Critter Science

The neotropical otter, aka neotropical river otter, can be seen from Central America, down to South America, and on the island of Trinidad. They can tolerate a wide range of habitats from rice and sugar cane plantations, to drainage ditches, to swamps and wastewater treatment plants. They can also be found in the frigid glacial lakes located in the Andes of Ecuador. These critters are also found on the shorelines of marine habitats, swimming in highly saline water. But they prefer clean, fast-flowing rivers and streams. These otters are listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to the threats of habitat destruction, pollution, hunting, trapping, and climate change. Their numbers also decrease daily.

First the Stats… Scientific name: Lontra longicaudis Weight: Up to 14 lbs. Length: Up to 26 inches, plus up to a 33 inch tail Lifespan: Up to 21 years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) Like all otters, they belong to the Mustelidae family. This family includes: badgers , skunks , tayra , weasels , wolverines , and more.

2.) Typically shy, reclusive, and solitary, they can be found in small groups from time to time.

3.) A group of otters is called a bevy, family, pod, raft, or romp.

4.) They are mostly diurnal (active during the day). But they can sometimes exhibit crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) behaviors.

5.) Neotropical otters prefer dens that are close to water and food. These dens typically have more than 1 opening, so they have easy access in which to retreat, in the event of an approaching predator .

But wait, there’s more on the neotropical otter! 6.) Their dens are typically around large rocks or near and under tree roots.

7.) Communication consists of hums, screeches, and whistles. But also includes scent marking.

Did you know…? Neotropical otters can swim up to 7 mph.

8.) They mark their territory via spraint (feces) and scratching.

9.) These otters prey on crustaceans, fish, mollusks, and small mammals.

10.) Anacondas , jaguars , caimans , dogs , and birds of prey all hunt these otters.

But wait, there’s more on the neotropical otter! 11.) While not much is known about the mating patterns of these otters, it is known that breeding typically takes place in spring.

12.) Females undergo up to a 56 day gestation (pregnancy) that yields up to 5 pups.

Did you know…? The neotropical otter can hold its breath for up to 8 minutes, underwater.

13.) Pups begin leaving their mother’s nest in about 52 days and begin swimming at around 74 days.

14.) Males only participate in breeding. They don’t co-parent. The female alone takes care of rearing her young.

15.) Due to the demands of their high metabolism, these otters need to eat between 15% – 20% of their body weight in food, each day!

Now a Short Neotropical Otter Video!

Be sure to share & comment below! Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel . Videos added frequently!

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Learn more about all kinds of cool critters, right here ! toolTips('.classtoolTips3','

These animals are active during dawn and dusk, or twilight. Animals that are crepuscular are typically so due to the fact that many predators are not active during those times of the day. But as in the case of being diurnal or nocturnal , sometimes the organism is crepuscular in an effort to obtain food that might be present at these times. Mule deer , desert cottontails , coyotes , porcupines , and black-tailed jackrabbits , to name a few, fit into this category.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips14','

Gestation is the process of carrying or being carried in the womb between conception and birth. In other words, pregnancy.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips16','

Predation is the ecological process by which an animal (or an organism) kills and feeds on another. The animal that kills to feed is called a predator. The 1 that is killed to be eaten is called prey.

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An animal that falls into this category is active during the day. Animals that fit this description typically use sight for hunting prey. Others, like turtles , are active during the day as they need the sun\'s rays to aid in the production of vitamin D, which is needed to help process calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease. Hummingbirds rely on the sun as most of the nectar they gather comes from flowers that are open during the day. Cows , dogs , elephants , butterflies , and squirrels , for example, are diurnal.');

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