River otters may be found all over the North American continent, with the exception of the far Southwest. Close to four feet long, these fascinating animals are as much at home in the water as on the land. About one-third of their length is a tapered tail with a thick base, serving as a perfect rudder for fast swimming turns. Their coat is a thick, glossy fur that is just about waterproof. otters love to play games. The young as well as the old ones join in games of and hide-and-seek. These chases may take them into the water. among trees and bushes on the shore, or both. popular sport sliding downhill on their stomachs. This tobogganing works equally well in snow and slippery mud. The faster the slide, the better the otters River otters eat many kinds of small creatures. Some of their favorites are fish fresh-water clams, snails, crawfish, big insects, lizards, and snakes. Their webbed feet and tail rudders give them such control that sometimes they can outswim even a trout. Most the fish, though, are caught under rocks where they have taken of refuge. for otters by completely freezing the cold winters may make serious trouble find holes in the ice, air can neither surface of streams and lakes. Unless they can the occasional fresh get into the water fo catch fish nor come up for that they need. In such a case, their only alternative is to hunt fora bit of open water