Wildlife Discovery Center
Creature Feature
Emaciated and dehydrated , our little North American river otter pup , Odie , was found alone and near no known otter habitat . His kind rescuers were able to locate a licensed and qualified wildlife rehabilitator to ensure Odie ’ s best chance of survival .
Fed a steady diet of “ otter formula ,” cooked eggs , bits of pet kibble and blueberries , Odie began to rebuild his strength and started following his caregivers about . He especially enjoyed his daily “ kiddie pool ” time . But Odie got bigger and had to move on .
As is so often the case with wild animals , otters require early socialization with their own kind in order to survive in their natural environment . As much as they tried , the rehabbers were unable to find an appropriate group to which Odie might be introduced . He had to find another home . Now Odie and the WDC have found each other , and we aim to provide him with the best new home we can .
Odie immediately took up residence in the large tank in the main exhibit hall ; this was his first opportunity to really swim . Never having been in “ deep " water before , he firmly planted all four feet at water ’ s edge , frozen in place , and cried until coaxed into the drink by his newest human friends . Now Odie likes to fish for dinner in his pool . He also loves dining on crabmeat and crayfish , no surprise , and won ’ t hesitate to grab a grasshopper for a quick energy boost . His diet is also supplemented by other common raw foods ( frozen ) we typically provide carnivores in our care . Raspberries , blueberries and apples are also on his list of “ top ten .” One of Odie ’ s favorite activities is walking with the Curator around the farm as he follows him around like a puppy .
North American river otters ( or just common “ otter ”) can weigh as much as 30 lbs at maturity , and grow to as large as 40 “ in overall length . Typically some 5 % larger than the females , males become sexually mature at about two years of age . Females can reproduce as young as one year of age , although that is not all that common . In the wild , these creatures might live as many as eight or nine years , but in captivity with good care , our Odie could live another two decades .
Otters are social creatures ; their extended families often form into groups . In frequent communication with each other , otters are quite good at leaving scent markings about as “ messages ” for their fellow otters . In addition , they can generate a variety of different sounds to communicate with one another over greater distances . These vocalizations might include chirps , squeaks , growls and hisses and more .
They seek aquatic settings where they will face far less predation ( although in certain regions , crocodiles , alligators and killer whales can pose a threat ). Often , they will occupy the abandoned dens of other aquatic animals such as beavers or muskrats . ( Interestingly , they have been known to tolerate beaver populations to the point of co-occupying a habitat ). In terrestrial settings , they are preyed upon by big cats , bears , wolves , fox and dogs . Still , they are not considered a threatened species .
River otters tend to be most active from dusk to dawn , but come winter , Odie is more likely to be active during the day . He would love visitors ! Come visit Odie in our large exhibit hall . He ’ s got a squeak for you . And maybe a splash !
DID YOU KNOW THAT ...
- BABY OTTERS ARE CALLED PUPS ?
- RIVER OTTERS CAN HOLD THEIR BREATH FOR UP TO 8 MINUTES WHILE UNDER WATER ?
- OTTERS ALWAYS WASH THEMSELVES AFTER EVERY MEAL ? - RIVER OTTERS SPEND TWO-THIRDS OF THE TIME ON LAND ? www . LFParksandRec . com 49