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A North American river otter standing on ice by water.
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

North American River Otter

Lontra canadensis

A playful, streamlined otter of North American rivers and wetlands that slides, swims and eats up to a fifth of its weight each day.

🦦 Weasels and Otters
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About the North American River Otter

North American river otters have long, streamlined bodies, paddle-like tails, webbed feet and nostrils that close underwater. Their thick, waterproof fur keeps them warm in cold water. They live in rivers, marshes, swamps and estuaries across North America, but they avoid polluted water. They eat fish, amphibians, crustaceans, turtles, eggs and small mammals.[1]

Quick facts

Scientific name
Lontra canadensis[1]
Lifespan
8 to 9 years in the wild; up to 20 in human care.[1]
Diet
Carnivore. Fish, amphibians, crustaceans, turtles, eggs and small mammals.[1]
Habitat
Rivers, marshes, swamps and estuaries with fresh water.[1]
Where it lives
North America.[1]
Group life
Mothers with pups, or bachelor groups of males. Active day and night.[1]
Babies
Usually 2 or 3 pups.[1]
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN Red List, assessed 2020).[2]

Fun facts

  • River otters eat 15 to 20 percent of their weight every day.[1]
  • Their nostrils close when they swim underwater.[1]
  • River otters stay away from polluted water.[1]

Vocabulary

metabolism
How fast an animal's body uses energy.
cathemeral
Active at different times of day and night.
estuary
Where a river meets the sea.
webbed feet
Feet with skin between the toes for swimming.
least concern
A conservation label meaning a species is widespread and not at risk of dying out soon.

See it in person

These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.

Sources

  1. [1] Oakland Zoo. “North American River Otter.” https://www.oaklandzoo.org/animals/north-american-river-otter/ (accessed 2026-10-02)
  2. [2] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. “Lontra canadensis (North American River Otter).” https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/12302/164577078 (accessed 2026-10-02)

Facts last checked 2026-10-02.

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