Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is the home River Otters
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Baby Otters:
Just An-Otter Day in Paradise!!
Baby river otters usually emerge from their dens into anonymity. But at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, three frisky otter cubs are getting a lot of attention these days. A protective mother otter occasionally brings her three playful babies out of their den to an open exhibit area with a pond.
They were born in December, but first spotted on January 20, 1998. They still spend most of their time in the den, but will be outside more frequently as they get older. The baby otters love to swim back and forth, and torpedo themselves into the water. The three will get like a ball and spin around. And they'll jump on the mothers back.
Come by and say hello to these cute little creatures!!
North American River Otters:
Scientific Name: Lutra canadensis
This playful animal is found from Mexico north to Alaska. They are especially abundant throughout Canada. Otters inhabit rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, marshes and inland waterways. These social animals may make their home in a hollow log or abandoned beaver lodge, however they usually dig a hole in the bank of a stream or lake. This hole leads to a leaf-lined den. Otters can swim 3-4 mph underwater and up to 6 mph on the surface. They can stay submerged for up to 4 minutes. They have short legs and webbed toes to aid them in swimming.
The otter's body is very streamlined and flexible, generally 18 to 24 inches in length with the male being up to 30% larger than the female. Their coat is water repellent, short, smooth and dense. Overall their color is dark brown but underparts, throat and cheeks are somewhat lighter.
Otters mate year round with activity peaking in late spring and early summer. The gestation period is about 2 months after which 2-4 young are born blind and helpless. They stay with their mother for about a year while she teaches them to find and catch food for themselves. Otters reach sexual maturity in about 2 years.
North American River Otters Facts:
- Found along rivers, streams, ponds, marshes and canals.
- Native to Florida and other parts of North America.
- Larger than its relative, the weasel, and smaller than the sea otter, which is found along northern Pacific shorelines.
- Feeds on fish, shellfish and insects.
- Males grow to 48 inches and weigh up to 20 pounds.
- They are not pets; they won't attack people unless harassed, but can deliver a viscous bite.
- Not currently endangered, but vulnerable to water pollution, and loss of habitat from development.
Below is a photograph of the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park otters.
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