(Lontra canadensis)
Location: Most of North America and Parts of Mexico
Habitat: Freshwater rivers and streams

North American river otters have a long streamlined body with long, dense fur that provides warmth, insulation and buoyancy for this member of the weasel family. The hind feet of an otter are webbed and the tail is used as a rudder. They have special valve flaps over the nostrils and ears to prevent water from entering while swimming. The whiskers around the nose and snout detect water turbulence and aid in locating food in muddy water. An otter's diet mainly consists of fish, crayfish, amphibians and small waterfowl.

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