River Otters

Title: River Otters
Identifier: WayFind087
Short Description: North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis)
Is Shown on Map: Yes
Map Icon Type: animal
Is Shown in Gallery: True
Is Featured On Landing Page: True
Is an Exhibit Group: False
Exhibit Group: River Otter Habitat
Brief Description: The North American river otter is a semiaquatic mammal that can be found in North America. They are a predator species, and eat fish, amphibians clams, mussels, snail, small turtles and crayfish. They are native to this area.
In Depth Description: Social Groups
Although they are social animals, not all otters get along. Each otter is different. Zookeepers attentively monitor each otter to provide individualized care. For this reason, otters under human care can be housed in a variety of groupings.

Winter Coat
River Otter coats have 200 times the amount of hair per square inch as a human head. This thick waterproof fur coat keeps them warm on land and in the water year round.

Training & Enrichment
Otters at the EcoTarium take part in daily training sessions with their zookeepers. Training sessions provide variation and keep the otters healthy and stress free. They can also help animals get ready for vet visits by practicing activities which may occur during a check-up.