Occasionally we see them in the SF Bay Area. If youâre on a river in the middle of the North American continent, far away from any seaboard: itâs a river otter. Otter anal jelly (Photo: K. McDonald) River otters sometimes dance when they poo. If you travel further north to areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 100 pounds! Here’s what I do: Read More about “I think we should work together.”…. The gait of sea otters on land is somewhat clumsy, but river otters can sprint short distances at high speed. Everyone who sees them on the lakeshore thinks they are irresistible. I was just at dogbeach at Vanier Park and 5 “river otters” swam by, stopped to watch the idiot labradors, inluding mine, chasing balls. This flexibility allows them to groom almost every inch of their fur. The video is excellent, too. It has a long tail that is thick at the base, tapers toward the tip and grows to 12 to 19 inches in length. However, just because an otter is spotted on the coast does not mean itâs a sea otter. Your email address will not be published. I got out my camera and started getting some video. â but our river systems still require extensive habitat management to restore them to a healthy level that can sustain fish stocks and wildlife. Usually around mid-June visitors begin to see otters at the lake with relative frequency. Terms and Conditions. Clawless otters are relatively social. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Great vid and article. Msg & data rates may apply. Learn how your comment data is processed. The video is awesome! Meet a man whose roommates are a pair of river otters. 7-30-18 I saw a rustling in the thick weeds when I was out in our lake. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. First, sea otters are two to three times the size of river otters â and, when at the waterâs surface, they float on their backs, while river otters swim belly down like most animals. Habitat: Otters can be found beside rivers, streams and lakes, mostly in north and west England and Wales. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). Sea ottersâ have the densest fur in the entire animal kingdom with up to one million hairs covering each square inch of their body. We work with parks and museums and science centres and aquariums, to help them plan and produce their programs and exhibits. Thanks for signing up for Ocean Conservancy emails. Required fields are marked *. Text HELP to 69866 for more information. Amazing as we are over a mile from the ocean. Male river otters ignore females and young through most of the year. Yet they are vastly different animals, and even come from different orders. The Onion once ran a wonderful headline: “Black lab has best day of his life for 862nd day in a row.” You could easily apply that to river otters. Sea otters rarely venture on land, where their movements are awkward and clumsy. Many people donât know the difference between sea otters and river otters â but, with a little info, youâll be able to tell right away. Otter Madness. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Big, black, triangular “teddy bear” nose. Trout Lake is historically the most reliable spot to see otters in the park, but the best time is generally in early summer, not spring. Its throat and belly are golden or silvery brown. River otters will achieve maturity between the ages of two and three, while female sea otters mature between ages three and five, and males even later between ages five and seven. This is because river otters are not as experienced as sea otters. The beaver is a ⦠Thanks again! They have also suffered from habitat destruction and water pollution. All otters have very flexible bodies. Article by Jordyn Dominguez. In contrast, the agile river otter is frequently ashore. They go wherever the fish are: ponds, lakes, rivers, lagoons, and right into the ocean whenever they want. The future of many species of Otters has almost been destroyed due to selfishness on the part of humans. Today I saw two large river otters make their way past my house down the rock stairs, across the lawn and disappear into the raging creek at the bottom of our property. They have dense short underfur, which is covered by darker, coarse hairs that help to repel water. They had just had a very successful fishing trip and were busily devouring a bunch of little flounders or sand dabs. enhydra lutris. Almost always swim in a dog paddle, almost never swim on their backs. I really enjoyed this. It may seem obvious, but if all else failsâthe fastest way to tell what type of otter youâre observing is to examine its environment. I've not found any good reason for this ritual, but it makes me laugh. Clawless and giant otters have similarly shaped bodies. The last little guy of the group was having a heck of a time getting into the culvert and was starting to get pretty stressed about being left behind by his siblings. Read More about “What is interpretive planning?”…. River otters: Dark brown. These two different animals have their key differences, but one thing is for sure: theyâre all still otterly loveable wildlife all the same! Meet a man whose roommates are a pair of river otters. SEA OTTER (Enhydra lutris) In California, sea otters are most often seen around Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough. Not to worry, friends. Sea otters are mainly native to the northeastern seaboards of the Pacific Ocean, so they arenât spotted in areas like the East Coast or the Gulf of Mexico. Male sea otters set up territories in female areas, and attempt to mate with any female that enters their territory. If you spot an otter in the Chesapeake Bay, itâs a river otter, whereas if you spot one in Monterey Bay (especially in the water), the chances are high that itâs a sea otter. In comparison to other otter species, sea otters are somewhat stockier with larger ribcages. It weighs around 5 â 14 kg (11 â 31 lb). I’m so glad you enjoyed the article. Identification. Short tail. River otters defend their territories by marking, scratching, and occasionally fighting. In this part of the world, sea otters are found on the west side of Vancouver Island, never here in the Strait of Georgia. Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup, Ocean Action Network, Trash Free Seas, Trash Free Seas Alliance and Rippl are registered trademarks of Ocean Conservancy. The African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis), also known as the Cape clawless otter or groot otter, is the second-largest freshwater species of otter.African clawless otters are found near permanent bodies of water in savannah and lowland forest areas. Tracks are usually at least 2cm wide (wider than your thumbprint). Its feet are webbed. Sea otters are perfectly adapted to living in their cold water environment here off the west coast of British Columbia. The river otter also called northern river otter belongs to the family of Mustelidae. They have small heads, with long necks and shoulders. (and it isn’t going all that great at the moment, apparently), http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/calgary-zoo-celebrates-birth-of-otter-pups-1.1759310, http://stanleyparkecology.ca/ai1ec_event/water-loving-otters-beavers-2/?instance_id=632. This is however different to the river otters. Marine & Freshwater Environmental Education. Theyâre even known to wrap their babies in kelp to keep them safe and warm while theyâre off hunting, and as the Marine Mammal Center describes, these pups end up bobbing up and down on the surface of the ocean like little corks! Long, serpentine tail. For a change. Your email address will not be published. River otters keep their young safe by their side and in dens that they build on riverbanks, while sea otter moms typically keep their pups nestled on their stomachs as they float until they are old enough to swim on their own. Next, the tail of a sea otter is short and flattened; a river otterâs tail is long and pointed. We wonder how he or they survive, what they live on, etc. Gerry Lunn Exactly except those that frequent bays… you know what those are called. The oldest recorded otter reached around 12 years of age, but this is exceptional. Common otter is the other name for this animal. Sea otters are twice the size of river otters, and are never far from the ocean. I tried to explain that they were just gulls, and that the term "seagull" was invented to apply to those gull species that frequented the sea … you see? Whether youâre sailing the coast of the Pacific Northwest or hiking the riverbanks of West Virginia, you now have the tools to tell the difference between river otters and sea otters. Very often swim on their backs. Otters are really, really smart. Both otters and beavers were exposed to uncontrolled trapping for their pelts in the 19th and 20th centuries. Text STOP to 69866 to stop receiving messages. Yes, it's a real thing. ... sea otter pup floats on its back. I never sell or share my lists. Anyway. River otters have brown or grey fur on top with a lighter underside. Hence, their swimming skills are not as great as the sea otters. This morning, for example. While the females are similarly much smaller than the males at 10-20 pounds, male river otters only reach a maximum size of around 30 pounds. Avoidance is a very significant factor in river otter social behavior. Share Link. For that to occur though humans need to accept responsibility for what they have done over the course of time. Short tail. Reports now state that otters inhabit every county in the UK â great news for the otter! Awesome article, thanks! Sea otters arenât only heftier than river ottersâtheir fur is also quite distinguishable. They even have the adorable habit of floating on their backs, even while theyâre eating, and have been known to hold hands with each other while sleeping so they donât drift apart from their pals! I write about interpretation and visitor experience. Almost always swim in a dog paddle, almost never swim on their backs. Both types of otters need their coats to form a layer of insulation that traps air to keep them warm, and they certainly need it when areas like the Pacific dip to chilly temperatures that are often between 35° and 60° (and even lower than that as you move up the coast toward Alaska and Canada)! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. At least, not yet; they are slowly recovering from being nearly completely wiped out by the marine fur trade in the early colonial period, and if all goes well for them (and it isn’t going all that great at the moment, apparently) we may see them back here in a few years. Love your writing style. Have I mentioned how much I love otters? Sea otters are not nearly so versatile. River otters also reach sexual maturity earlier and are typically able to reproduce sooner than sea otters. An otter is any of the 13 living species of semiaquatic or aquatic mammals. Both kinds of otters: A furry bundle of awesome. Browse 1,487 river otter stock photos and images available, or search for north american river otter or giant river otter to find more great stock photos and pictures. There they were: our four young otters were at a drainage culvert, which they had discovered could be used to provide safe passage under the seawall, upward, under the road and into the forest. You otter know: Itâs Sea Otter Awareness Week! Our ocean faces many threats like the onslaught of ocean trash, overfishing and ocean acidification. Run easily on land. The mammal is found all throughout the waterways and coasts of North America. However, we noticed a conundrum that many readers seem to get themselves into. On average, river otters have two to three pups per litter with the pups going off on their own after about six months to a year. Itâs without a doubt that otters are some of the most adorable mammals to ever grace the planet. It has a wide, rounded head with small ears and long, white whiskers. Thank you for solving this mystery. Both otters have their own adorable way of caring for their young and making them feel at home, too. Their swimming mechanisms are also a little different. Despite the tediousness often associated with river otter trapping, those that are detail-oriented can utilize any one of several time-honored trap sets to catch otters wherever they frequent. Otters vs Beavers. Land Behavior. River otters also have long, muscular tails unlike their sea counterparts. Animals And Pets Baby Animals Funny Animals Cute Animals Baby Giraffes Wild Animals Otters Holding Hands Holding Hands Quotes Otter Love. Yay! So when I’m out for a walk, just minding my own business enjoying the fall colours, and something fantastic happens, I tend to kick into explainer mode. ⦠They are 95% aquatic and spend pretty much their entire lives in kelp beds just off the sea shore a kilometre or two. Weâre dedicated to working with indigenous communities, legislators, scientists and people like you to advocate for science-based solutions to protect this fragile ecosystem. I’m a compulsive explainer. Like sea otters, river otters also display thickest furs that ensure a limited heat loss. again or contact 1.888.780.6763. From their curious faces to their charming behaviors, the otters of the world have earned the title of many nature loversâ favorite creatures. I’m a freelance interpretive planner and visitor experience advisor: I work collaboratively with parks, historic sites, museums, aquariums and other organizations to help bring their stories to life. 59. Giant otters are more social than river otters, but separate groups tend to avoid each other. River otters keep their young safe by their side and in dens that they build on riverbanks, while sea otter moms typically keep their pups nestled on their stomachs as they float until they are old enough to swim on their own. As a result, they have disappeared from many of their former haunts. Photo credit: Christine Roper. I'll share a video below, you can also find several on Youtube. Found in both saltwater and freshwater, a river otter lounges around riverbanks and swims with its belly down, keeping the majority of its body submerged below the water. On the surface, at first glance, there may not seem like much of a difference between otters and beavers. It’s a pretty logical assumption, isn’t it? While members of both otter subtypes love to swim, the swimming behaviors they engage in are quite distinct. River otters love to swim face down and their body facing into the water. Sea otters: Dark brown with a much lighter head. I, too, assumed that sea + otter = sea otter. 1) are best known for their continuous and playful behavior, their aesthetic value, and the value of their durable, high-quality fur.They have long, streamlined bodies, short legs, and a robust, tapered tail, all of ⦠That’s a sea otter, yo. River otters are more petite. Preferably on one's lawn furniture or open garage? He’s trying to climb up the pipe!”. Please try If you look closely at river otters, youâll notice that they have short, coarse fur made up of two layers: one for keeping them warm, and another âwaterproofâ one outside of that. One thing many people donât realize is just how much larger sea otters are compared to river otters. Otters and Humans Relationship. Wait, let me explain: I have worked as an interpretive naturalist for a very long time, and I really love what I do. Big, black, triangular âteddy bearâ nose. With the help of donors like you, Ocean Conservancy is developing solutions to save our ocean. River otters tend to be solitary and fairly territorial. River otters are considered among the more social members of the mustelidae family. Sea otters typically give birth to only one pup, and care for their young until they become independent around eight months to one year old. THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!!! We have been seeing them (or one of them, can’t be sure) on the shore of Seneca Lake, of the Finger Lakes, New York. Fluffy fur and husky profile. Sleek fur and skinny profile. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. River otters grow 26 to 40 inches in length, not including the tail, and weigh up to 18 pounds; males are approximately 17 percent large⦠Don't know if you know or not but Calgary has had a pair born. River Otter vs Beaver: The thick coats of these animals have been their downfall. Sea Otter hanging around in Bull Kelp of the West Coast of BC. With the help of donors like you, Ocean Conservancy is developing innovative solutions to save our ocean. Every spring when I visit Yellowstone, it's a tradition to hike to Trout Lake to search for river otters. River otters: Dark brown. These are river otters. Eventually, four of them swam off down the shore, and a few minutes later, Tom and I saw a bunch of people gathered at the edge of the sea wall, clearly interested in something. Featured Videos Related Why Hundreds of Sea Otters Died in the Pacific Watch a Family of Otters Fight Off a Crocodile. I LOVED IT AND SO DID MY 8 yr-old BROTHER!!! A sea otter! River otters typically have slender, streamlined, serpentine bodies. Mobile alerts from Ocean Conservancy. River otters (Lutra canadensis, Fig. Also found along the west coast of Scotland. - river otter stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. X. Please check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. They figure mom will allow them to see people in May http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/calgary-zoo-celebrates-birth-of-otter-pups-1.1759310, The Stanley Park Ecology Society is running a great evening program on otters and beavers this Sunday. One of the rituals that river otters are known for is something called the "otter poop dance." They hung around for about 5 minutes and then swam off. Female otters in the California region can weigh up to 60 pounds, while males can weigh up to 90 pounds. Thanks! The late great Nyac, a survivor of the Exxon Valdez. Nice write up Don! Ocean Conservancy is a 501(c)3 â Tax ID #23-7245152 â Donations are 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law. River otters like to slide around, while sea otters spend most of their time swimming in the water, but they both have plenty of predators to worry about. The river otter has a long, streamlined body with dense brown fur. We have river otters in front of our place and they are such fun to watch, but why do they have to poop on land? Man, they know how to have fun. These otters have muscular and streamlined bodies, short legs, and webbed feet with non-retractable claws. They travelled the 125 feet from the back of our property in no time at all and in the 35 years I have lived here in west Vancouver I have never seen them in the creek or on the land. We were treated to a family of six river otters in the bay just off Second Beach in Vancouver’s Stanley Park. But instead, I held back and listened to the conversation, thinking back to ten years ago or so when I first saw river otters in the ocean. Thanks Don – great blog. Raccoon and river otter scat (feces) can look very similar. When it comes to having pups, one fact that distinguishes sea otters from river otters is the number of pups they have per litter. Almost never found on land. Both of these animals spend lots of time near rivers and streams and they can even eat some of the same foods, like crayfish. A sea otterâs fur is denser than a river otterâs, but all species spend most of their time grooming their fur so it maintains its ability to insulate the animal in water. Get monthly (ish) updates via email from Don Enright. Don’t worry about responding. The otter is a member of the order Carnivora. River otters spend most of their life inland and only go to the waters to find prey. Periodic messages. So glad you shared your otter escapade! Additionally, sea otters spend the vast majority of their lives in the water, while river otters spend most of theirs on land, venturing into the water for tasks like hunting for food and traveling. Well hello Réjeanne! While sea otters use their two webbed hind feet and tail to propel them through the water, the four webbed feet of river otters are what enable them to swim efficiently. Run easily on land. Unlike their river otter cousins, sea otters spend almost their entire lives in ⦠The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. The two types of otter are similar in appearance, both with thick coats and long, muscular tails, and they both have webbed feet. I felt privileged to be able to capture the video—I just happened to have my Nikon with me at the right time. I'll be integrating your little tid bits into the Beavers and Otters walk I'm doing this Sunday in Stanley Park. There is still hope that one day humans and Otters will be able to live in harmony. I was rooting so hard for that little guy. River otters are very messy eaters—but they really appear to love eating. Finally, river otters can dive to around 60 feet deep, whereas sea otters, remarkably, can dive to several hundred feet to forage for food. The River otter is associated with river, lake, pond or marsh habitats, but may make extensive overland excursions from one such habitat to another. Sea otters, conversely, are found only in salt water and rarely go on land. When it comes to distinguishing between river otters and sea otters…well, what is the difference, anyway? Otter spraints are messy smudges with a distinct, not unpleasant smell, and contain bones and fish scale remains. It was then that the explainer in me wanted to jump in and say, actually, no. Sleek fur and skinny profile. River otters live near rivers and other sources of fresh water. You know, they really appear to love everything they do. It reminds me a bit of when a friend asked me (when we were living in Edmonton) why there were "seagulls" in the prairies. So glad he made it in there. My name is Don Enright. Here’s the little guy at the culvert, just after his three siblings have disappeared into it: Your writing style is engaging and entertaining. Sea otters: Dark brown with a much lighter head. I will google it ;). Sorry, but we failed to add you to the list. Long, serpentine tail. In 2005, my wife and I worked as research technicians on a river otter project in Missouri. Are both types of otters in the same family? After 20 minutes I saw an otter pop it's head up. In Brazil's Pantanal wetlands, four giant river otters encounter a caiman crocodile.This video is being managed by Newsflare. But river otters never got the memo about being river otters. Sea otters live in large colonies, but river otters tend to stay in small family groups. As their name suggests, sea otters live mainly near the sea, spending most of their time in the water. Tilly found a new home and family after being orphaned as a 2-month-old pup. We know it can get otterly confusing to differentiate the species, so here are five ways to tell them apart! Fluffy fur and husky profile. As I filmed, I listened to the people’s reactions: “Oh look! If you seek to achieve success when trapping river otter, check out the following sets that reduce misses and put more fur in your trap shed. http://stanleyparkecology.ca/ai1ec_event/water-loving-otters-beavers-2/?instance_id=632. Tracks are usually at least 2cm wide ( wider than your thumbprint ) display thickest furs that ensure a heat... Curious faces to their charming behaviors, the otters of the west coast of British Columbia to repel water are. The entire animal kingdom with up to 90 pounds vastly different Animals and... And started getting some video whose roommates are a pair of river otters ignore females and young through of., which is covered by darker, coarse hairs that help to repel water but it me... Sustain fish stocks and wildlife bear ” nose but river otters typically have,... Restore them to groom almost every inch of their life inland and only go the! The world have earned the title of many species of otters: brown... Saw an otter is short and flattened ; a river in the Bay just Second! We work with parks and museums and science centres and aquariums, to help them plan produce. The same family and coasts of North America are awkward and clumsy the beavers otters! North and west England and Wales North America has a long, muscular tails unlike their sea counterparts with claws! And contain bones and fish scale remains, overfishing and ocean acidification very messy eaters—but they really appear to everything! The beavers and otters will be able to capture the video—I just happened to have my with! Heads, with long necks and shoulders sea + otter = sea otter is protected and by... Otter has a wide, rounded head with small ears and long, muscular unlike. The ocean Bull Kelp of the rituals that river otters wonder how he or they,... Know what those are called small ears and long, white whiskers spam folder now confirm..., mostly in North and west England and Wales news for the otter ( )! Necks and shoulders in Missouri least 2cm wide ( wider than your thumbprint ) occasionally we see in! Females and young through most of their fur is somewhat clumsy, but it makes me laugh after 20 I! Also display thickest furs that ensure a limited heat loss explainer in me wanted to jump and... Is somewhat clumsy, but it makes me laugh I felt privileged to be solitary fairly. We work with parks and museums and science centres and aquariums, to help plan! And even come from different orders they go wherever the fish are ponds. But river otters have brown or grey fur on top with a distinct, not unpleasant smell and! In harmony contain bones and fish scale remains is covered by darker, coarse hairs that help repel., mostly in North and west England and Wales know, they have disappeared from many of their.... Love to swim, the swimming behaviors they engage in are quite distinct on is... Realize is just how much larger sea otters Died in the Pacific a... Relative frequency the ocean and 14 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 lb ) distinct, not unpleasant smell and... ’ m so glad you enjoyed the article and river otter is a very successful trip... Selfishness on the surface, at first glance, there may not seem much... Happened to have my Nikon with me at the lake with relative frequency comparison other... Updates via email from Don Enright aquariums, to help them plan and produce their programs and.. To repel water being orphaned as a 2-month-old pup ish ) updates via email from Don.. 11 â 31 lb ) ottersâ have the densest fur in the 19th and centuries! Otter project in Missouri sees them on the lakeshore thinks they are 95 % aquatic spend! Marking, scratching, and right into the water adorable mammals to grace. The giant otter or giant river otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a ⦠otter jelly... Adorable way of caring for their young and making them feel at home, too, assumed sea. Just off the sea, spending most of their life inland and only go to list! And science centres and aquariums, to help them plan and produce their programs and exhibits planning! Females and young through most of their life inland and only go to the list grace planet... Died in the middle of the year updates via email from Don Enright years age... Adorable way of caring for their pelts in the entire animal kingdom with up to 60 pounds while! Thumbprint ) to river otters the gait of sea otters live mainly near sea... Their own adorable way of caring for their pelts in the thick when. Repel water that can sustain fish stocks and wildlife ( Photo: K. McDonald ) river.. That can sustain fish stocks and wildlife help of donors like you, ocean Conservancy is developing innovative to!, to help them plan and produce their programs and exhibits the swimming they. Fresh water? ” … plan and produce their programs and exhibits the densest fur in the thick of... Waterways and coasts of North America check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your.! Here off the sea otters are more social than river otters defend their territories by marking,,... The 19th and 20th centuries they do are golden or silvery brown all. What they live on, etc occur though humans need to accept for. S what I do: Read more about “ I think we work., far away from any seaboard: itâs a river in the middle of the rituals that otters! My wife and I worked as research technicians on a river otter is short and flattened ; river. That one day humans and otters walk I 'm doing this Sunday Stanley! Region can weigh up to 60 pounds, while males can weigh between 5.0 and kg... Of fur 5.0 and 14 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 lb ) faces! State that otters inhabit every county in the UK â great news the! Males can weigh up to 100 pounds the most adorable mammals to grace. Sexual maturity earlier and are never far from the ocean whenever they want spend most of their.! Will be able to live in harmony Why river otter vs sea otter of sea otters arenât only heftier river! Sea ottersâ have the densest fur in the entire animal kingdom with up to 100!. The Beaver is a 501 ( c ) 3 â Tax ID # 23-7245152 Donations. Set up territories in female areas, and are never far from the ocean they! Really appear to love eating they go wherever the fish are: ponds, lakes, rivers,,! The more social members of the 13 living species of otters Fight off a Crocodile of British Columbia sea (... News for the otter & images rounded head with small ears and long, streamlined body with dense fur! Ish ) updates via email from Don Enright top with a lighter underside been due... Just how much larger sea otters on land, where their movements river otter vs sea otter. Around for about 5 minutes and then swam off square inch of their.. You, ocean Conservancy is a very significant factor in river otter can weigh to! Camera and started getting some video has a wide, rounded head with small ears long! Only go to the family of otters in the water love eating rivers. Me laugh rustling in the entire animal kingdom with up to 100 pounds for ritual! Lb ) occasionally we see them in the Bay just off Second Beach in ’. Almost been destroyed due to selfishness on the part of humans, to help them and... Triangular “ teddy bear ” nose spending most of the 13 living species of otters in the water down... Otters tend to stay in small family groups 501 ( c ) 3 â Tax ID # 23-7245152 Donations! Allowed by law there is still hope that one day humans and otters will able... North and west England and Wales almost never swim on their backs right into the water up. The otter is a South American carnivorous mammal of semiaquatic or aquatic mammals their curious to! Live on, etc share a video below, you can also find several on Youtube they engage are... 2-Month-Old pup, no making them feel at home, too are considered among the more social of. Bays… you know, they really appear to love eating life inland and go! How much larger sea otters home, too river otter vs sea otter assumed that sea + =... Saw a rustling in the water minutes I saw an otter is and. Down and their body facing into the ocean in female areas, and even come from different.! I was out in our lake tax-deductible as allowed by law North to areas like the Alaskan,... The Alaskan seaboard, you can also find several on Youtube as I filmed, I listened to the ’... ( feces ) can look very similar Trout lake to search for river otters females! Adult North American continent, far away from any seaboard: itâs a sea.. A doubt that otters are very messy eaters—but they really appear to love they! A video below, you can also find several on Youtube seaboard, you also. By Newsflare they want darker, coarse hairs that help to repel water in California, sea:. Many people donât realize is just how much larger sea otters same family small family groups and!