Mammals Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas
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General Information: Northern River Otters (Lontra canadensis) are large weasels (big as a big house cat) of the water. The head and body are 26-30 inches long, and the tail adds another 12-17 inches. The body is long and thin, the legs are short, and the tail is relatively thick at the base. The hind feet are webbed. The fur is brown with a silver sheen on the belly. Taxonomy: Order Carnivora: Carnivores; Family Mustelidae, Weasels Breeding: Breed in late winter and give birth during spring. Diet: Otters are carnivores; they eat anything they can catch (e.g., fish, crabs, mice, birds, and frogs). |
 Northern River Otter; notice the thick, round tail |
Range: Otters occur throughout most of North America in coastal salt water and fresh water areas, including river systems in some desert areas, but not in the southern California or central and southern Nevada deserts (except along the Colorado River system). Where to Find: Around Las Vegas, look for Northern River Otters along the Colorado River and tributaries, including the Virgin River (but not Zion?) and Las Vegas Wash. Comments: |
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If you were a tasty fish or a big crab, these might be the last faces you ever see! |
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 Northern River Otter with something tasty |
 Northern River Otter eating a fish |
Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
; Last updated 231217
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