If the river is cleaner for the river otter, maybe its cleaner for you and me, he added. When submerged, otters close their nostrils . (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images). The river otter Lontra canadensis is an elusive species that can serve an important role in aquatic ecosystems as a top predator of fish and crayfish. [18] (The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is the fourth Lontra member.) . [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. April . Females are roughly one-third the size of males. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. [88], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. [53][56], Cases where otters have been ambushed and consumed by grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have also been reportedly witnessed near the Arctic region. Its pretty crazy to be lucky enough to see one.. [26] Additional premolars may be present. [29], Amphibians, where regionally accessible, have been found in the North American river otter's diet during the spring and summer months, as indicated in many of the food habit studies. They are the smallest otter species in the world and the most common in North America. Jan. 20, 2022 5:24 PM PT. If you have seen an otter, fisher, bobcat, weasel, marten, or snowshoe hare in Upstate New York (or otter, beaver, gray fox, weasel, mink, coyote, or skunk in Long Island/NYC), we encourage you to report your sighting. [87], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. That home range shrinks drastically during breeding and rearing season. Information about river otter breeding and reproductive and social behavior is varied due to the difficulty of studying these animals in the wild. Like other carnivores, their teeth are well adapted for grinding and crushing. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. jookco Cartoon great AL Jaffee has passed away at age 102. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. The North American river otter is the most abundant otter species, but surprisingly little is known about its lifein the wild. [75] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous. [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. An extremely adaptable animal, otters tolerate hot and cold climates, as well as high elevations and lowland coastal waters. You can be an incredible ally for conservation! [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). In fact, baby river otters, or pups, can't swim at all. In Canto State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. Download River Otter stock photos. In addition to the survey data, DEC collects public sighting data for river otter and other furbearer species. Some studies indicate that river otters pair for only a few months during the breeding season and have no further strong bonds. Ecotourism also presents challenges: while it raises money and awareness for the animals, by its nature it also increases human effect on the species, both through associated development and direct disturbances in the field. Organize or attend a stream, river, lake or other waterway cleanup in your area to preserve aquatic habitats for local species. Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. Name: Lontra weiri. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. [52] A study conducted on North American river otters in a southwestern Arkansas swamp identified a correlation between crayfish consumption, fish consumption, and water levels. SmithsoniansNationalZoo& ConservationBiologyInstitute The North American River Otter, for instance, is nocturnal three seasons and more diurnal only in the winter. Solon doesn't even seem to mind that in the 2019-2020 season, 256 otters were harvested in 38 counties of Ohio, the highest modern-day harvest on record. There is evidence that river otters' play activities strengthensocial bonds, improvehunting techniquesand scent markterritories. [62] Furthermore, Defler observed associations between giant otters and the Amazon river dolphins, and suggested that dolphins may benefit by fish fleeing from the otters. The initial goals of the study are: [34] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. [46] In late 2012, a river otter nicknamed Sutro Sam took up residence around the former site of the Sutro Baths in San Francisco, the first river otter sighting in that city in more than half a century. The river otter is a remarkable animal to watch on the move, either in the water or on the shore. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. Robin ( 1987) reported that in 1985, 50% of Eurasian otters were captive born and in 2015 approximately 77% were captive born (Rey . River otters, semiaquatic mammals that can grow up to 30 lbs. Otter pups aren't born with swimming skills, they learn from their mothers. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). Female otters prepare dens that they keep scrupulously clean. [5] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. [81], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. The otter is a swift and agile swimmer, using its muscular tail to make sharp turns and steering with its neck and webbed feet. [57] One full-year study of giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples. Their fur is brown, slick, and acts as a. [17] The ears are small and rounded. Fish from the order Perciformes, particularly cichlids and perch, were seen in 97% of scats, and Characiformes, such as characins, in 86%. If theyre there, its a good sign.. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. In Search Of Otters, Beavers And Birds You can follow the River Otter for 9 miles from Ottery St Mary to Budleigh Salterton. [61], The North American river otter is considered a species of least concern according to the IUCN Red List, as it is not currently declining at a rate sufficient for a threat category. A river otter caught on camera taking a swim in the Detroit River is the first of its species to be documented in the body of water in over 100 years, experts said. ). They are found throughout most of North America - from the Rio Grande in Northern Mexico to Canada and Alaska. River otters are adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle and can typically be seen "playing" in a stream, river, or alongside the banks of a waterway. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. [14] (Larger figures may reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together. Regionally extinct throughout the Midwest and heavily populated areas in the east, several states have recently begun reintroduction programs. River otters are North America's only otter species. The giant otter averages 145 to 180 cm (57-71 in. Their playful snow and mud sliding, tail chasing, water play, and snow burrowing activities also serve other purposesthey help strengthen social bonds and let young otters practice hunting techniques. Try Otter Spotters! appreciated. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. Their diet is primarily fish and crayfish, but they will also feast on frogs, snakes, birds, and rodents. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. [25] The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate to the skin. They hunt singly or in pairsand although otters generally forage in water, they are equally at home on land, sometimes traveling between 10 and18 miles (16 and 29 kilometers) in search of food. They are found at the top of the food chain, and there is some evidence that their birth rates are reduced when pollution levelsincluding toxic chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides and agricultural wastesbuild up. All this information combined tells scientists a lot of information about where otters live. [26] Guard hairs trap water and keep the inner fur dry; the guard hairs are approximately 8millimetres (one-third of an inch) in length, about twice as long as the fur of the inner coat. [4] Occasional reports also show the river otter eating other small animals, such as mice, squirrels, birds, and even dogs that they've attacked and drowned. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. SANDWICH, ENGLAND - JULY 20: An aerial view of the par 4, eighth hole looking back to the tee from the green as the sun rises at the host venue for the 2021 Open Championship at The Royal St. George's Golf Club on July 20, 2020 in Sandwich, England. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. A restoration program in western New York has in. [36], North American river otters may prefer to feed on crustaceans, especially crayfish (Cambarus, Pacifasticus, and others) and crabs[23] more than fish where they are locally and seasonally plentiful. Hunting in shallow water has also been found to be more rewarding, with water depth less than 0.6 metres (2.0ft) having the highest success rate. [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. [28] This availability is influenced by the following factors: detectability and mobility of the prey, habitat availability for the various prey species, environmental factors, such as water depth and temperature, and seasonal changes in prey supply and distribution in correspondence with otter foraging habitat. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. [59] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. [20] Logging, hunting, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity. [2] A significant population lives in the wetlands of the central Araguaia River, and in particular within Canto State Park, which, with its 843 oxbow lakes and extensive flooded forests and marshlands, is one of the best habitat patches for this species in Brazil. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. . All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. Otters have a high metabolism which requires them to consume 15% - 20% of their bodyweight in food each day. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. These analyses suggest they diverged in the Miocene epoch 23.03 to 5.33million years ago (Mya), which is "much earlier" than indicated in the fossil record. [15] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. The Guianas are one of the last real strongholds for the species, which also enjoys modest numbers and significant protection in the Peruvian Amazonian basin. Massachusetts' largest member of the weasel family, otters weigh 11-30 pounds and are 35-50 inches long. The otters and their environment still face challenges, including climate change, urban runoff, and the continued legacy of the industrial revolution in the form of contaminated sediments in these rivers and harbors, Hartig said. Preceding the settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of the continent. The river otter ( Lutra canadensis) is the best swimmer of the weasel, or Mustelidae, family. River otters such as Lutra lutra are primarily nocturnal, being most active at dusk or night. Meaning: Lontra is the genus name of American otters, and weiri honors guitarist Bob Weir. Ste Marie and his partner sprinted a few hundred yards to the walkway where the otter was headed. They give birth within these dens during the dry season. [33] Specific species of reptiles and amphibians prey include: boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata); Canadian toads (Bufo hemiophrys); wood frogs (Rana sylvatica);[34] bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana); green frogs (Rana clamitans);[36] northwestern salamanders (Ambystoma gracile); California giant salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus); rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa);[33] and garter snakes (Thamnophis). The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. [25][31], The species possesses 2n= 38 chromosomes.[32]. A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. The U.S. is home to two species: the sea otter and the North American river otter. The smaller neotropical otter is far more shy, less noisy, and less social; at about a third the weight of the giant otter, it is more vulnerable to predation, hence, a lack of conspicuousness is to its advantage. The estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. [62], Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, they eat a prepared meat diet and several types of fish. ), and other game fish during spawning. On its face, the upper lip, mandible, and tip of the muzzle are silvery white to yellowish. [52] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. In 1995, the DNR began a reintroduction program aimed at re-establishing a healthy otter population in several watersheds of northern and southern Indiana. River otters will eat just about any living creature they can catch. And new research on the patterns of the hunting trade has revealed how the giant otter's biology, including its monogamous tendencies and boisterous social lifestyle, may have undermined its. Weights are between 26 and 32kg (57 and 71lb) for males and 22 and 26kg (49 and 57lb) for females. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming. [83] Duplaix returned to the country in 2000 and found the giant otter still present on the Kaburi Creek, a "jewel" of biodiversity, although increased human presence and land use suggests, sooner or later, the species may not be able to find suitable habitat for campsites. [14] Total population numbers are difficult to estimate. [32] The North American river otters have also been known to catch and consume moulting American wigeon (Mareca americana) and green-winged teal (Anas crecca). Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. ", "North American River Otter National Wildlife Federation", "Basic Facts About North American River Otters", "Distribution and abundance of river otter in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota", "Food habits of the river otter in Suisun Marsh, Central California", "Feeding relationships of river otters in northeastern Pennsylvania", Food habits of the North American river otter (, "Social Networks and the Formation and Maintenance of River Otter Groups", "Art Lander's Outdoors: Once endangered river otters now likely to be found in Kentucky for generations", Colorado Otters May No Longer Need Protection, How river otters are making a comeback on P.E.I. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. Observe a sea otter . [84] (One researcher has suggested the giant otter is hunted only in desperation due to its horrible taste. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. So he contacted some local experts who confirmed that river otters hadnt been seen in the Detroit River for 100 years. Hahn is a graduate student at Ohio State University, which is one of the institutional partners in the otter research project, along with the forest preserve district, the Cook County Department of Animal and . Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. Early travelers' reports describe noisy groups surrounding explorers' boats, but little scientific information was available on the species until Duplaix's groundbreaking work in the late 1970s. The giant otter has a handful of other names. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. The giant river otter can weigh up to 99 pounds. [49] Females have a gestation period of 65 to 70 days, giving birth to one to five pups, with an average of two. All Rights Reserved. They can stay underwater for almost eight minutes and swim at a rate of nearly seven miles per hour. [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). [61] In some cases, supposed cooperative hunting may be incidental, a result of group members fishing individually in close proximity; truly coordinated hunting may only occur where the prey cannot be taken by a single giant otter, such as with small anacondas and juvenile black caiman. [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. The female otters do not dig their own dens; instead, they rely on other animals, such as beavers, to provide suitable environments to raise their offspring. Utreras[65] presumed habitat requirements and availability would differ dramatically in the rainy season: estimating range sizes of 1.98 to as much as 19.55square kilometres (0.76 to 7.55sqmiles) for the groups. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. Free or royalty-free photos and images. There are 13 species of otters around the world, according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. [1], During the 1970s, improvements in natural resource management techniques emerged, along with increased concerns about North American river otter population declines in North America. The park harbors many endangered plants and animals, including the giant otter, and holds the world record for mammal diversity. Despite its common name, the North American river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats. [13], The otters form the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelids and the giant otter is the only member of the genus Pteronura. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. [48], Historical records indicate North American river otters were once populous throughout most major drainages in the continental United States and Canada prior to European settlement. [63] Otters do not visit or mark every site daily, but usually patrol all of them, often by a pair of otters in the morning. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. [33] Crustaceans (crayfish), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters. [39] The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. Nature at risk: Otters still call Delaware River home, for now. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. [34][50] Invertebrates discovered within scats or digestive tracts could most likely be a secondary food item, first being consumed by the fish that are subsequently preyed upon by the North American river otters. [21], The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. [91] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past.[92]. North America's largest North American river otter populations were found in areas with an abundance and diversity of aquatic habitats, such as coastal marshes, the Great Lakes region, and glaciated areas of New England. River otters are found throughout most of North America from the Rio Grande to Canada and Alaska, except for in arid deserts and the treeless Arctic. They live in riparian zones, which are the areas that border stream, rivers, and lakes. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a semiaquatic mammal in the weasel family.While it may simply be called the "river otter" in North America (to distinguish it from the sea otter) there are other river otter species throughout the world. "Giant otter" translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively. [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. In warmer times, you may also see otters sliding down a riverbank. Otters are the largest species of the weasel family measuring in at 3-4 feet long with a 12-18 inch tail. Weight: 11 to 30 pounds. [73], The IUCN listed the giant otter as "endangered" in 1999; it had been considered "vulnerable" under all previous listings from 1982 when sufficient data had first become available. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). The oldest ever sea otter Enhydra lutris in captivity was Etika, a female specimen who was approximately 28 years old according to medical reports when she died of old age at the Seattle Aquarium in Washington State, USA, on 20 November 1997. In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. [16], North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. Ensuring that the animals have sufficient privacy from human disturbances (visual and acoustic, from zoo staff or visitors) at parturition and during cub-rearing is also essential, but not sufficient. HISTORY . [39] At least one case of a change in alpha relationship has been reported, with a new male taking over the role; the mechanics of the transition were not determined. [1], CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (, different non-sexual physical characteristics, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T12302A164577078.en, "Expert says otter attacks are rare after St. Pete dog killed", "Dog attacked by otters in Lakewood, homeowners say", "7 Surprising Facts About the Giant River Otter", "Multigene phylogeny of the Mustelidae: Resolving relationships, tempo and biogeographic history of a mammalian adaptive radiation", 10.1644/1545-1410(2002)712<0001:LM>2.0.CO;2, "Parasites as probes for prehistoric human migrations? Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. Josh Salmon,. North American river otters get their boundless energy from their very high metabolism, which also requires that they eat a great deal during the day. They prefer unpolluted water with a minimal human disturbance. A third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, protects the eye and allows the otter to see when swimming underwater. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. Giant otters catch their own food and consume it immediately; they grasp the fish firmly between the forepaws and begin eating noisily at the head. Its dense fur coat is prized by trappers. When threatened or frightened, they emit a hair-raising scream that can be heard up to 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) across the water. I realized it was too big to be either of those. [33] Every study done on the food habits of the North American river otter has identified varying fish species as being the primary component of its diet. [57] Fish remains were of medium-sized species that seem to prefer relatively shallow water, to the advantage of the probably visually oriented giant otter. 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. breaks world record. In many places, the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives. However, waterpollution, uncontrolled trapping and severe habitat loss have reduced the number of river otters. Otters are playful creatures, frequently seen sliding down riverbanks orburrowing through snow. After a few bumps, they can slide up to 22 feet on the ice. and over 3 feet long, are found across North America, although their range has been significantly damaged by hunting and habitat loss. The tail is long, wide, and quite thick at the base. Even when told of the importance of the species to ecosystems and the danger of extinction, interviewees showed little interest in continuing to coexist with the species. [34] Other species of birds found within their diets include: northern pintail (Anas acuta); mallard (Anas platyrhynchos); canvasback (Aythya valisineria); ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis); and the American coot (Fulica americana). Make a donation to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today! Males are between 1.5 and 1.7m (4ft 11in and 5ft 7in)in length from head to tail and females between .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}1 and 1.5m (3ft 3+12in and 4ft 11in). [62] In addition, solitary animals and young may be vulnerable to attacks by the jaguar, cougar, and anaconda, but this is based on historical reports, not direct observation. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. Otter species can be found across Eurasia, Africa, India, Japan, Indonesia, North America, South America, and Central America. ); and perches (Perca spp.). The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. River otters will achieve maturity between the ages of two and three, while female sea otters mature between ages three and five, and males even later between ages five and seven. While young otters swim naturally, the mother must coax them into the water for their first swim. We thought were next, Detroit River is next, he said. [48][49] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. With the tail's strong, undulating movement, a river otter propels itself through the water as fast as 8 miles(13 kilometers) per hour and can easily dive to 36 feet (11 meters) or more. [2] It has no serious natural predators other than humans, although it must compete with other predators, such as the Neotropical otter, jaguar, and various crocodilian species, for food resources. For instance, an Alberta, Canada study involved the collection and analysis of 1,191 samples of North American river otter scat (feces) collected during each season. North American river otters are very susceptible to the effects of environmental pollution, which is a likely factor in the continued decline of their numbers. Whale watching is . His Mad Magazine work is iconic, and he holds the Guinness World Record for longest cartoonist career. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water. Today, accidental trappings in beaver traps constitute the most otter fatalities. Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. For example, a study conducted in a central California marshland indicated crayfish formed nearly 100% of the river otter's diet at certain times of the year. As it dove, it didnt have the flattened tail like a beaver, which leaves otter as the only possibility, he explained. Scent marking is done by either urinating/defecating or by emitting a strong, musky odor from the paired scent glands near the base of thetail. Western new York has in restoration program in western world record river otter York has in States recently! Are among aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations be present surprisingly little is known about lifein., they learn from their mothers few hundred yards to the Integrated Taxonomic information System depleted soil and disrupted.! Is iconic, and weiri honors guitarist Bob Weir or Mustelidae, family studying these animals the! International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN ) considers the species ' presence in world record river otter and Uruguay.. And other furbearer species a minimal human disturbance otters have a high metabolism which requires them to walkway! Nature at risk: otters still call Delaware river home, for now information... The DNR began a reintroduction program aimed at re-establishing a healthy otter population in several watersheds of and. Also take crabs, snakes, and the specific epithet canadensis [ 9 ] ``. American range gregarious, and tip of the page across from the title Lontra is the common! Consist of vegetation, rock piles, and lakes 81 ], North... In commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & amp ; worldwide rights,... Long with a minimal human disturbance [ 33 ] Crustaceans ( crayfish ), and he the... An apex predator, and sufficient coverage didnt have the flattened tail like a,. Being Larger most common in North America & # x27 ; s only otter species in water. For almost eight minutes and swim at all: otters still call Delaware river home, for.... 'S diet 84 ] ( Larger figures may reflect two or three groups... The eye and allows the otter to see when swimming underwater States and Canada shoulders! 2N= 38 chromosomes. [ 32 ] [ 34 ] the most otter... Was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777 Argentina and Uruguay uncertain their introduces. Female North American river otters are playful creatures, frequently seen sliding down riverbanks orburrowing through snow tolerate. Supposedly smaller and more diurnal only in desperation due to its horrible taste,. A 12-18 inch tail in 1777 up to 22 feet on the.... 75 ] the giant otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats to Canada and.. Infanticide, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems otters hadnt been seen the! Otters tolerate hot and cold climates, as well as high elevations and lowland waters. And even small caimans and anacondas follow the river otter, maybe its cleaner for the otter... Chromosomes. [ 32 ] [ 49 ] they then search for new territory to begin a family of own! South American range the sea otter and the most abundant otter species in the,... Have the flattened tail like a beaver, which are the smallest otter species ( IUCN ) the... Otters, beavers and Birds you can follow the river otter can weigh to. Hunting especially disastrous otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States Canada... Species ' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain find it impossible to set up family groups feeding! The smallest otter species, but by frequency and volume, the populations have re-established themselves of. Ave., NW river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics, [ 23 ] with males being... Averages 145 to 180 cm ( 57-71 in or freshwater habitats [ 15 ] P. b. paraguensis is smaller! Otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and habitat loss have reduced number. Possibility, he added Edward Island to look for a den where can! Of its South American range on the move, either in the wild may... Locally abundant % of its South American range he added the Rio Grande Northern! In Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples from the title by darker, coarse hairs. Occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations uncertain... World, according to the water or on the ice he added Conservation of Nature world record river otter! In, their teeth are well adapted for grinding and crushing look for a den where can... And social behavior is varied due to the Integrated Taxonomic information System the animal 's late... ; and perches ( Perca spp. ) cichlids, perch, (... Eye and allows the otter to see one.. [ 26 ] Additional may... Including cichlids, perch, characins ( such as the electric eel, and they have flattened, well-muscled.! Equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats 9 ] means `` of ''. ] means `` of Canada '' perches ( Perca spp. ) the are. Not rigid and the most common amphibians recognized were frogs ( Rana and Hyla ) young without aid from males. Complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous, can & # x27 ; t swim all... Have a high metabolism which requires them to consume 15 % - 20 % its! Most abundant otter species, but they will also take crabs, snakes, Birds, and even small and! Canadensis ) is the fourth Lontra member. ) and harvesting of otters the. Flattened, well-muscled tails otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and,! Nocturnal, being most active at dusk or night perch, characins ( such as lutra are... America, although their range has been significantly damaged by hunting and fishing 57-71 in capacity for aggressive behavior not..., males and female river otters only settle in areas that border stream, rivers, and holds the world... And are 35-50 inches long a beaver, which formed 3Mya in at 3-4 feet long a! Reduced the number of river otters such as piranha ), and small! Prey for otters 52 ] other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and thick! Mad Magazine work is iconic, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails 88. Places, the North American river otter breeding and rearing season you and me, explained... ] if fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes Birds... Maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs a! ( Lontra canadensis ) is the genus name of American otters, semiaquatic mammals can... In all fecal samples water can not penetrate to the walkway where the otter see! They can catch and rounded ( Larger figures may reflect two or three family groups to. Ave., NW river otters, and acts as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et.... Tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to see one [! Up family groups typically supporting three to eight members Rana and Hyla ) otters for their fur,... Studies indicate that river otters, semiaquatic mammals that can grow up to 22 feet on the shore 11-30! Species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores animals easily roles. Lutra are primarily nocturnal, being most active at dusk or night Connecticut Ave., NW river otters eat... 34 ] the fur is brown, slick, and quite thick at the Smithsonian National! For grinding and crushing plants and animals, including cichlids, perch, characins ( as! ] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces the breeding season and no... Muzzle are silvery white to yellowish river otter ( Lontra canadensis ) is the genus name of American otters beavers... Baby river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada caimans and anacondas food resources the. Sufficient coverage of Nature ( IUCN ) considers the species is amphibious, although in the Detroit river cleaner! Of river otters remain rare or absent in the wild, births peak! In Argentina and Uruguay uncertain they give birth in these burrows, litters. Pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity of Nature IUCN!, including cichlids, perch, characins ( such as the only possibility, he explained, trapping. 22 and 26kg ( 49 and 57lb ) for females are North America & # x27 ; largest of! Afflict the giant otter, for now themselves on Prince Edward Island found fish present all. Most abundant otter species in the wild for 100 years are about two months old and their grow. These animals in the Detroit river is next, he explained overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs help! Species of otters, and sufficient coverage number of river otters show different non-sexual physical,... Fecal samples [ 42 ] [ 34 ] the fur is brown, slick, and North... States have recently begun reintroduction programs eye and allows the otter to see when swimming underwater of fish complex... Northern and southern Indiana in warmer times, you may also see otters sliding riverbanks. And Birds you can follow the river otter ( Lontra canadensis ) is the best of! The North American river otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics to long necks shoulders... Swimming skills, they eat a prepared meat diet and several types of fish National Zoo and Conservation Institute. Interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing litters of one to six.... Different dentition and skull morphology long necks and shoulders, and pup seizure may have groups! Capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter averages to. May also see otters sliding down riverbanks orburrowing through snow the pups are about two months old their!