North American Beaver vs Otter
Quick answer
In a hypothetical one-on-one, the North American Beaver would most likely come out on top decisively, thanks to its raw strength and superior speed. In reality, animals like these rarely meet, and both would usually avoid a fight.
This is a hypothetical, educational comparison based on typical size, strength, and natural weaponry. In the wild these animals rarely meet, and most encounters end without a fight.
Mammal
Least Concern
Mammal
Least ConcernNorth American Beaver vs Otter compared
| Attribute | North American Beaver | Otter |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 25 kg | 10 kg |
| Length | 1 m | 1 m |
| Top speed | 55 km/h | 12 km/h |
| Strength | 50/100 | 18/100 |
| Deadliness | 10/100 | 12/100 |
| Intelligence | 62/100 | 65/100 |
| Lifespan | 20 yr | 13 yr |
North American Beaver vs Otter: common questions
Who would win in a fight, a North American Beaver or a Otter?
In a hypothetical one-on-one, the North American Beaver would most likely come out on top decisively, thanks to its raw strength and superior speed. In reality, animals like these rarely meet, and both would usually avoid a fight.
Which is bigger, the North American Beaver or the Otter?
The North American Beaver is heavier, weighing around 25 kg compared with the other's 10 kg.
Which is faster, the North American Beaver or the Otter?
The North American Beaver is faster, reaching about 55 km/h versus 12 km/h.
Which lives longer, the North American Beaver or the Otter?
The North American Beaver typically lives longer, up to around 20 years compared with 13 years.
Sources & references
Conservation status follows the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; size, weight, speed, and lifespan figures are drawn from Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan Museum of Zoology) and Nowak, Walker’s Mammals of the World (Johns Hopkins University Press), cross-checked against each species’ own guide. Compare full profiles for habitat, diet, and behaviour:
- North American Beaver — full guide
IUCN Red List (Least Concern, Castor canadensis)
- Otter — full guide
IUCN Red List (Least Concern, Lutrinae)
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Animal Diversity Web — University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
Life-history, morphology, and measurement data for North American Beaver and Otter.
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Nowak, R. M. (1999). Walker’s Mammals of the World (6th ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press.
Standard reference for body size, weight, and life-span ranges.
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Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, and review wildlife comparisons.
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