River otter

[ LUTRA CANADENSIS ]

The river otter found on lakes, rivers and estuaries throughout Northern California and the Central Valley is one of the most playful animals in the world. Filled with irrepressible energy and constant chatter, the otter seems to delight in running river rapids and tobogganing down snowy hillsides or muddy riverbanks, where it climbs back up to slide down over and over. Beginning in May, otters crank up the playfulness a notch when females emerge from their dens with two to four babies in tow. Afraid of the water and not knowing how to swim, the clumsy youngsters are taught how to navigate the water and wrestle with prey that their mother brings them.

NATURAL HISTORY

A powerful swimmer and runner, the river otter may travel 150 miles in a year. Pairs frequently sojourn

20 to 30 miles from their dens before returning home after a couple of days.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

This large aquatic weasel is about 4 feet long, with

a sleek cylindrical body and rich dark brown fur.