North American River Otter

Join us here for our Otter Adventures presentation every Wednesday at 12:30pm.

North American river otters are superb swimmers and divers, and spend much of their time in the water. They have streamlined bodies, webbed feet, and a powerful tail that propels them through the water with ease. They can swim at speeds of up to 7 miles per hour, dive to 60 feet, and hold their breath for 8 minutes in search of food.

There are two otters on exhibit. The male was orphaned most likely due to a congenital birth defect, leaving him blind in one eye. The female was transferred here from another organization due to compatibility issues with the other otters at the facility.

Learn more from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/aquatic/river-otter/