River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds’ eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits.
River otter feeding habits and nutritional needs
Food habits vary significantly according to species, location, and season. River otters' diets consist largely of crayfishes, crabs, and other aquatic invertebrates; fishes; and frogs. Despite concern that otters compete with game fishers, the fishes that otters consume are mainly non-game species.
What do river otters eat in captivity?
Here, we’ll learn about what river otters eat, how they hunt, and where they live. Then, we’ll explore what zoos feed their captive otters, and how they keep them occupied.
River otter hunting techniques and prey selection
North american river otter diet: seasonal variations and changes
Variation in diet and activity of River Otters (Lontra canadensis) by season and aquatic community [thesis]. Arcata, CA: Humboldt State University, Natural Resources: Wildlife.
North american river otter diet vs other otter species
North american river otter diet: what they eat in the wild
The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a semiaquatic mammal that lives along its waterways and coasts. It is the only river otter that is found north of Mexico. These animals live in burrows and like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. They suffer greatly from habitat loss and are often captured for their fur. In the wild, they live only for years. Diet River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds’ eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently.
