Special Sub-Topic: All About the River Otter Click Here To Play: All About the River Otter

How many toes does a river otter have on each foot?

5 & Five. Their feet are also webbed to ensure they are great swimmers.

How old are male river otters when they reach sexual maturity?

2 years. Females will not usually produce a litter until they are 3 years old.

On average, in what months does breeding usually take place for the river otter (in North America and Europe)?

March and April. Otter young are helpless at birth and do not open their eyes for 3 weeks.

How long is the gestation period of an otter?

60 days. Although the gestation period is only 60 days, most litters are born the year after fertilisation as the female can carry a fertilised egg around for up to nine months in her uterus. This is called delayed implantation and is common in the Mustelidae family.

What makes up the greatest proportion of the river otter's diet?

Fish. Apparently, if you were to taste an otter's flesh it would taste very fishy.

What age would an otter reach living in captivity (on average)?

25 years.

What age would an otter reach living in the wild (on average)?

15 years.

What family does the river otter belong to?

Mustelidae. Other members of this family are badger, skunks and weasels.

How long, on average, can a river otter stay under water?

Up to 4 minutes. They close up their ears and nose to when they dive, and resurface for more air when their time is up.

What is an otter's home called?

A holt & Holt & holt. Otters rarely do any construction and will set up home just about anywhere near water.