River+Otter

= = =River Otter=

__**Scientific Name**__: Lontra Canadensis



__**Physical Characteristics**:__ Weight: Adult can weigh between 5 and 14 kg (11 and 30 lbs.) Size: Head and body 21-31inches (55-80cm). Tail 11-19 inches (30-50 cm) Fur: It is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur.

They build their burrow close to water edges in rivers, lakes and swamps. Their dens have many tunnel openings. One of the openings allows the otter to enter and exit the water. They eat fish that is easy to catch on the surface such as : sunfishes,suckers, carp and salmon all found in North America Rivers. They also eat birds during summer and autumn since that is when waterfowl broods such as mallards, ruddy duck and America coot.
 * __Habitat__**

__Otter Map of North America__



__Examples of Mealtime__

Sunfish Sucker Fish



River Carp


 * [[image:FremontMallards.jpg width="384" height="284" align="center"]] || [[image:ruddy-duck-22.jpg width="368" height="282" align="center"]] ||
 * Mallard || Ruddy Duck ||


 * [[image:american%20coot%20carolina%20beach%2010608%201.jpg width="402" height="306" align="center"]]

American Coot ||

__Plants in their environment__

Marsh Marigold Native to marshes and wetlands Grows to 80 cm. tall Leaves have a waxy texture

Cattail Grows at the edge of wetlands and marshes hese plants are home to many insects, birds and amphibians


 * [[image:Marsh%20Marigold%20RNR.jpg width="395" height="291"]] || [[image:cattails.jpg width="345" height="289" align="right"]] ||
 * Marsh Marigold || Cattail ||

Toes are fulled webbed to swim faster. Teeth are specialized; sharp front teeth to kill prey, large molars to break hard objects such as shells.
 * __Adaptation__**

__**Other Facts**__ 1. River Otters are highly sensitive to water pollution such as mercury in rivers. 2. Most rivers otters are killed by human related factors such as trapping,development of oil, coat, and gas and the filling of wet lands. 3. They spend half of their lives sleeping. 4. Can dive to depths of 60 feet. 5. Speed in the water is max. of 6 mph. 6. Speed on land is about 15 mph. 7. Used on license plates in Pensylvania to fund coservation of animals.


 * [[image:River%20otter%20running%20on%20the%20icy%20Yellowstone%20River.jpg width="386" height="250"]] || [[image:AmericanRiverOtter_01-Swimming-s2.jpg width="414" height="261"]] ||
 * Speed on land is about 15 mph || Speed in the water is max.of 6 mph ||

Used on license plates in Pensylvania to fund conservation of animals and other wildlife..
 * [[image:RC3.jpg width="352" height="186"]] ||

Hunted and trapped for valuable fur. Fur used for hats, jackets and gloves.
 * __Human Use__**



__**Food Web**__




 * __Animals at the Family Level__**

Weasel

Ferret

Pet Ferret