Animal Spotlight
North American River Otter
Lontra canadensis
Cute, Not Cuddly
Equipped with powerful tails to help them navigate water effortlessly, North American river otters have thick, insulating fur that gives them warmth and protection against colder waters, allowing them to thrive in various aquatic environments.
With their keen senses, North American river otters are great hunters even in the murkiest of waters. Their long whiskers act as sensitive receptors, helping them detect prey in the dark, while their sleek, agile bodies can move swiftly and precisely, making them efficient predators. They can also submerge in the water for 8 minutes without surfacing!
Habitat
Rivers and lakes in most of North America
Diet
Fish, invertebrates, and birds
Predators
Bobcats, coyotes, and alligators
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Phylum
Chordata
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Meet the Neighbors
North American river otters share the Wetlands of Florida with a diverse group of fascinating species.
Roseate Spoonbill
Wonderfully unique, with pink feathers, red eyes, and a half-bald head, this wading bird sifts through the shallow water for food with its flat, wide bill.
American White Ibis
The white ibis strolls through the wetlands, using its curved pink bill to probe for frogs, snakes, fish, crayfish, and crabs.
