Otters of the Florida Everglades
River Otters Find Home in Everglades
There are 13 different otter species that span the globe. The Florida Everglades is home to a shiny, brown species of otter known as the ‘Streamlined River Otter’, or ‘North American River Otter’. These silly otters have webbed back feet, a flattened head, and a long body, which can push them quickly through waters. Underwater, they can stay for about eight minutes. Their bodies have also evolved completely for their hunt. For example, their long whiskers help them find prey in darkened waters and their feet are clawed for grasping. For grub, they feed on turtles, fish, birds, frogs, and other aquatic wildlife. Sometimes, having properly adjusted to their Everglades environment, they will snack on baby alligators. Even more impressive, they can survive in nearly any water habitat (ponds, marshes, rivers, you name it)!
Otters Make History
Other than being adorable and turning nearly any surface into an automatic slip-and-slide, otters are also intelligent and talented creatures. Scientific evidence suggests otters have been around for over 23 million years, hitting a significant point in their evolution about 7 million years ago. Unfortunately, in the 19th and 20th centuries, they were hunted and trapped for their fur. Today, otters are often classified as a protected species. Aside from trapping, main causes for the decline include habitat destruction and water pollution, which are still pressing problems today. Thankfully, a combination of conservation efforts, legal action, and reintroduction methods have helped populations begin to recover.
Fun Facts
Otters are interesting animals full of unique quirks. For example, did you know that river otters always wash themselves after every meal? They also use scent glands to mark their territory. Scent marking is often done during their play sessions, which also serve to strengthen social bonds and review hunting techniques. Even more interesting, North American river otters typically live just 8 to 9 years in the wild. However, in captivity, they can live up to 21 years! Plus, otters have the densest fur in the world; up to a million hairs per square inch. The list of fun facts goes on, so you “otter” look up more when you get the chance!
Florida Families Can Best Experience Otters
For those who might enjoy seeing otters slide and play, Billie Swamp Safari offers an amazing habitat to experience these animals live. In fact, the entire otter habitat has been carefully crafted to house the otters. It features land, water, and tunnel openings to mimic their wild habitat as closely as possible. It’s safe to say that Billie Swamp Safari offers an interactive experience unlike anywhere else! Come ready to observe, learn and play.
