Fast Facts: The Giant River Otter
These otters aren't the cute and fuzzy creatures I initially thought they'd be; Giant River Otters are actually lethal killing machines, at least to schools of fish. The Giant River Otter : Pteronura brasiliensis Description : Giant River Otters are the largest freshwater otter species, and the longest members of the Mustelidae family. They can reach up to six feet in length and weigh between 50 and 70 pounds; females are slightly smaller and lighter. All Giant River Otters have sleek, muscular bodies, resembling weasels more than other species of otters. They also have unique white and brown neck patches which help them distinguish members of their own family. Their sharp teeth and size give the nickname, 'River Wolf'; in fact, Giant River Otters were once the size of actual wolves. Habitat : These otters live along slow-moving rivers that are often located near swamps and marshes. The species is spread out across North-Central South America with the largest popu