Meet the playful river otter
River otters are built for speed. They are expert swimmers and divers; they can swim at an average of 7 mph and can stay underwater for up to 2 minutes. Their sleek bodies barely make a ripple when gliding through the water. River otters have a thick body with short legs. But don't think that makes them slow -- they can run up to 15-18 mph and can slide on ice 25 feet! Their hind feet are webbed and all have claws, making them efficient for both swimming and running. Specialized ears and nose have valve-like skin that closes to keep water out. An adult river otter can weigh between 15-30 pounds and be up to 60 inches long. Females are smaller than males, sometimes up to 25% smaller. Otters have a strong sense of smell and hearing; while their vision is not as good, it may be better underwater than above.
When prime, the river otter's fur appears black-brown, with the belly fur slightly lighter; fur under the chin and on the throat is grayish. In New Hampshire, otter may be trapped by licensed trappers. The take during the 2004-2005 season was 304 animals. River otters are primarily nocturnal and active all year long. They feed primarily on fish, but will take insects, frogs and occasionally small mammals. Otters are highly mobile, males more so than females. Their home range varies from less than one square mile to more than 20 square miles. Wrestling and chase play are important socializing activities. River otters breed in March and April, beginning at the age of 2. Young are born in February to April after a period of delayed implantation. Litter sizes can be from 1 to 5, but on average are 2 or 3.
River otters live in the riparian borders of streams and lakes and other wetlands in forested areas. One of the best habitats for river otters in the northeast is beaver-influenced drainages. They prefer waterbodies rich with fish in areas with plenty of denning sites. Den sites can consist of a rocky ledge, a fallen tree or an abandoned beaver lodge. Otters are extremely sensitive to changes in habitat. Pollution and destruction of wetland habitats are detrimental to river otters and other wetland species. -- Julie Robinson, Wildlife Biologist from NHF&G web site
Eric Orff on minks.
If you live near a stream, river or pond, MINK are some of your neighbors. Mink have a dark chestnut-brown colored pelt, only interrupted sometimes by a white chin patch. They are similar in size to the marten. Mink are semi-aquatic in nature, although they can and do range distances from water. Their typical home range is nearly a mile of a river corridor. Their aquatic dwelling shows up in their diet -- which is 31 percent fish, 25 percent frogs and 23 percent crayfish -- although small mammals are often part of their prey base, as well. Mink range widely over North America, except the desert southwest, and are common throughout New Hampshire. Like other weasels, they are rarely seen.
http://www.nhfishandwildlife.com/weasels.php
More about minks.
http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/mink.htm
For size comparison.
http://www.hikingnature.com/mink/nor...american-mink/