Neotropical River Otter
By William Zhou
Scientific Description
The Neotropical River Otter, also known as the lontra longicaudis, is a type of otter found in the neotropical region of the world. This mainly consists of Central and South America, which includes Belize. It is similar to the appearances of the other 13 types of otters. Adults of this species are about 3 feet (about 91 cm) in length and around 25 lbs (around 11 kg). The Neotropical River Otters have a remarkably long tail, making up almost a third of their body. Despite this, these otters are also efficient swimmers with a slim body, short limbs, and feet that are webbed. This mammal prefers fast-flowing, clear creeks and streams along with warm and cool climates. They live inside of burrow made entirely by themselves. However, with habitat destruction and water pollution endangering this species and is marked as Near Threat by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). As a predator, this animal helps maintain a stable number of prey in the area by eating insects, reptiles, birds and small mammals, however it has a usual diet consisting of mainly fish, crustaceans, and molluscs.
Cultural Connections
Back in the 1950-70s Neotropical River Otters and many others were widely hunted for their furs, creating extinction in some areas of the world. Many continue to illegally hunt these creatures for their fur. In China, it was standard for royalty to wear fine robes made of this fur. In many other locations such as the US, capes, furs, belts, and sashes made out of otter fur were widely popular. Even though some may use these animals for their fur, some also worshipped these small creatures. For example, some types of Native American tribes have the otter directly on totem poles, meaning they honor this creature. The Zoroastrian people would hold ceremonies for dead otters found in the wild solely because they thought it was against nature and the gods to kill this otter.
Stories
In Norse mythology it is said that a dwarf had taken on the form of an otter. A dwarf named Otr was a shapeshifter, usually taking on the form of an otter. One day the trickster god, Loki, was walking down the stream. He saw the otter and soon threw a rock straight at the animal. This killed it instantly and he flung it upon his shoulder. When Otr’s father saw the pelt he was enraged and quickly bound Loki. Otr’s father demanded a ransom so that the otter pelt was to be stuffed with gold on the inside and covered with gold on the outside so that no whisker was seen. Loki traveled to where he killed the otter, and found a pike who guarded a stash of gold. Loki used a huge net to scoop up the pike, causing it to give up all of its gold except for one ring. Loki quickly snatched up the ring, putting it on his finger. However, the ring was cursed, so that anyone who wore it was ridden with misfortune. Loki stuffed the otter, bringing it back to Otr’s father. It was found that the otter’s pelt was covered all with gold except for one whisker. Loki used the ring he brought and laid it upon the last whisker. As Loki left, he told Otr’s father and the rest of his sons that they were to be doomed for misfortune as that was the curse of the pike.