River Otter

 

Linnean classification: Eukarya, Animalia, Chordata, Mustelidae, Lutra, Lutra canadensis

 

Regulator because it is a warm blooded animal and is able to maintain optimum temperature for its body to function.

 

Neither hibernation nor migration because river otters remain active year-round and actually show an increase in activity level in the

winter

 

Consumer because it is a heterotroph and cannot make food for itself. Instead it relies upon other organisms for essential nutrients to survive.

 

Herbivore because it eats whatever is easiest to find, mostly fish, amphibians and other animals that reside in the water

 

Generalist because this species are live in both freshwater and coastal marine, marshes and estuaries. They can tolerate a great range of temperatures and elevations

 

Niche: River otters eat many things, ranging from fish to crayfish, birds, amphibians, turtles, insects. They consume whatever is plentiful in their habitat. Their agility in the water protects them from their few predators which include birds of prey, alligators and bobcats.