RIVER OTTER
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RIVER OTTER. By: Katy Jordan. CHARACTERISTICS. The River Otter has a streamlined, torpedo shaped body that measures approximately 3-4 feet from the tip of its nose to the tip of its tail. The River Otter’s feet are wide and webbed which makes it easier for the animal to swim.
RIVER OTTER
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RIVER OTTER By: Katy Jordan
CHARACTERISTICS • The River Otter has a streamlined, torpedo shaped body that measures approximately 3-4 feet from the tip of its nose to the tip of its tail. • The River Otter’s feet are wide and webbed which makes it easier for the animal to swim. • It can weigh anywhere from 15-25 pounds. • Its outer fur is dark brown and water repellent with lighter brown or silver fur on its belly. • Its first layer of fur is finer and soft to keep it warm. • Its eyes are on the side of its head, and it has ears and nostrils that close while it swims. • Sensory hairs on its snout help it locate prey by sensing water turbulence.
HABITAT • River otters occupy more than 80% of Indiana counties. • They spend their time equally in the water and on land. • They make their homes in burrows near the water's edge. • River otters can survive anywhere there is fish.
DIET CARNIVORE • Fish • Frogs • Crayfish • Turtles • Crabs • Birds • Rabbits • Rodents
PREDATORS • Bobcat • Coyote • Birds of Prey • Man
REPRODUCTION • River Otters Mate in late winter or early spring. • Mating may take place on land or in water. • The development of the newborn is during the last 50-61 days of the 9.5-12.5 month gestation period. • The average litter size is 2 or 3 but can range from 1 to 6. • Newborn Otters are blind, fully furred, and weigh about 4.6 ounces.
River Otters come out of their den around 10 days old. • Their mother teaches them to swim by dragging them into the water and letting them ride on her back. • She teaches them to hunt by releasing fish she catches and then letting them attack it. • The newborns remain with their mother until she has her next litter the following Spring. • River Otters may live up to 20 years in captivity. • In the wild, they live approximately 10 years.
REFERENCES http://www.animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/american-river-otter/ http://www.esf.edu/aec/adks/mammals/otter.htm http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/7438.htm http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/fw-2011_otter_distribution_map.pdf http://www.indianaeconomicdigest.net/main.asp?SectionID=31&SubSectionID=81&ArticleID=67571 http://leesonphoto.photoshelter.com/gallery/River-Otter/G0000Kb9nsVggnGQ http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/indiana/journeywithnature/welcome-back-river-otters.xml http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/local/river-otters-returning-to-indiana/article_38dc1396-1312-5a61-b1c3-47db4dd3fb2c.html http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/otters/diet.htm http://thestatehousefile.com/river-otters-thriving-now-in-indiana/8365/