Description
While many otter species exist in areas that get cold and snowy in the winter, one particular species is found only in warmer climates. Specifically, along the Amazon River of South America. It is the giant otter, the longest member of the weasel family and longest otter species. In fact, some individuals have been known to reach lengths of up to eight feet!
Giant otters are quite different from other otter species. They have the shortest fur of any otter, due to not having to deal with cold temperatures like their northern cousins. They also are known to have white or cream markings under their throat and chin, which individuals use to identify one another. In fact, when meeting for the first time, giant otters participate in 'periscoping,' a behavior in which both animals show their throats and upper chests to each other. This allows them to remember each other later.
Unlike other otters who prefer solitude, giant otters are most often found in large groups. These groups are known to be extremely noisy, producing a wide variety of unique calls, each with a different meaning. A 2014 study identified at least 22 distinct calls.
All otters are fascinating creatures, but perhaps no species is quite as interesting and unusual as the giant otter.
5 Books of 100 First-Class Forever© USPS postage stamps.*The slash over "Forever" in the image is to protect it from being used to produce counterfeit postage. Actual stamps will not have this.
