Critters of the Week
Critters of the Week
A wild critter we spotted in the RVA area and a critter up for adoption by Richmond SPCA.
Where Spotted: Tuckahoe Creek Park
Common Name: River Otter
Scientific Name: Lutra canadensis
Weight: 11-31 lbs
Length: 2-3.5 ft
Quick Facts Courtesy of Maymont
- Worldwide, there are 13 species of otters that can be found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica.
- Otters have two layers of fur—the outer layer of guard hairs, and the inner layer of softer fur. The guard hairs protect the insulated inner layer of fur, and also capture air in a way that keeps the otters both dry and lighter-weight underwater.
- River otters can hold their breath for 8 minutes.
- Aside from the fur trade, the largest global threat to otters is the ongoing destruction of their wetland habitats due to urbanization as well as pollution.
- Otters must clean their fur often to retain its water-repellent qualities. They do this by rolling or rubbing on sand, grass or snow.
- Otters are predominantly carnivorous, eating mainly fish, crayfish and insect larvae. They use their twelve sharp, straight-edged incisors for biting off small pieces of meat. An interesting behavioral trait of the river otter is where he eats his prey once he has caught it. They sometimes take their food out of the water and eat it on shore, even though there may be other predators waiting to steal a bite.
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Jeri at Richmond SPCA
Hello friends, my name is Jeri and I’m here to find a family of my very own. I haven’t always known the comfort of a home and I think the world is a pretty scary place at times. I need someone special like you to show me plenty of patience and kindness to help me overcome my fears and gain confidence. If you think that you can show me the devotion I deserve, then won’t you please be my hero and ask about adopting me today?
Age: 4 years, 6 months
Gender: Spayed Female
Color: Grey / Orange
ID: 48355269
Learn more about their adoption process.
