Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
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North American River Otter (Lutra canadensis)

​These playful mammals are able to close their ears and nostrils when swimming underwater. They can remain underwater for six to eight minutes! When they swim they use their tails and back legs to push them through the water at speeds of up to 18 mph! River otters appear playful and cute however; they have very sharp teeth and powerful jaws.

Visit Tahu and Sedge at the Zoo in their habitat sponsored by Bridgeport Hospital, or check them out on our Otter Cam!
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​Description
A river otter’s long narrow body can range in length from 18″- 42 “, not including the tail. Weight can vary from 8 to 40 pounds with males larger than females. The brownish fur is short and dense. The muscular tail is thick at the base and tapers to the tip.
​Habitat
Ponds and lakes in wooded areas, rivers, marshes, estuaries and marine coasts.
Range
North America except in the Midwest and portions of southwestern US.
​Diet
Mostly fish, but also crabs, crayfish, waterfowl, eggs, turtles, fresh water clams and small mammals.
​Life Span
15 years in the wild and 23 years in captivity.
​Family Life
They are social animals except during the breeding season. Females have litters of 1-4 young (pups) after a 285-380 day gestation period. The pups stay with the female for one year.
Status
As a group, otters have suffered from habitat loss, water pollution and fur trapping. Their numbers are on the rise due to reintroduction programs in parts of the US, better water quality, and protection of their habitat.
​Did You Know? Mink and River Otters are both mustelids and share many characteristics. Mustelids are fur-bearing carnivores that inhabit terrestrial and aquatic regions throughout the world, except Australia, Antarctica, and most oceanic islands. Recently, the American mink and their tracks have been observed by the banks of the Pequonnock River! Learn more about the American mink here.
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​203-394-6565
​info@beardsleyzoo.org 
1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610
Open 9am-4pm daily
​Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is dedicated to acquainting a diverse public to the delicate balance that exists between living things and their environment.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is a 501(c)(3) not for profit owned and operated by the Connecticut Zoological Society.

2019 Kids Out and About #1
Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Connecticut - Still Revolutionary
Weekly Best of Fairfield County Readers' Poll 2014
FC Buzz Events - Arts & Culture of Fairfield County
© 2022 Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
  • Home
  • About
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • Jobs
    • Press
  • Guest Info
    • Accessibility
    • Calendar
    • COVID Guidelines
    • For Kids >
      • Coloring Pages
      • Zoo Patrol
      • Zoo Tots
    • Our Animals >
      • Eastern Rat Snake
    • Our Plants
    • Parents
    • Zoo Cams >
      • Outdoor Red Panda Cam
      • Indoor Red Panda Cam
      • Outdoor Spider Monkey Cam
      • Indoor Spider Monkey Cam
      • Otter Cam
    • Zoo Etiquette
    • Zoo Map
  • Membership
  • Education
    • Citizen Science >
      • FrogWatch
      • MonarchWatch
    • Conservation >
      • City Nature Challenge
      • Conservation Pledge
    • Cool Blue >
      • Cool Blue Schools
    • Programs
    • Educational Resources
    • Evening Lectures
    • Field Trips
    • Just 4 Teens >
      • CDC
      • Explorers
    • Teachers
  • Support
    • Animal Sponsorship
    • Appeal
    • Corporate Support
    • Donate
    • Events
    • Gift Guide
    • Honor & Remember
    • Monthly Giving
    • Naming Opportunities
    • Wish List
  • Parties, Rentals & Weddings
    • Birthdays
    • Private Events
    • Weddings
    • Rates and Details
    • Preferred Vendors
    • Preferred Wedding Vendors
    • Event Guidelines
  • Volunteer
    • Interns
  • Buy Tickets