The Otter

Otters have long, thin bodies and short limbs, with webbed paws. Most have sharp claws on their feet, and all except the sea otter have long, muscular tails. Adult size is from 0.6 to 1.8 meters (2 to 6 ft) in length and 1 to 45 kilograms (2.2 to 100 lb) in weight. They have very soft, insulated underfur, which is protected by an outer layer of long guard hair. This traps a layer of air, and keeps them dry and warm under water. Many otters live in cold waters and have a high metabolism, so they can keep warm. For most otters, fish is what they eat most, such as crayfish and crabs as well as frogs. Otters are very active, chasing prey in the water or searching the beds of rivers, lakes or the seas. Most species live beside water, but river otters usually enter it only to hunt or travel, otherwise spending much of their time on land to avoid their fur becoming soaked. Otters are playful animals and appear to have various behaviors just for enjoyment, such as making waterslides and then sliding on them into the water.