Dakota Zoo - Animals

• Common across most of North America.

• Since the beginning of the 20th century, they have expanded into Europe due to intentional introductions and escapes from fur farms.

• The species name lotor means “washer” in Latin and refers to the belief that these animals wash their food. Research shows that these animals do not wash their food to clean it, but that the behavior probably mimics fishing or shellfishing behavior.

• In Germany where some animals have been intentionally introduced and others escaped from fur farms, these animals have become a threat to the wine industry for their habit of seeking food in wine cellars and storage areas.

Respect native wildlife by remembering that…it’s wild! When enjoying native land where wildlife lives, always be aware, be safe, and leave no trace. Never approach, taunt, or feed wildlife. Interacting with them can be dangerous to you and to them. Instead, enjoy their beauty and their ecosystem without disturbing them. To learn more, follow these links:
gf.nd.gov/wildlife/orphaned
www.nationalparks.org/connect/blog/tips-safely-visiting-national-parks