The semi‐aquatic North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) has the unique challenge of navigating slippery algae‐coated rocks. Unlike other river otter species, each rear paw of the North American river otter has a series of soft, circular, and keratinized plantar pads similar to the felt pads on the boots of fly fishermen. Surrounding these soft pads is a textured epidermal layer. In this combined experimental and numerical study, we investigate the influence of the plantar pads and surrounding skin on the otter's grip. We filmed an otter walking and performed materials testing and histology on preserved otter paws. We present experiments and numerical modeling of how the otter paw may help evacuate water when contacting the river bed. We hope this study will draw interest into natural amphibious grip mechanisms for use in sports and the military.

中文翻译：

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北美河獭爪子增强湿抓力


半水生北美河獭 （Lontra canadensis） 面临着在湿滑的藻类覆盖的岩石中航行的独特挑战。与其他河獭物种不同，北美河獭的每个后爪都有一系列柔软的、圆形的和角质化的足底垫，类似于飞蝇钓者靴子上的毡垫。这些柔软的垫子周围是有纹理的表皮层。在这项结合实验和数值的研究中，我们调查了足底垫和周围皮肤对水獭抓握力的影响。我们拍摄了一只水獭行走，并对保存好的水獭爪子进行了材料测试和组织学研究。我们介绍了水獭爪子在接触河床时如何帮助排水的实验和数值建模。我们希望这项研究能引起人们对用于体育和军事的天然两栖握把机构的兴趣。