Wildlife
River (Land) Otter (Lontra canadensis)
 River otters have a powerful, low-slung, slender body and flattened heads. They have a tapered tail, short legs, and webbed feet. Large males can grow to almost five feet long and stand 9 to 10 inches high at the shoulder. Most river otters weigh between 15 and 35 pounds with females being about a quarter smaller than males. The fur is very dense and with shades of brown that are distinctively lighter on the underparts, chin, and throat.
River otters eat mainly fish but also consume a variety of foods including shellfish, insects, frogs, birds, eggs, small mammals, and vegetation. They are mostly aquatic but will travel distances over land to reach another stream or lake. River otters are also social and tend to travel in pairs or larger groups.
Breeding usually occurs May to July with young born in April or May. Litters average two pups and can range from one to five.
Although not common, characteristic signs of this wetland furbearer can be found throughout the Refuge wherever there are beaver ponds or open water in winter. In summer, they are occasionally seen along fishing streams.
Last updated: July 23, 2008
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