The North American River Otter (Lutra Canadensis)
We maintain and monitor a wetland mitigation area at the Lake Bernadette subdivision near Zephyrhills, Florida. We were monitoring and had the great fortune to watch this otter in the middle of the created wetland eating what appeared to be a mud fish.
Weighing approximately 10-20 pounds, the river otter possesses a thin, sleek body that reaches 38-47 inches in length, with the female of the species usually smaller in size. This amphibious mammal is well adapted to both land and water while inhabiting lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds of
The North American River Otter is active mostly at night when it feeds on shoreline aquatic inhabitants, preferably slow-moving fishes such as suckers, minnows, catfishes. Other food includes crayfish, mollusks, and frogs. Since fish make up its favorite menu, the river otter frequents overhanging banks where the fish dwell. When it hunts, a river otter is rather playful with live prey. The otter is known to wrestle, chase, and instigate a game of catch and release, which serves to enhance its hunting abilities. Sounds such as chirping and grunting are often used when the river otter is playing or grooming. A high-pitched squeal, audible from as far away as two kilometers, is made when an otter couple fights or mates.
The river otter is endangered in some states, but not presently in Florida. They require much space and many believe that development limits their habitat and reduces their numbers. As you can see here, this man-made wetland on a golf course provided secluded habitat as several foursomes played nearby. Roadways seem to be the biggest problem for Florida Otters, so please be vigilant when driving around wetlands.
