The Otters

By Alexandra

The otter is in the Weasel Family, Mustelidea.

Description

Size

The otter's weight on average is 10-30 pounds or 4.5-14 kilograms. Otter's length on average is 3-4 1/2 feet or 0.9-1.4 meters, including their tail. The Giant Otter may be up to 7 feet or 2 meters long.

Colour

Otters may be brown, gray or orange. They may also have some white. The otter's fur is dark brown when wet. Body Covering The otter has two layers of fur, one short and fuzzy on the inside, the other, long and slick on the outside. Otter's skin traps air to help float, to keep its skin dry and to insulate.

Distinguishing Features

Otters are very good swimmers and divers. The otter has a small flat head and a long slick neck. Otters have thick tails that narrow to a point. The otter has webbing in between its toes. Otters have flaps of loose skin around their bellies, like a pouch. The otter has flipper-like feet. Otters look awkward on land.

Family Life And Reproduction

Otters are related to the badger, mink and the skunk. There are 12 species of otters. The otter can have pups anytime of year. Otters have 2-3 pups at a time . Their pregnancy is 2-12 months. When pups are born they cannot see. The pups drink their mother's milk for 6-8 months. A group of otters is called a raft. Rafts may contain 3-4 otters or 100-200 otters. Otters live 22 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

The otter spends lots of time in the water. They hold their breath under water 3-4 minutes. If the otter is in danger it can hold its breath for 15 minutes. Otters love to play. They keep their eyes open under water. An otters most used senses are sight and touch. All otters have claws even the Claw-less otter. The otter uses sounds to communicate. Otters use chirps, chuckles, squeals and screams to express their feelings.

Where in the World

Otters live on every continent except for Australia and Antarctica.

Home and Habitat

Otters live along rivers, streams, lakes, coastal waters, marshes and the sea or ocean. The otter lives in burrows, rocky ledges and abandoned dens that other animals have made.

Food and Eating Habits

The otter eats fish, shellfish, crabs, crayfish, clams, frogs, insects, snails, snakes, muscles, sea urchins, earthworms, small mammals, water birds, eggs and plants. Otters use rocks to crack open food with a hard shell.

Bibliography

Ashby, Ruth. "Sea Otters". New York: Byron Press, 1990.

"Otters" World Book Encyclopedia. Chicago: World Book Inc., 1987. vol.14.