<Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> Synonyms </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> <P> Lutra canadensis </P> </Td> </Tr> <P> The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts . An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water - repellent coat of fur . </P> <P> The river otter, a member of the subfamily Lutrinae in the weasel family (Mustelidae), is equally versatile in the water and on land . It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems . The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water . Female otters give birth in these underground burrows, producing litters of one to six young . </P>

Where do river otters live in the winter