How Big Are Otters?

Both river and sea otters near the water and have dense fur to keep them warm.

There are two main types of otters. Sea otters are found in the Pacific coastal waters of North America from Alaska to California. Rivers otters are typically found in South American tropical rainforests in slow-moving rivers.

Sea Otter

The head and body of the sea otter ranges from about 22 to 51 inches, and the tail is from nearly five to 13 inches, making its entire length 27 to 64 inches. The National Geographical Society indicates that they are typically 4 feet long and weigh 65 lbs. Male otters can weigh as much as 99 pounds, according to Otternet. Sea otters are usually larger in northern areas.

River Otter

The river otter, also referred to as the giant otter, weighs between 60 and 70 lbs, with the males being slightly larger. From head to tail they are usually about 6 feet long, according to the Philadelphia Zoo.

Characteristics

Both sea and river otters are mammals that live on a diet of fish. Sea otters have short claws that are semiretractable, while river otters have nonretractable claws. Both have ears that close when they dive underwater.

References

• National Geographic Society: Sea Otter
• Otternet: Sea Otter
• Philadelphia Zoo: Giant Otter
• Defenders of Wildlife: Sea Otter