U.S. #5650
2021 58¢ Otters in Snow – Otter, Tail at Left
Issue Date: October 12, 2021
First Day City: Otter, MT
Type of Stamp: Definitive
Printed by: Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method: Offset
Format: Double-sided Booklet of 20
Self-Adhesive
Quantity Printed: 300,000,000
The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) or common otter, is the species most of us picture when we hear "otter." These animals are semiaquatic, meaning they spend much of their time in water, but still require access to dry ground. That's why North American river otters build their burrows along the edge of a river, lake, swamp, or other similar waterway.
Like other otter species, North American river otters' diet consists mainly of fish. However, they may also eat frogs, salamanders, freshwater clams, mussels, snails, small turtles, and crayfish. Their favorite fish species are perch, suckers, and catfish. North American river otters are well adapted to harsh winter weather, and are still able to find food during snowy conditions. In fact, they are often seen tobogganing down icy hills to get to the water.
North American river otters were first documented by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. Since then, the animals have been hunted for their fur and also face the threat of habitat destruction. These factors have significantly reduced their numbers in some areas. Fortunately, many conservation efforts have been put into place and, with some luck, the North American river otter will make a comeback and be around for generations to come.