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Do otters change color in the winter?

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No, but a very similar animal, the stoat, which is in the same family (mustelidae) becomes white and is called an ermine, although it is of course still the same animal, whatever the season! read more

The change in color is caused by the reduced exposure to light. The phenomenon of animals responding to different light exposure due to seasonal changes is called photoperiodism. There is a pigment in the retina that detects light, called melanopsin, that is involved in circadian rhythm regulation in the brain. read more

The uniquely patterned fur was once used to trim the robes of royalty and clergy. Weasels of the same species that live in more southerly climates usually don’t change color, though their more northerly relatives do. In transition zones, some weasels only partially change color, resulting in patchy white-and-brown fur. read more

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