North Carolina river otters can be found primarily in the coastal and central sections of the state. The river otter is smaller than the sea otter, weighing from 10 to 30 pounds and measuring three to four feet in length from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail. Its tail is longer than its cousin's, approximately two-thirds the length of its head and body. Sea otters average 50 to 90 pounds and reach lengths of up to five feet. Seeing an otter in the water is one of the best ways to tell the difference between the two species.
River otters have smaller, more circular shaped webbed paws because they are adapted to land travel.
Both species are known for their playful behavior and acrobatic stunts in water. Whether ocean or river dwellers, otters in North America are threatened by pollution, habitat degradation, hunting and trapping. Wildlife protection legislation and programs are in existence in many states to protect and preserve these acrobats of the water.