Northern River Otter (Lutra canadensis)

The Northern River Otter is native to Canada and the United States. It is a highly curious, playful and social animal, often seen playing, rolling, wrestling and sliding near rivers and streams.

The River Otter can grow to be up to 30 lbs and 3 1/2 feet long. Its muscular tail, used for swimming, accounts for nearly half that length. The River Otter is highly adapted to living in an aquatic environment.

The River Otter has webbed toes and a dense fur coat that works extremely well at retaining body heat in water. The otter's nostrils block off airways when swimming.

The River Otter uses scent to communicate with other otters, marking the perimeter of its territory using a combination of musk and urine. This is called "sprainting."

The River Otter primarily eats fish, but will also eat insects, frogs, crustaceans and even small mammals. Some River Otters live in marine environments (along coast lines), which leads them to be confused with Sea Otters. But the River Otter can be identified by its slightly narrower head and different behaviors. For instance, the Sea Otter will consume meals on its belly while floating. The River Otter, on the other hand, will always bring its food ashore to eat.