North American River Otter!

The North American river otter is a semi-aquatic mammal found throughout North America, from the icy waters of Alaska and Canada to the subtropical wetlands of the Gulf Coast. Known for their playful behavior and agile swimming, these creatures are both charismatic and vital to their ecosystems. Adults typically measure 3-4 feet long, including their thick, muscular tails, and weigh between 11 and 30 pounds. Their dense, water-repellent fur is usually dark brown with a lighter belly, offering warmth and protection in cold aquatic environments. Mating typically occurs in late winter or early spring, with females giving birth to litters of 1-6 pups. As opportunistic carnivores, their diet primarily consists of fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and small mammals. River otters can hold their breath underwater for up to 8 minutes and close their ears and nostrils to keep water out while swimming!