River Otter Lutra canadensis interior Swenk Color photo by George R. Pisani.
Description : The river otter was the largest member of its family found in Kansas. It can be distinguished by: 1) rounded, flattened head with small ears, 2) short, thick neck, 3) long body, 4) short legs, 5) tail modified for swimming, thick and heavily muscled at the base, and tapered to a point, 6) webbed toes, 7) sleek, dark brown dorsal fur which has a heavy, soft, oily underfur overlain by glossy, smooth guard hairs (giving the otter its smooth, sleek appearance), and 8) light brown fur on the underside. Size : Adults may attain the following dimensions: total length 978-1346 mm; tail 353-507 mm;; hind foot 110-138 mm; ear 12-24 mm; weight 5-10.4 kilograms. Males are larger than females. Range and Habitat : At one time the river otter was distributed along all the major rivers and many permanent streams throughout Kansas. The last specimen known to have been collected in Kansas was taken in 1904 near Manhattan. River otters may still occur in northeastern Kansas along the Missouri River. Although the river otter prefers aquatic situations, it is occasionally seen some distance from major bodies of water, especially during the breeding season. Reproduction Habits : The river otter is primarily active after sundown, but it may also be active during daylight yours. It tends to forage in and along streams and rivers, and often searches the river bottom for buried prey. | |
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