River Otter

• River Otters historically occupied much of the North American continent.
• Changes in habitat, settlement and over harvest in some areas resulted in the river otter being totally removed in some areas of the state of Tennessee.
• Restocking efforts have restored river otter populations in most areas of the state.
• Has a long cylindrical body, head is blunt, characterized by short snout with bulbous nose.
• Fur is short and very dense, ranging in color from dark chocolate brown to light brown.
• Most of the river otters diet is fish, crawfish, amphibians, insects, birds and mammals.
• Highly intelligent and extremely curious.
• Tail is used for balance while on land.
• Otters appear clumsy when navigating on dry land.
• Largest semi-aquatic predator found in Tennessee.
• Expert swimmers and divers and may remain underwater for several minutes if necessary.
• Ordinarily shy, low profile creatures that are rarely seen.
• Notorious wanderers, range over several miles in a waterway.
• Dens are typically located near waterways under tree roots, rock piles, logs or thickets, sometimes they will take over beaver lodges or muskrat dens after killing occupants.
• Main diet is fish , crustaceans, mollusks, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, birds and mammals.
• Litter size varies from one to five.