River Otter (Lontra canadensis)
Otters are excellent swimmers, the large ones swimming at speeds up to 14.4 kph, or 9 mph. Another good adaptation is that river otters can remain under water for 6 to 8 minutes.
River otters can travel pretty far distances over land between waterways. Their skeletal structure and musculature make them more well suited for terrestrial movement than sea otters are.
They can reach running speeds up to 47 kph (29 mph). An otter's dense fur gives them some insulation, reducing the loss of body heat to the water.
River otters can travel pretty far distances over land between waterways. Their skeletal structure and musculature make them more well suited for terrestrial movement than sea otters are.
They can reach running speeds up to 47 kph (29 mph). An otter's dense fur gives them some insulation, reducing the loss of body heat to the water.