River Otters
Item
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Title
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River Otters
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Identifier
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WayFind087
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Short Description
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North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis)
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Is Shown on Map
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Yes
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Map Icon Type
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animal
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Is Shown in Gallery
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True
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Is Featured On Landing Page
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True
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Description
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Sometimes our river otters stay in their tank and swim. Other times they come out to the open area to play or eat. Otter enrichment, training and feedings happen at this location. You can book a an Otter Encounter to get up close and feed them their favorite foods at https://ecotarium.org/exhibit/otter-encounter/
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Is an Exhibit Group
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False
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Brief Description
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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.
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In Depth Description
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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.
River Otter Habitat