River Otter

Your Gift in Action

Your gift will conserve critical habitats and ensure a future for species at risk. It will also build healthier, more resilient ecosystems that provide essential benefits and services to people and their communities, while countering the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Since 1962, NCC has brought Canadians together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares, coast to coast to coast. But we must do more faster and accelerate the pace of conservation. Every gift and donation counts.

River Otter

River otters can be found throughout North America. They live in a variety of different habitats, including rivers, lakes and large creeks. They can also be seen swimming in the ocean in coastal waters. Or playing in snow or sliding down muddy hills.

These playful mammals can measure up to 1.3 metres from nose to tail and weigh up to nine kilograms. They have water-repellant fur, webbed feet and long tails. Their tiny ears and nostrils close under water and their thick fur helps keep them warm. Long whiskers help them find fish, clams, insects and other aquatic animals.

Their dens are usually near water and are often accessible from the land as well as from the water. River otters don’t hibernate, and they can hold their breath for up to eight minutes. Pups are born blind and spend their first month in their dens with their mothers.

River otter populations declined significantly in the late 1800s due to over-harvesting and water pollution. Thanks to conservation and reintroduction, their numbers have rebounded, and they can be found in every province and territory. But they need healthy aquatic habitats. With this symbolic gift of river otter habitat, you can help ensure the survival of this species.

Photo 1: Photo by Thijs Schouten, Photo 2: Photo by Brian Lasenby, Photo 3: Photo by Paul Reeves, Photo 4: Photo by Mike Dembeck