River otters have brown fur on the back with paler underbellies. The lower jaw and throat is whitish. They have a head that looks flat on top but is otherwise rounded and supported by a short neck that is as wide as their skull. The body of a river otter is cylindrical and ends in a muscular and flexible tail that is thicker at the base than at the tip. They have short legs and webbed toes that allow them to thrive as swimmers. However, as aquatic mammals, they also have small ears and nostrils which can be closed underwater, allowing them to hold their breath until they resurface.

Listed as II on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna)
 

Help with the care of a North American River Otter through our Share the Care program.