Witness the playful gliding and fishing of river otters in a freshly thawed North American river
![Witness the playful gliding and fishing of river otters in a freshly thawed North American river](https://cdn.britannica.com/45/21945-138-88CC6909/North-American-river-otters-melting-fish.jpg)
Witness the playful gliding and fishing of river otters in a freshly thawed North American river
Learn about North American river otters (Lutra canadensis) by watching them explore a recently thawed river and catch fish.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Transcript
NARRATOR: As spring begins, snow and ice melt into flowing streams. The playful river otter, common in lakes and streams throughout the United States and Canada, enjoys its new freedom.
During the winter the otter could only fish through small ice holes. Now it has access to a wide, open river. Gracefully gliding through the water, the otter pursues a prey. Using its muscular tail for both propulsion and steering, it relies on its sensitive whiskers to sense the movement of fish. This pursuit has a satisfying outcome.
During the winter the otter could only fish through small ice holes. Now it has access to a wide, open river. Gracefully gliding through the water, the otter pursues a prey. Using its muscular tail for both propulsion and steering, it relies on its sensitive whiskers to sense the movement of fish. This pursuit has a satisfying outcome.