North American River Otter Skull

$91.00

North American River Otters are long, streamlined animals with a thick tapered tail and short legs. This species is often referred to as playful. River Otters can be found in and near fresh water rivers and lakes.

Description

North American River Otter Skull Replica measures 4.5 inches. North American River Otter Skull is museum quality Polyurethane cast. 2-part skull (separate cranium & jaw). Made in USA. Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home décor skull, or office décor skull.

The North American River Otter or Lontra canadensis was identified as a species of otter and has a lot of  names, including Canaidan otter, northern river otter, common otter and river otter. Other documented names are American otter, Canada otter, fish otter, land otter, Nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter.

The North American River Otter or Lontra canadensis is a stocky animal of 11 to 31 lb., with short legs, a muscular neck no smaller than the head, and an elongated body that is broadest at the hips. They have long bodies, and long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters.

An average adult male weighs about 25 lb. and the female’s average is 18 lb. Its body length ranges from 26 to 42 inches. About one-third of the animal’s total length consists of a long, tapered tail. Tail lengths range from 12 to 20 inches.

A broad muzzle is found on the North American River Otter’s or Lontra canadensis flat head, and the ears are round and inconspicuous. The nose is bare, with an obtuse, triangular projection. Eyes are small and dark brown.

They have a short, broad rostrum for exhaling and a long, broad cranium define the relatively flat skull. The North American River Otter’s or Lontra canadensis nostrils and ears close during submersion, keeping water from entering them. It’s whiskers are long and thick, enhancing sensory perception underwater and on land.

The North American River Otter’s or Lontra canadensis fur is short with a density of about 57,800 hairs in the mid-back section. The fur has a high luster and varies from light brown to black.

The throat, chin, and lips are grayer than the rest of the body. Fish are the primary component of the North American River Otter’s diet throughout the year.

Shop More Museum Quality Otter Skulls in Otter Skull Store

Additional information

Weight 4 lbs
Dimensions 4.5 in
American River Otter Facts:

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Genus: Lontra
Species: L. canadensis
Binomial name: Lontra canadensis