River Otter

The River Otter is a fascinating species of semi-aquatic mammals that can be found in various freshwater habitats throughout the state, such as rivers, streams, lakes, and marshes. These playful and curious creatures are known for their sleek, brown fur, webbed feet, and long, slender tails that help them swim and maneuver in the water. River Otters are skilled hunters and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and amphibians. Although they were once hunted for their fur, today river otters are protected by state and federal laws and are considered a valuable indicator of the health of their ecosystems. Photo by Abraham Finlay at Fords Pond 2022