Sea otters are incredibly clean and keep their waterproof coats in perfect condition. google_ad_slot = "9761313702"; River otters are just one species of the 13 species of otters found throughout the world, and they live to be about 8 years old in the wild. Otter Facts; Otter Fact File; Otter Fun Facts; O-T-T-E-R; Species of Otter; My Way Home; Keep Us Posted; My Otter Vocabulary; Slogan Making; A Visit to the Zoo; Reflection; Link/cite this page. /* sci facts 728 */ Some make waterslides to slide down into the water! This traps a layer of air which keeps them dry and warm under water.They keep the air topped up by blowing into the fur with their mo… Most species of otters are declining in number: According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), all except one species of otters are declining in number. Otters are long and slim animals with four short legs that can be longer than a meter. Otters are a popular animal in Japanese folklore where they are called "kawauso". They have a thick fur coat that keeps them warm even in freezing water. Check out our awesome range of animal facts for kids and learn some fun trivia about our friends in the animal kingdom. They grow to 1.0 to 1.5 m (3.3 to 4.9 ft) in length and weigh 30 kg (66 lb). They dive in rivers, lakes and streams until they can find a suitable animal to eat, which they then chase. They are great swimmers and divers; they can stay underwater for 8 minutes. There are many different kinds of otters. Roadkill deaths are now happening more. The sea otter is only found in salt water, where it prefers to eat invertebrates such as shellfish. Learn where the otter lives, what they eat, what a group of otters is called, the names of various otter species and much more. It also included Kamchatka, and as far south as Japan. They can be seen sliding down hills and slopes, as well as chasing other otters for fun. The sea otter has long whiskers and water-repellent coat that insulates the animal from freezing water. It has short tail and webbed-feet with retractable front claws. The North American river otter was one of the most hunted animals for its fur after Europeans arrived. They are now recovering strongly. These adorable aquatic mammals are clever, chatty, and oddly aromatic. An otter family will defend a territory and use scent to … Through to the large Giant otter and Sea otters who can reach 1.8 m (5.9 ft) and 45 kg (99.2 lb). Sea otters often float at the water's surface in forests of kelp, or giant seaweed, and entangle themselves to keep from moving in the rolling sea. The European otter or Eurasian otter, are found in Europe, Asia, parts of North Africa and the British Isles. BY Hannah Keyser. Generally, the male sea otters grows from 3.11 to 4.11 feet in length and weighs around 49 to 99 pounds. google_ad_width = 160; Some kinds of otters live in groups, while others are almost always alone. There are 13 species of otter found all around the world. Did you know… Otters are carnivores? google_ad_client = "pub-4643150179421087"; They belong to the weasel family. Sea otters are part of the weasel family. Otter species range in size from the smallest Oriental small-clawed otter at 0.6 m (2 ft) and 1 kg (2.2 lb). They frequently carry a rock in a pouch under their forearm. In the wild, these otters eat crabs, shellfish and small fish like gouramis or catfish. Otters live on every continent except for Australia and Antarctica.