adding about 40 cm (16 in). Body weight averages about 5–10 kg (11–22 lb). Its fur is dark brown on the upper parts and a lighter cinnamon color or can be almost white on the underside.
In 2019, Friends of the Kaw confirmed the presence of river otters, a species that disappeared for decades from much of its range, including Kansas, because of hunting and other human activity.
Male otters generally weigh between 15 to 20 pounds, with females being slightly smaller and can generally live for about 12-15 years in the wild. North American river otters cavort in an ...
However, during the winter and in colder environments, fish consumption is significantly lower and the otters use other resources for their food supply. Their diets can consist of amphibians (mainly frogs and pond turtles), bird predation (mainly anserine species), small rodents , and invertebrates such as water beetles, snails, and crayfish.
River otters can grow to three or four feet in length and weigh between 12 and 25 pounds. They feed on fish, frogs and crustaceans, as well as eggs, reptiles, birds and small mammals.