Canadian wildlife · Drawing 10 of 40
River Otter
Beside fresh water
The river otter swims with its flexible body and long tail. It explores rivers and lakes, searching for the animals that it eats.
Did you know?
Its sensitive whiskers help it find prey in the water.
Look together
Does its tail look like a beaver’s tail?
An idea to try
Draw a winding path connecting a river to a lake.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
Scientific name: Lontra canadensis. Where it lives: Aquatic habitats across much of Canada. What it eats: Fish, crayfish and other small aquatic animals. Webbed feet help it swim. It can also travel on land and slide down slopes, including slopes covered with snow or mud.
Look together: Does its tail look like a beaver’s tail? Draw a winding path connecting a river to a lake.
Sources and illustration notes (2)
Simplified drawing for colouring. Coat, feather or skin markings are left white so children can choose their colours. Proportions and details are not a scientific identification plate.
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. Source titles appear in their original language; some linked pages are in French.
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo — North American River OtterWhisker sensitivity, webbed feet, tail, diet and habitat.
- Ontario Parks — Snow sleuthsSliding behaviour.
Source review: 2026-09-30. Illustrations are simplified for colouring.
