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Name: Christopher
Status: other
Age: other
Location: CA
Country: N/A
Date: 6/28/2005
Question:
Would anyone be able to tell me whether the North American river otter (or any other otter for that matter) is capable of climbing trees, and if so, whether they are particularly skillful at it? I'd imagine they could scamper up a leaning trunk or something of the like, But I was especially curious whether they have the capacity to ascend (and descend) a vertical trunk by clinging with their claws.

Replies:
A quick look through several standard references found no mention of otters climbing trees, given their anatomy and habitats it seems quite unlikely.

J. Elliott

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