North American River Otter

swimmer · furry · North America · rivers

Sleek water athlete. North American river otters weigh between 11 and 31 pounds and are built perfectly for gliding through water with their long bodies and strong tails.

Waterproof fur coat. Their thick fur is water-repellent and acts like a cozy, insulated blanket that keeps them dry and warm even in freezing rivers and lakes.

Continent-wide home. These otters live throughout most of Canada and along the coasts and inland waterways of the United States.

Protected animals. North American river otters are legally protected, which means people work hard to keep them safe and healthy in their natural habitats.