Trivia question for Nov-15-2011

Olivia loves to watch these guys every time we visit the zoo.  Its streamlined body provides speed and agility when hunting in the water.  They are able to maintain its outer layer of waterproof fur by frequent daily grooming sessions.

These poor animals are very susceptible to environmental pollution, which is a likely factor in the continued decline of their numbers. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help stabilize the reduction in the overall population. They are active year-round, and is most active at night and during crepuscular hours. They become much more nocturnal in the spring, summer, and fall seasons and it becomes more diurnal during winter. They sometimes emigrate as a result of food shortages or environmental conditions, but they do not migrate annually.

So here are Olivia’s questions:  Tell us what this species is and tell us what their dens are called?  Also, tell us how these guys mark their territory?

Good Luck 😉

Answer:

Congratulations goes out to Natalie Borgardt for being the first to answer all our questions. Thanks also to our very own board member Eva Ries for sending in her answer as well. The lovable critter we featured is the North American River Otter. The North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent, found in and along its waterways and coasts. An adult river otter can weigh between 11 and 30 lb. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur.

Their den is called a holt and can usually be found within 30-feet from the river.  These guys mark their territory with a scent from their feces and urine and musk which not only marks their territory but also tells other otters its sex, age and readiness to mate. Here is more on these fun to watch rascals: North American River Otter

Thanks for playing along 😉