North American River Otter
Lontra canadensis
Least Concern
Playful, social mammals found in nearly every freshwater system in Florida. Excellent swimmers that spend most of their time in water. Often seen sliding down muddy banks and playing in groups.
Size medium
Habitat freshwater, coastal
Diet Fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, turtles
Colors brown, tan
Behavior
Social — often seen in family groups of 3–8. Playful sliding and wrestling. Dens in burrows along riverbanks or under tree roots. Most active early morning and evening.
⚠️ Safety
Observe from distance. Despite playful appearance, otters have powerful jaws and sharp teeth. Never attempt to touch or feed.
Fun Facts
- Can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes
- Webbed feet and a muscular tail make them incredibly agile underwater
- Whiskers detect vibrations from prey in murky water
- Slide on mud and snow banks purely for fun
Where to See
Identify This Species
Use our Species Identifier to learn how to distinguish the North American River Otter from similar species.
