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Male river otters average 9.15 to 1.22 meters (3 to 4 feet) in length, and females over 9.15 meters (3 feet--this includes the tail, which accounts for about one third of total body length.) The largest river otter ever recorded measured 1.53 meters (5 feet). An adult male may weigh 4.54 to 11.34 kilograms (10 to 25 pounds), and females between 5.44 and 8.16 kilograms (12 to 18 pounds).
Feet: All otters have webbed feet. The feet have five toes with well-developed, non-retractable claws. Except for the pads on the toes and soles, the undersurfaces of the feet are furred, and they are very sensitive to touch. These dexterous paws help otters feel for prey in muddy waters, handle small objects, dig, and swim. River otters can stand upright on their hind paws, which have small callused pads for traction.
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