NORTH AMERICA

RIVER OTTER


Scientific Name: Lontra canadensis

IUCN Status: Least concern

Habitat: Rivers, lakes, marshes and ocean bays throughout parts of the United States and Canada

Diet: Fish, frogs, clams, snakes, turtles, worms, birds and some smaller mammals

Life Span: Up to 19 years

Reproduction: Up to 4 pups at a time

Fact: Otters are good swimmers and can stay submerged for 3 to 4 minutes. They love to play in the water, and sliding is a favorite game. Otters are nocturnal but may be seen during the day.

SOUTH AMERICA

CAPYBARA


Scientific Name: Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris

IUCN Status: Least concern

Habitat:
Panama to Rio de la Plata, and up the Amazon as far as Bolivia and Peru. They live in large groups near streams, ponds and rivers where they like to sun bathe.

Diet:
Land and water grasses, fruit, bark of saplings and shrubs

Reproduction:
Capybaras can breed anytime during the year. In the wild, the female only produces one litter a year. Litter size is usually five but can range from one to eight. The mother has five pairs of nipples.

Life Span:
10-12 years

Fact: A capybara is the world's largest rodent.