![]() River otters prefer to eat fish, frogs, crayfish, birds, and reptiles, while sea otters enjoy sea urchins, clams, crabs, and seaweed. Sea otters also have thicker fur, often with white markings, while river otters have sleeker fur to match their streamlined bodies. A sea otter also has a shorter tail than a river otter, and river otters are narrower in their body mass. Sea otters have back feet that are larger than their front feet, and much larger than the feet of a river otter. Their bodies and feet are also shaped very differently as well. The average river otter only weighs 15-20 pounds, while sea otters can reach anywhere from 20-80 pounds depending on their gender and age. For example, sea otters are much larger than river otters in both length and weight. You may already have an idea as to what makes river otters and sea otters look so different from one another. Artush River Otter vs Sea Otter: AppearanceĪnother difference between river otters and sea otters is their appearance. River otters belong to the Lontra genus, while sea otters belong to the Enhydra genus. This makes them very different animals, especially when you consider the fact that sea otters are the only members of their genus. While they are both otters, river otters belong to the Lontra genus, while sea otters belong to the Enhydra genus. One of the main differences between a river otter vs sea otter is their species or genus classification. River Otter vs Sea Otter: Species Classification Let’s talk more about all of these differences in more detail now. Additionally, river otters have a very different social structure from sea otters, often preferring solitude over a sea otter’s committed family structure. Sea otters have a different diet from river otters, given their habitat and saltwater location. River otters are smaller than sea otters in both length and weight. There are many distinguishing features between a river otter vs sea otter. Key Differences Between River Otter vs Sea Otter Sea otters have a different diet from river otters, given their habitat and saltwater location. Sea urchins, clams, crabs, seaweed 12-15 years Wide and furry body, short tail large back feet perfect for swimmingįish, frogs, crayfish, birds, and reptiles 9-12 years Skinny and slender with long tail brown fur and sleek appearance Let’s dive in and get started! Comparing River Otter vs Sea Otter River otters are smaller than sea otters in both length and weight. With this insight, you should have a better grasp as to what makes both river otters and sea otters special. In this article, we will address all of these differences in detail, including their physicality and social behavior. Plus, their overall diets, lifespans, and locations differ from one another, not to mention how different they are in appearance! There are quite a few to discuss, as river otters and sea otters belong to different genuses of animal. They'll eat most any species of fish, such as carp and sunfish, but smaller fish are the easiest meals.While it may seem obvious at first, you may not know all of the differences between a river otter vs sea otter. Occasionally a bobcat, coyote or larger animal will be able to catch one. A predator itself, the river otter preys on fish, frogs, turtles, crayfish, and sometimes the eggs of ground-nesting birds. River otters are big enough that few predators will attempt to attack them, which makes it easier for the otters to enjoy swimming and diving in the water. Otters do not rely on fat to keep them warm they have thick fur that does the job. It also has an unusually thick, waterproof coat that keeps water away from the skin. The river otter's nostrils and ears close when it is submerged. The little circulation that remains goes back and forth between the brain and the heart, which allows the otter co stay underwater for longer periods. As an otter goes for a swim, its blood flow slows drastically and cuts circulation to the outermost extremities. With small heads and high-set eyes, river otters have flexible spines that allow them to travel through the water in beam-like positions. River otters are perfectly suited for swimming. Based on their name, it's no surprise these creatures live near rivers, ponds and other bodies of water across North America. River otters are slender, dark brown mammals with gold highlighting their face and chest. This playful, lively animal enjoys diving into water, sliding across mud and ice, and socializing with other otters. One of the most energetic North American species, the river otter, Lutra canadensis, loves water and land equally.
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