North American River Otter

Description:

Fast swimming, diving, rolling, acrobatic animal with heavy fur and long tail. Tail is thicker at base and is used as a rudder. Webbed feet and streamlined body. Eyes and ears are small. Ears and nostrils are valved to keep out water.

Habitat:

Water. Seen in a small creek at Jonathan Dickenson State Park.

Notes:

This animal is torpedo fast and shoots through the water in grace and with speed. I watched this animal for a good amount of time. During that time he swam, dove, climbed and caught something to eat. It took its catch to the back of the small water area and devoured it keeping a watchful eye on me. At one point, while still chewing its meal, it opened its mouth wide giving me a glimpse of strong, sharp teeth. Otters are very playful creatures and entertain themselves by rolling, sliding, diving, surfing on water currents. This otter gave me an opportunity to see some of that behavior.