RIVER OTTER

The River Otter spends as much time in the water as on land. Even though they have webbed feet, they can run almost as well as they can swim which is critical from staying away from land predators. Then the female has her litter, the male takes no part with raising the young. The female lives in the underground den to deliver their litter. Litter sizes range from 1-10. Once they are two months old the mother tests their swimming skills by pushing them into the water and then teaches them what they need to know on how to swim. Shortly after, she teaches them to how to go hunt in the water or on land. While swimming, the adult otter can hold their breath for up to about 8 minutes and can close their nostrils during long dives to avoid water from going up their nose.

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North American River Otter

The National Wildlife Federation

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