Special Features:
- On land it has a loping gait. On snow and ice it will toboggan or slide on its belly up to 19 mph.
- River otters have a thick layer of fat and more dense fur than any other land mammal.
- The Otter can see equally well above and below water.
- Able to dive up to 60 feet, they can stay underwater for 5 minutes.
- Ear and nostrils close when submerged.
Social Structure & Behavior:
Mainly solitary, they can be highly social. It often eats its fish while swimming on its back, resting the food on its chest.
Mainly nocturnal.
Otters can discharge a foul scent from a pair of anal glands when threatened or disturbed.
Reproduction:
Sexual maturity at 2-3 years. Gestation 8-12 months.
Average litter size is 2 kits.
A baby otter often enjoys riding its mother or sleeping soundly on her belly as she moves through the water.
They are induced ovulators - meaning that they must mate repeatedly and for a long period of time to ensure the release of an egg from the ovary.
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