What Is It?

• I’m covered in fur and thick layers of fat.
• I hunt underwater with my family at night.
• In winter, we swim after all kinds of fish.
• Then we take time to play on the snow and the ice.

The American river otter is playful and fun to watch, especially in winter. Thick, oily fur and heavy layers of fat keep the otter warm, even underwater. Otters hunt mostly at night, usually with family members. In summer, otters catch and eat lots of water critters, including crayfish, turtles, and mussels. In winter, otters eat mainly fish. Baby otters are born in February or March. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/field-guide.