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Tail: Completely covered with fur, a river otter's tail is flat and thick at the base and tapers toward the tip. This strong, flexible appendage acts as a rudder when the animal is swimming, and as a brace when it balances on its hind feet.
Head: The river otter's head is broad and rather flat, with a blunt muzzle.
• The nose is black and ends in a large, rounded pad. River otters have an acute sense of smell. On land, this helps them communicate and locate food, other otters, home, and danger. Valve-like flaps of skin cover the nostrils and ear openings when the otter dives.
• Long stiff vibrissae (whiskers) are prominent on the muzzle, below the chin, and on the elbows. Five to ten centimeters long (two to four inches), these tactile hairs are used to explore the size of holes or burrows, to detect underwater obstructions and changes in water current, and to locate prey.
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