The South American Giant Otter

The common name of this animal is River Wolf and its scientific name is Pteronura brasiliensis. It is a mammal belonging to the otter family. It is the biggest otter in the world. This animal can be found in rivers and lakes of South America. A male can be up to 2 metres long and weigh up to 32 kilograms.
It has a rounded head with very small ears and a white circle of fur round their necks. Underwater, they are able to close their nostrils. Their eyes are large and accute, their legs muscular and the feet are completely webbed . Its tail is long and flattened. It feeds on snakes and crustaceans. It lives to be about 21 years old. 
The gestation period is of 2 months and 2 or three cubs are born at the same time. The whole holt helps take care of the young ones. When they are 2 or 3 months old, the young begin to explore out of the den and their parents push them into the water.
These animals are in danger because their skin is sold. There may be only 1000 individuals left. Actually its commerce and exportation is totally forbidden.

Written by: Pablo and Paricio