![]() ![]() The river otter has a double coat, one for warmth and one for waterproofing. Not as easy to recognize as the size difference, the two species have very different coats. ![]() One fun fact that distinguishes between sea and river otters is their coats. While the river otter tops out at around 30 pounds, the sea otter can reach up to 100 pounds. The sea otter is larger than the river otter. If you know some fun facts to quickly identify the river otter, you will be able to tell the difference between river and sea otters more easily. Identification of the different types of otters in the wild can be a challenge. ©/Kathryn Farley River Otter vs Sea Otter River otters are able to spend as much time on land as they do in the water. Outer guard hairs protect the insulating underlayer. Rather than shedding seasonally, they can regulate their temperature by fluffing their fur to trap air, which acts as insulation. Their water-resistant fur must be groomed frequently to provide protection and warmth. Instead, they rely on a thick double coat. Unlike many warm-blooded animals that spend time in cold waters, they do not have an insulating layer of blubber to keep them warm. See all of our entertaining and insightful animal articles. Lake vs River: What Are the Differences?.Discover the 10 Longest Rivers in California.River Otter vs Sea Otter: 5 Key Differences.Discover the 5 Best Aquariums in Tennessee.Discover the Largest Kodiak Bear Ever Recorded.Their streamlined body and stocky legs allow it to move comfortably on both land and water. These otters have short, powerful legs with webbed feet. Their ears are small and set close to the skull. They can close their nostrils, which keeps water out as they swim. They have long, narrow bodies that taper to the point of their tail. The North American river otter has adaptations that allow it to spend as much time in the water as on the land. For more accurate identification purposes, the American species were given their own genus, made up of four extant and one extinct species. These animals, as well as other American species of otters, were formally included in the Lutra genus. Lontra canadensis, the scientific name for the river otter, comes from Lontra, which is the genus for American otters, and canadensis, which means “of Canada”. One of the most significant fun facts about this animal is that it is considered an indicator species, meaning its presence, or absence, can be used to determine the health of a particular environment. Only The Top 1% Can Ace our Animal Quizzes Think You Can? Take Our Brand New A-Z-Animals Otter Quiz ![]()
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