Dens have underwater entrances and a tunnel leading to a nest chamber that is lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. Otters are slender, streamlined, and flexible, which serves them well for a life in underground tunnels, and waters often congested with floating debris and aquatic plants. Their fur is water repellant to help keep them warm. These sanctuaries help ill and injured otters to recover. Their population is considered stable and IUCN lists it as ‘least concern’. They can close their nostrils and ears when swimming or diving. It has a stocky body, short legs, webbed feet, and a long tail. They live alone or in family groups, typically females and their young. The North American river otter use a wide range of vocalizations, including whistles and buzzes to twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls. They … North American river otters are excellent swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to 8 minutes. They sometimes eat aquatic plants. They mainly escape predation through their agility in the water and on land, their vigilance, and their ability to fiercely defend themselves and their young. The North American river otter was one of the most hunted animals for its fur after Europeans arrived. Facts About the North American River Otter. They have become a popular exhibit in zoos and aquaria, but unwelcome on agricultural land because they alter river banks for their access, sliding, and defense. River otter reaches a length of about 66 – 107 cm (26 – 42 inches). Sighting one can be an exciting occasion for boaters, fisher- men and other outdoor enthusiasts because of the creature’s secretive nature and relative rarity in some waters. North American river otter. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. North American river otters seem to be sensitive to pollution and disappear from areas with polluted waters. Many "play" activities actually serve a purpose; some strengthen social bonds, others practice hunting techniques or serve to scent mark. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. It is believed that only 86 of them are present in this world now. The North American river otter is one of the most playful, curious, and active species of otter. North American river otters. The life expectancy for an otter is about 8-9 years. The toes are fully webbed, and the tail (one-third of body length) is tapered. Otters in general inhabit diverse water bodies and river otters, although they may prefer fast-flowing rivers, also inhabit a variety of other freshwater habitats like streams, lakes, ponds, and marshes. Males and females come together to breed in late winter or early spring. It is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. River otters reach maturity around two years of age. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Most are dark brown in color, with lighter patches on their throats and chests. The average lifespan for North American river otters is from 8 to 9 years in the wild, while in captivity individuals may live up to 25 years. It weigh from 8.5 to 12 kg (19 to 26 lbs). They have become a popular exhibit in zoos and aquaria, but unwelcome on agricultural land because they alter river banks for their access, sliding, and defense. They sometimes eat aquatic plants. The North American river otter's body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42 in). They have wide, rounded heads, small ears, and nostrils that can be closed underwater. North American river otters are highly mobile and have the capacity of traveling up to 42 km (26 mi) in one day. North American river otters are sometimes taken by bobcats, coyotes, birds of prey, alligators, and other large predators. We receive no government funding, and depend solely on financial support from our friends. North American river otters seem to be sensitive to pollution and disappear from areas with polluted waters. These sanctuaries help ill and injured otters to recover. The North American river otter's body is built for streamlined swimming. These otters are active year-round, and are most active at night and during crepuscular hours. In contrast to the European otter, the North American river otter has a longer neck and narrower face. They have wide, rounded heads, small ears, and nostrils that can be closed underwater. North American River Otter. North American river otters are highly mobile and have the capacity of traveling up to 42 km (26 mi) in one day. They become much more nocturnal in the spring, summer, and fall seasons, and more diurnal during winter. It ranges from 250,000 to a million hairs per square inch, according to the Defenders of Wildlife. North American river otters live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats including rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and estuaries. They are also fast on land, capable of running at up to 30 km/h (19 miles). They have wide, rounded heads, small ears, and nostrils that can be closed underwater. This month’s Creature Feature is the North American river otter. They open their eyes at one month of age and are weaned at about 3 months old. It lives in a den, which can be made in a riverside burrow, under rocks or plants, or in a beaver’s home (lodge). They mainly escape predation through their agility in the water and on land, their vigilance, and their ability to fiercely defend themselves and their young. The Giant otter is found in South America around the Amazon river basin. Other Otter Facts . Sea otters have also been hunted in large numbers for their fur. Interestingly, after the egg is fertilized it goes through a stage when the embryo becomes inactive known as delayed implantation. Basic Facts about the North American River Otter Its scientific name is Lontra canadensis. Instead air is trapped in their fur which keeps them warm. It weigh from 8.5 to 12 kg (19 to 26 lbs). North American river otters can reach a length of 3.9 ft and weigh 3 lbs. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. The North American river otter’s main prey is fish, which it usually catches during the day. Birds, their eggs, and small terrestrial mammals are also eaten on occasion. The North American river otter is one of the most playful, curious, and active species of otter. Fast Facts. The only exception to this is the North American river otter. Otters' playful behaviors like mud/snow sliding, burrowing through snow, and waterplay help strengthen social bonds and allow them to practice hunting and scent-marking. The toes are fully webbed, and the tail (one-third of body length) is tapered. River Otter Facts. North American river otter. Range. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. River otters can stay under water for as long as 8 minutes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Dens have underwater entrances and a tunnel leading to a nest chamber that is lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. 11 Do otters live alone? North American river otters live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats including rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and estuaries. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. River otters eat a variety of fish and shellfish, as well as small land mammals and birds. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. Gestation lasts two months, but the young may be born up to a year after mating because these otters employ delayed implantation. National Geographic: Sea Otter 2. The adult male weighs around 11.3 kg (25 lb); while the female weighs up to 8.3 kg (18 lb). The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) became one of the major animals hunted and trapped for fur in North America after European contact. North American river otters build dens in the burrows of other mammals, in natural hollows, such as under a log, or in river banks. Some jurisdictions have made otters a protected species in some areas, and some places have otter sanctuaries. They … The vibrissae are long and thick, reflecting their importance in sensory perception. The length of a tail … North American River Otters are large compared to most other semi-aquatic mammals, and adults can be as long as 5 feet and weigh more than 30 pounds. The North American river otter lives along riverbanks, lakeshores, and coasts. They are also fast on land, capable of running at up to 30 km/h (19 miles). Warm air trapped in a sea otter’s fur keeps them warm in chilly waters.When otters dive, they seal their ears and nose.The word otter comes from Old English and Indo European root words that were also used to create the English word for water.Otters have the densest fur in the world. It weigh from 8.5 to 12 kg (19 to 26 lbs). They live alone or in family groups, typically females and their young. North American river otters communicate with each other through sounds such as whistles, growls, chuckles and screams. In contrast to their very s… The otter closes its nostrils and small ears when submerged. They begin to leave their natal range at from 6 months to a year old. The North American river otter lives along riverbanks, lakeshores, and coasts. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. They are found in Asia. Lontra canadensis. Animal Facts Scientific Name. North American river otters have long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. Flexing their long bodies up and down, paddling with their webbed hind feet, and using their feet and strong tails to steer, river otters are underwater acrobats. They are used extensively in hunting, as smell, vision, and hearing are diminished in the water. It is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), or the common otter, is an aquatic mammal native to only North America in the countries Canada, and the United States.River otters are a distant relative of the weasel family. Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. It’s not unusual to see a mother otter with her cubs, but families aside, it depends on the species. They can grow to over 1.5m (5ft) long. The most threatened species of otters are the hairy-nosed otters. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water. They are born with fur, but are otherwise helpless. North American river otters have long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. Unlike most marine mammals, otters do not have a layer of insulating blubber. The North American river otter’s body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42 in). The North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a species of otter. It uses its long vibrissae (whiskers) to find prey in murky water. The river otter's life expectancy is 10 to 15 years in the wild and 25 years in captivity. They are found throughout most of North America – from the Rio Grande in Northern Mexico to Canada and Alaska. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Gestation lasts two months, but the young may be born up to a year after mating because these otters employ delayed implantation. Their thick fur is both water-repellent and an effective insulator against temperature extremes. North American river otters are known for their boundless energy, and they must eat frequently. The weight of a North American river otter measures around 5 – 14 kg (11 – 31 lb). North American river otters eat mainly aquatic organisms such as amphibians, fish, turtles, crayfish, crabs, and other invertebrates. Sea otters can reach 9kph underwater, North American river otters are faster at 11kph, and the maximum speed of the giant river otter is an impressive 14kph. North American River Otter The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. These otters are active year-round, and are most active at night and during crepuscular hours. The North American river otter use a wide range of vocalizations, including whistles and buzzes to twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Juvenile otters usually remain with the female until she bears her next litter the following spring. Otters are playful animals, often seen burrowing through the snow, sliding through mud and splashing in the water. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). They begin to leave their natal range at from 6 months to a year old. Like their ocean-faring relatives, the sea otters, river otters belong to the mustelid family (weasels, skunks, badgers and more). Working with kids and the public it's hard to stay away from topics that make people go "eww" and get grossed out, because it grabs their attention. Birds and birds’ eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. North American river otters are sometimes taken by bobcats, coyotes, birds of prey, alligators, and other large predators. They catch fish in their mouths and detect other prey by feeling with their whiskers along the bottoms of streams. It lives in a den, which can be made in a riverside burrow, under rocks or plants, or in a beaver’s home (lodge). The North American river otter’s main prey is fish, which it usually catches during the day. They can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. The river otter has a long slender body, which is ideal for swimming and sliding. National Geographic: North American River Otter 3. Even though otters are considered land mammals, they spend a lot of their time in the water and are specially adapted to fishing in cold northern waters. And you definitely don’t want to mess with giant otters, just check out this clip below! Around one-third of an otter’s body is composed of a tail. The throat and cheeks are usually a golden brown. North American river otters build dens in the burrows of other mammals, in natural hollows, such as under a log, or in river banks. Their habitats can be both marine and freshwater. It is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. Home / Animals / North American river otter. The Internet connection is missing right now, but you're able to browse previously opened pages offline. North American river otters live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats including rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and estuaries. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also called the Canadian otter, is the most abundant species of otter. Diet Carnivore. Fun Facts: The river otter is non-territorial, but it still marks around its home range using feces and urine as a form of communication. They are born with fur, but are otherwise helpless. The River Otter Ecology Project is a registered 501 (c)(3) EIN #45-4997526 non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of river otters and our watershed. Our organization is not affiliated with any other otter-related research group or community outreach organization. They are used extensively in hunting, as smell, vision, and hearing are diminished in the water. Birds, their eggs, and small terrestrial mammals are also eaten on occasion. Only one otter species seems to be thriving, and that's the North American River Otter. In the late 1980s, North American river otters were considered extinct throughout many of their natural habitats. Let's take a closer look at this playful creature. They can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. The fur is dark brown to almost black above and a lighter color ventrally. Juvenile otters usually remain with the female until she bears her next litter the following spring. The vibrissae are long and thick, reflecting their importance in sensory perception. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. Some jurisdictions have made otters a protected species in some areas, and some places have otter sanctuaries. River otters generally live along rivers, as their name implies, but they're also found near streams and lakes.Otters prefer water bordered by woods and with wetlands, such as marshes, nearby. A newly published study reveals that river otters (Lontra canadensis) now inhabit most of their historic range in the U.S. and, more importantly, that no states are reporting declining otter populations. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. Beginning with newborn stage and then mature stage. North American river otters are excellent swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to 8 minutes. Stable Threatened Endangered . Males and females come together to breed in late winter or early spring. The North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a species of otter. The North American River Otter goes through stages of maturation. The fur is dark brown to almost black above and a lighter color ventrally. Additional resources 1. The North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a species of otter. North American river otters have long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. In fact, the study reveals the river otter may actually be … The average lifespan for North American river otters is from 8 to 9 years in the wild, while in captivity individuals may live up to 25 years. Lontra canadensis. The North American river otter is the most numerous of all the species. 90% of the sea otters are present on the coast of Alaska. It is recognized by its powerful neck and elongated body. The throat and cheeks are usually a golden brown. They open their eyes at one month of age and are weaned at about 3 months old. American River Otter Lutra canadensis lataxina The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. They can grow to over 5ft (1.5m) long. North American river otters eat mainly aquatic organisms such as amphibians, fish, turtles, crayfish, crabs, and other invertebrates. North American River Otters are very playful creatures; this is why they are a favorite attraction for kids at zoos where they can often be observed playing games. The vibrissae are long and thick, reflecting their importance in sensory perception. North American River Otters (Lontra canadensis) Hello, it’s Team SeaDoc member, Mira, marine scientist, diver, and lover of all things ocean, especially Salish Sea creatures! They become much more nocturnal in the spring, summer, and fall seasons, and more diurnal during winter. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. River Otter Poo-pori of Facts North American river otter (Lontra Canadensis): Photo- Publicdomainpictures.net) Things You Didn't Know You Wanted to Know About River Otter Poop. They live in riparian zones, which are the areas that border stream, rivers, and lakes. The North American river otter’s body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42 in). 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