Connect the Dots River Otter
Lutra canadensis
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Conservation Status: Least Concern
River otters are long, streamlined animals and are well
adapted to life in the water. On Kiawah, river otters are
typically between three and four feet long and can weigh
up to 25 pounds. They have short brownish-gray fur,
webbed feet, and a long tail that they use as a rudder while
swimming. On Kiawah, otters can be found in both fresh
and saltwater areas. They feed on a variety of aquatic
animals, including: fish, snakes, turtles, frogs, and crayfish.
They are most active at night but can also be seen during
the day.
Otters breed in late spring and give birth to thier young in
the spring of the following year. Otter dens are located in holes
dug along creeks and rivers or in hollow stumps located near
the water. Females give birth to two to four young, called kits,
each year. The kits begin exploring outside of the den at about
10 weeks old. They will remain with their mother, learning to
swim and hunt, until the following spring.
WINTER/SPRING 2016 • VOLUME 35
Interesting River Otter Facts
•• River otters have special adaptations to help them find food.
Their small eyes are adapted to help them see their prey in
murky waters, their whiskers help them detect movements
of close-by prey and their impressive sense of smell helps
them to track their prey.
•• River otters are spirited and playful animals. Some of their
typical playtime activities include somersaulting, wrestling,
and sliding.
•• River otters can stay underwater for up to eight minutes. By
closing off their nostrils and ears tightly they ensure that no
water escapes in while they are under.
65