MAMMALS: OTTERS, WEASELS, AND SKUNKS

Northern River Otter, Lontra canadensis

Family Mustelidae (Weasels and Otters)

Size: 4' with tail

Range: Throughout Colorado

Habitat: Areas near streams, lakes, or estuaries

The river otter is a large, curious, and playful member of the weasel family with a mostly aquatic lifestyle. It is elongate and sinuous, with small ears, webbed feet, and a long, somewhat thickened tail to aid in swimming. Its fur is thick, dark brown above and pale gray below and across the lower face. River otters are social and often travel in small family groups. They hunt primarily in the water for fish, amphibians, or aquatic invertebrates. They live in burrows near water and form well-used trails along the shore or between water sources.