River Otter
Part of Hall of North American Mammals.
![river otter diorama](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/exhibitions/permanent-exhibitions/mammal-halls/hall-of-north-american-mammals-images/nam-river-otter-hero/722151-1-eng-US/nam-river-otter-hero_wideexact_2460.jpg 2460w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/exhibitions/permanent-exhibitions/mammal-halls/hall-of-north-american-mammals-images/nam-river-otter-hero/722151-1-eng-US/nam-river-otter-hero_wideexact_1230.jpg 1230w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/exhibitions/permanent-exhibitions/mammal-halls/hall-of-north-american-mammals-images/nam-river-otter-hero/722151-1-eng-US/nam-river-otter-hero_wideexact_800.jpg 800w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/exhibitions/permanent-exhibitions/mammal-halls/hall-of-north-american-mammals-images/nam-river-otter-hero/722151-1-eng-US/nam-river-otter-hero_wideexact_400.jpg 400w)
September Morning, Ontario, Canada
As morning mist veils a lake in Algonquin Provincial Park, a young female river otter comes ashore and inspects a spider web. More aquatic than their close relatives, mink (diorama at far left), river otters use land only as a latrine and a bed, snatching sleep during the daytime in dens or beaver lodges. Most hours are spent swimming, hunting fish or playing in fresh and coastal waters, where they are widespread.
© AMNH/D. Finnin
© AMNH/D. Finnin