The water-loving mammals called otters are related to the weasels. Otters are intelligent, friendly, and curious. They are especially known for their playfulness. Adults as well as young take part in such sports as sliding down a steep slope or plunging into water. Where otters liveOtters can be found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. They live mostly in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, though the sea otter is found in the northern Pacific Ocean, all along the coast of North America. Otters make their homes in dens near the water's edge. Often there is a slide down to the water from the den. Physical featuresOtters have a slender body with a long neck, small ears, and short legs. The tail is quite thick at the base but pointed at the end, giving the animal a streamlined profile in the water. Most species, or types, of otters have feet that are webbed for swimming. Otter fur is extremely dense, keeping the animal warm in cold water. Fur color varies but is usually brown, sometimes with whitish markings around the throat. The largest otter is—not surprisingly—the giant otter. It can grow up to 36 to 48 inches (100 to 122 centimeters) long, not counting a 27-inch (70-centimeter) tail. Males can weigh as much as 70 pounds (31 kilograms). The sea otter is shorter than the giant otter, but it may weigh almost 90 pounds (41 kilograms), making it the heaviest of the otters. The oriental small-clawed otter is the smallest otter, with a body length of only about 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 centimeters). Behavior - North American river otters explore a river and catch fish.
Otters are carnivores, or meat eaters. They eat mostly fish, shellfish, and other water creatures. They are expert divers and can swim long distances underwater without coming up for air. A river otter catches prey in its mouth but often holds food in its claws and carries it to dry land. Sea otters eat while floating on their backs, sometimes using a tool—a rock balanced on the belly—to crack open shellfish. River otters can move quickly on land and may also take small mammals and birds. Sea otters rarely leave the water. Life cycleFemale otters have litters of one to five young. The young are usually born in a den about two months after mating, though that time may be much greater in some species. The young may stay with their mother for a year. Otters are ready to breed at the age of 2 or 3. Ecological issuesOtter fur is warm and durable and has been highly valued by humans. The sea otter, in particular, was hunted almost to extinction in the 19th century. It is now protected from hunters, but it is still endangered by oil spills and other effects of human activities in and near its home. Otters have also been killed because they compete for prey with human fishers and waterfowl hunters. Habitat destruction is a constant problem. In addition to the sea otter, the giant otter, Eurasian otter, and many other species are considered endangered. |