|
This is from Larivière
(1999). and The River
otter Preservation Society website.
In Water
The Neotropical Otter is a graceful swimmer and diver, like all otters.
When swimming slowly, it uses a four-pawed paddle. To go faster, for
swimming or diving, the front paws are held close to the body, and the
larger back paws and strong, muscular tail thrust it through the water.
On Land
Because the front legs are shorter than the hind legs, otters run with
a characteristic hunped gait. This is very clearly shown in the animation
below, appearing by kind permission of Dr Elton Pinto Colares (his
copyright).
|