Derry Township in Hershey in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
River Otter
Water weasel
Lontra canadensis
| | Eastern Woodlands | |
With a streamlined body, webbed feet, and a long tapered tail, the otter is built for swimming. While underwater, valves seal off the otter's ears and nose, and its pulse rate drops to slow blood and oxygen circulation. These adaptations enable the otter to remain submerged for up to four minutes, travel one-quarter mile without coming up for air, and dive up to 50 feet. An otter's top swimming speed is about seven miles per hour. Otters remain active all year long. Short dense underfur and longer guard hairs combine with a layer of fat to insulate the body in cold water. Sensitive whiskers help the otter locate fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates. Like all weasels, the otter uses scent glands to mark its territory.
River otters can be found in clean lakes, rivers, and streams throughout the United States and Canada. Water pollution, habitat loss, and unregulated trapping and hunting have greatly reduced their numbers in certain areas. Reproduction programs in Pennsylvania and surrounding states are helping to reestablish wild populations.
Erected by ZooAmerica.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 40° 17.267′
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, in the Susquehanna Valley, and in Greater Harrisburg. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Partnering for Barn Owls (within shouting distance of this marker); Burrowing Owl (within shouting distance of this marker); Wild Turkey (within shouting distance of this marker); Monarch Habitat (within shouting distance of this marker); Pronghorn (within shouting distance of this marker); Thick-Billed Parrot (within shouting distance of this marker); Birch Woods (within shouting distance of this marker); Peregrine Falcon (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hershey.
Additional commentary.
1. About the marker
This sign serves as a historical marker because it shares how human activity over time has affected the population of the river otter.
— Submitted October 23, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 123 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 23, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
