1. Creature Feature

2. North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis)

3. Fast Facts Semi-aquatic mammal Very streamlined for swimming Very thick pelt provides insulation Member of the weasel family Weigh 11-30 lbs. Body length ranges from 2-4 feet Live 8-9 years in the wild Can live up to 25 years in captivity

4. Distribution Can live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats Can tolerate a variety of environments – Cold and warmer latitudes – High elevations Seem to be sensitive to pollution and disappear from areas with polluted waters

5. Range has been significantly reduced because of hunting and habitat loss

6. Feeding Mainly forage underwater Can stay underwater up to 4 min. Can swim at speeds up to 7 mph Feed on a variety of animals – Fish – Crustaceans – Reptiles & amphibians – Aquatic insects – Mussels – Small mammals

7. Reproduction Males are promiscuous Females find dens Give birth to up to 5 ‘kits’ At birth kits are furry, blind, and toothless Females raise young alone

8. Threats Few predators in the water More vulnerable on land Historically hunted for their pelts Accidental death in fishing gear Susceptible to habitat degradation and pollution In some areas populations have recovered due to conservation initiatives

9. Video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsxHb J-5Mew