Species: There are 13 different species of Otter including the African Clawless Otter, Asian Small-Clawed Otter, Congo Clawless Otter, Sea Otter, North American River Otter, Marine Otter, Neotropical Otter, South American River Otter, Eurasian Otter, Spotted-Neck Otter, Hairy Nosed Otter, Smooth Coat Otter, and the Hairy Otter.

Lifespan: Otters live to be about 15-so years old

Size: The size of the otter depends upon the species. The longest otter is the giant otter which can grow to be about 7 ft long. The heaviest otter is the sea otter which can weigh as much as 100lbs. The smallest otter in size and weight is the asian small-clawed otter which is about 3ft long and 10lbs.

Habitat: Sea otters are found in the Pacific ocean along coast lines, while other species of otters can be found in the wetlands, rivers and marshes of Central America, Africa, Asia, North America, and South America.

Family Life: Most groups of otters are made up of a mother and her pups. Male otters tend to live on their own, or sometimes in the company of a few other male otters. Fresh water otters are born in dens with their eyes closed. There, they start exploring the den at about one month and swimming at about 2 months. Pups stay with their mothers until they are able to find their own food at about one year. Sea otters are born with their eyes open and with a fluffy buoyant coat that allows them to float though they can't swim right away. Mother otters carry their newborn pups on their stomachs until till the pups can swim and dive on their own at about 2 months old.

Diet: Otters eat fish, mollusks, frogs crayfish, crabs, abalone, mussels, and clams.

*Fun Facts*

• Otters have been known to share dens with beavers!
• You can tell otter species apart by the shape of their noses