Species · GBIF taxon 2433727
North American River Otter
Lontra canadensisAlso known as Northern River Otter, River Otter, Common Otter
North American river otters are highly active, semiaquatic predators celebrated for their playful behavior, which actually serves to strengthen social bonds and hone hunting skills. They possess dense, water-repellent double coats and muscular, streamlined bodies that allow them to swim with remarkable agility. These social mustelids construct burrows near water edges, often repurposing abandoned beaver lodges, where they raise their pups and seek shelter.
SemiaquaticPlayfulCarnivore
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Fish
- Crayfish
- Frogs
Predators
- Alligators
- Coyotes
- Bobcats
ThreatsWater pollution, habitat destruction, and accidental trapping.
HabitatsRivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal marshes, and wetlands.
Life span8 to 15 years in the wild.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyMustelidae
- SpeciesLontra canadensis
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Can deliver a powerful defensive bite if cornered or approached; maintain a respectful distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with sharp teeth and strong jaws designed for crushing shells, they can inflict severe bites if they feel threatened.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a long, cylindrical body, webbed feet, and a broad, flattened head swimming low in the water.
- What to do
- Never attempt to feed, touch, or corner an otter; back away slowly if one approaches you on land.
Responsible observation
- Keep Distance: Use binoculars or a telephoto lens to observe their playful antics without disrupting them.
- Watch the Water: Look for a V-shaped wake on the water surface or bubbles rising from a diving otter.
- Respect Dens: Avoid approaching bankside burrows or beaver lodges where families may be nesting.
Close Relative Marshal Hedin from San Diego / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative "American Mink, Centre Island, Toronto, ON" by tsaiproject is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Family Member Esquilo / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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