Mammals - Mammals: Otters

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The otter is a carnivorous freshwater or marine mammal which is part of the Mustelidae family which includes weasels, martens, and badgers. Otters have long, slim bodies and sharp, webbed claws that they use to catch their prey.

Giant Otter

Mostly active during the day, giant otters eat fish, caimans, aquatic mammals, and even anacondas hapless enough to be caught.

North American River Otter

A river otter can dive up to 60 feet deep and swim for a quarter of a mile before coming up to breathe.

Sea Otter

Sea otters may be distinguished from river otters by their flattened tails, flipper-like hind limbs, and propensity for floating belly-up.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom): Photo © Torsten Karock (Giant Otter); Photo © Bruce Sanford (North American River Otter); Photo © Ken K. Ringer (Sea Otter).