Otters and beavers are two similar-looking animals. However, their life histories and behaviors are quite different. Otters are aquatic mammals, meaning they spend most of their lives in water. Beavers, on the other hand, live mostly on land. These differences might seem like nothing at first glance but when it comes to caring for these animals as pet owners or working with them as wildlife professionals, it’s essential we understand them better.
Here is everything you need to know about otter pets and beaver pets so that you can make an informed decision if these animal companions are right for you and your family.
What is Otter?
The otter is a carnivorous mammal native to the northern hemisphere. It can be found in lakes, rivers, and wetlands across much of Eurasia and North America. The size of an otter varies, with most weighing between 5 to 20 pounds. Its fur is usually dark brown or black with some individuals having a white belly and throat. An otter’s tail should not be confused with its long and thin legs. The tail makes up about half of an otter’s length. Because of its small size, an otter can easily evade predators and swim through shallow water. Although it is primarily nocturnal, an otter may be active during the day to search for food or build dens in which to sleep.
Otters are omnivorous animals that eat both plants and animals. They primarily feed on fish, but will also eat amphibians, invertebrates, crustaceans, birds, and small mammals like rodents and rabbits. Otters will also scavenge from dead carcasses or hunt live prey when they are hungry enough such as fish or crayfish. They’ll also eat garbage if they get the chance to find food in it!
What is Beaver?
Beaver are small, furry, and very cute animals that live in forests, swamps, and other damp environments. They are related to the beaver family, which includes otters and muskrats. These animals have large front teeth that they use to gnaw on trees and branches. They can also use their teeth to dig tunnels in the ground for shelter. Beavers build dams in rivers and streams to create pools of water that they can use for drinking and bathing. These animals also eat tree bark to help them stay healthy.
Beavers are native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Most beavers live in forests with lots of trees. They can be found near streams and wetlands where they can find plenty of food. The best place to see beavers is in zoos where they can escape predators like coyotes and humans.
Difference between Otters and Beavers
Otters and beavers are both aquatic mammals, but there are a few key differences between the two.
There are four species of otter: the Eurasian otter, the North American river otter, the South American river otter, and the corsac otter. The Eurasian otter is one of the most widespread species of otter in the world, but it is threatened by habitat loss and pollution.
The North American river otter is smaller than most other species of otter, but it has adapted to live in a wide variety of environments. The South American river otter is the smallest member of the family and is sometimes called a “dwarf otter.” Beavers are also aquatic mammals that build dams for both utility and recreation purposes; however, they do not have an external tail like other members of their family.
Conclusion
Otters and beavers are very similar in many ways. They are both members of the rodent family, but they vary slightly in size, shape, and habitat. Both species are about the same size, and each has a flat, furry tail with a tuft of long hair at the end. While otters are often found in densely forested areas, beavers are more commonly found in wetlands.
Beavers live in a lodge, out of which they can build a small pond to protect themselves and their young. The word “otter” refers to any member of the weasel family that lives in rivers and streams, while the word “beaver” refers to any animal that builds a lodge or dam to protect itself and its young.
