Classification

Scientific Classification

Domain: Eukarya - Organisms in the Domain Eukarya possess membrane bound organelles.

Kingdom: Animalia - Members of this class obtain energy from other organisms because they    are not able to produce it themselves.

Phylum: Chordata - Members of the Phylum Chordata possess bilateral symmetry. They are highly cephalized, meaning they have a concentration of sensory organs. Members are triploblastic, denoting three tissue layers, and possess a coelom. They also have a complete digestive tract and a notochord. Additionally, they also have a post anal tail present during some point of their life cycle.

Class: Mammalia - All organisms of the class Mammalia have bodies covered in hair. They are endothermic and nourish their young with milk. Embryos develop internally in members of this class.

Order: Carnivora - Members of this order are carnivorous, or meat eating. They may have other dietary habitats as well.

Family: Mustelidae - Members of this family include weasels, stoats, polecats, mink, martin, fishers, wolverines, otters, badgers, and others.  They possess elongated bodies and short legs and rostrum.  All mustelids have well developed anal scent glands.

Genus: Lontra - This genus encompass an array of semi-aquatic weasels who have an oily waterproof coat, webbed toes, and small external ears.

Species: Lontra canadensis - The most numerous species of otter who's range extends from Canada to Southern Florida.

Lontra canadensis translates to "the otter belonging to Canada"

To continue learning about the North American River Otter, continue to the Interactions page.