The North American river otter is a playful, streamlined member of the weasel family. Once trapped out of much of its range, it has returned to many rivers thanks to protection and reintroduction.
Interesting facts
- Otters can hold their breath for about eight minutes.
- Their dense fur traps air, keeping them warm and dry in cold water.
- Their long whiskers help them find prey in murky water.
- More than 20 US states have reintroduced river otters since the 1970s.
- Otters leave scent and droppings at regular latrine sites.
- They can close their ears and nostrils underwater.
Behaviour
River otters are active by day and night, often in family groups. They swim with powerful strokes of their tail and webbed feet and travel overland between waterways.
Breeding and young
Otters mate in late winter or spring, but implantation is delayed, and pups are born the following spring in a den near water. Mothers teach pups to swim.
Threats and conservation
Water pollution, habitat loss, trapping and road deaths.
Where to see it
- Yellowstone National Park, especially Trout Lake and the Lamar Valley
- Everglades National Park, Florida
- Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
- Oxbow Bend, Grand Teton National Park
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
