North American River Otter

Scientific Name: Lontra canadensis

Range: North America

Habitat: Terrestrial, freshwater, marine

Food: Fish, amphibians, crustaceans

The American river otter comes with its own diving equipment! When an otter dives, its nostrils automatically shut, and its sensitive whiskers pick up underwater vibrations. These, plus webbed feet, aid the otter in tracking down fish, shellfish and amphibians. Otters seem to play and interact constantly. The American river otter will even hunt in groups, often making a game of the process.

Did you know? Fishy smell? Its not just the food—the otter has a scent gland under its tail that releases a fishy musky odor. The smell is used to communicate with other otters.