River Otter
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
Lutra canadensis
The most aquatic of "land" mammals, the otter is well adapted to fishing in cold northern waters. This web-footed weasel has a thick layer of insulating fat under its short, dense fur, thus allowing for year-round activity.
Otters have never been abundant in Alberta. Moderate numbers still occur throughout the mixedwood, northern foothill and montane zones. In the winter their tracks may be found along frozen streambeds where they search for ice-free holes to hunt fish, fresh-water clams and other aquatic animals.
River otters may be 125 cm (4.5 ft.) long and weigh 11 kg (25 lb.). Because of their size and habits, otters have few natural enemies. Mating usually occurs in February; one to four kits are born in late April, often in an abandoned muskrat den.
