They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. Habitat. Breeding is from December to April: late winter or early in spring. Fur trapping in the 19th century brought river otter populations to very low populations, but they have returned to the healthy waterways and lakes of the Pacific Northwest. The otters have fur when they are born, but are otherwise helpless. North American river otter conservation. They first learn to swim after about two months. Its fur ranges in color from white and gray to brown and black. Terrestrial predators of otters include black bears and a variety of Feline and Canine species, domestic… In the late 1980s, North American river otters were considered extinct throughout many of their natural habitats. However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. The river otter has fur ranging from brown to velvety black and a long streamlined body (picture 1). Habitat and range Early in the Twentieth Century, otter range was greatly reduced in Minnesota as a result of wetland drainage and pollution which destroyed habitat. North American River Otter Habitat. Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. River otters can tolerate a variety of environments, including cold and warmer latitudes and high elevations. They live across the United States and Canada near rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and estuaries. In the wild, their average life span is 8 or 9 years. 1. North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Description & Range: The river otter is the largest member of the weasel family (Mustelidae). The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) was historically distributed throughout most major drainages in the continental United States and Canada, from the arctic in Alaska south to Texas and as far east as Florida. They reach reproductive maturity at the age of 2 to 3 years. Birds and birds’ eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. Northern American otters are able to close their nostrils in order to keep water out when diving for a long time. Their tails are muscular and comprise up to 40 percent of the otter… North American River Otters can adapt to a wide variety of aquatic habitats. The aquatic mammal sports short, dense, waterproof fur and profuse whiskers. North American otters are polygynous, with males often breeding with several females, probably ones whose home ranges overlap theirs. The goal of the SSP is to cooperatively manage animal populations within AZA accredited zoos to ensure the sustainability of a healthy and genetically diverse population while enhancing the conservation of this species in the wild. A river otter can grow three to four feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) long including its tail and weigh between 11 and 30 pounds (5 to 14 kilograms). They are also found in similar areas near certain parts of the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. It is more nocturnal in summer and its eyes reflect a faint amber glow at night. For the majority of the year, this animal is most active during the period dusk until dawn, but in winter, it may more commonly be seen during the day. Otters are usually found no more than a few hundred meters from water. They are known to dig tunnels under the … River otters are smaller than their cousins, the sea otters. It has a long, slender body covered in brown, water proof fur. There is no significant threat today from commercial harvesting, but illegal hunting can affect local populations. Anywhere, any time. In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water. If fish numbers start to decrease or they move elsewhere as a result of climate change, this species would lose its major food source. North American River Otter Wikipedia article -, 2. Although commonly called a "river otter", the North American river otter is found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats, both freshwater and coastal marine, including lakes, rivers, inland wetlands, coastal shorelines, marshes, and estuaries. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. River otters belong to the weasel family. Birthing and the raising of young takes place in a den near water. Their range extends through most of North America from Alaska and northern Canada down to southern Florida. River otters (genus Lutra) inhabit all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine coves. Being aquatic in nature, this species is confined to places that have permanent water. Currently this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today remain stable. North American otters are playful animals, and indulge in water play, mud/snow sliding, and burrowing through snow. They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. Human contact is influencing this otter’s aquatic habitats. It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. North American river otters are the only river otter that is found north of Mexico. Range and habitat. A female gives birth to 1 to 6 young in each litter, averaging 2 to 3. North American river otter is important predator of fish and aquatic invertebrates. Least Concern (IUCN) Even with stable populations the North American River Otter still needs help keeping their populations safe. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) can weigh 20-30 pounds, and its slender, cylindrical body can reach 2-3 feet in length, not including the tail, which can be 1-1.5 feet long. Many "play" activities serve a purpose, such as strengthening social bonds, practicing hunting techniques, and scent marking. Today, otters are common in all of northern Minnesota, and thanks to wetland restoration, are becoming more common again in southern parts of the state. Habitat/Diet The North American river otter is quite possibly the most numerous otter species in the world. Family Life. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also called the Canadian otter, is the most abundant species of otter.They are found throughout most of North America – from the Rio Grande in Northern Mexico to Canada and Alaska. They have short, powerful legs that help them to paddle in the water and gallop on land. It is much easier to list the habitats that river otters don’t live in than to list the areas they do. North American river otters were hunted and trapped extensively for their fur in the 19th and 20th centuries, and are still hunted in some places. Its fur ranges in color from white and gray to brown and black. Latin Name: Lontra canadensis Other Names: North American Otter, or Northern Otter. Ditch the disposables and make the switch to sustainable products. Their toes are webbed, they have short legs and they boast a tapered tail ranging up to 15 inches long. They are playful and agile athletes, sliding down hills of mud or snow to land with a splash in the water. They are found living in rivers, lakes, ponds, small streams, marshes, and other inland wetlands. River otters are the residents of North American inhabiting across coastal and waterways in the Atlantic States, Gulf of Mexico, Canada, and Pacific Northwest. They are also threatened by the destruction of their habitat. Males are generally larger than females. About North American River Otters. These animals have boundless energy due to their very high metabolism. They tend to stick to freshwater areas including lakes and rivers. More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. They can thrive in any water habitat, such as ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers, and estuaries—in cold, warm, or even high-elevation areas—as long as the habitat provides adequate food. This animal’s lovely waterproof pelt, which allows it to regulate its temperature, in the 1700s-1800s, a regular part of French fur trade, has meant this animal has been hunted for hundreds of years. Their … The Defenders of Wildlife resource, based on harvest reports, estimates the North American otter’s total population size to be over 100,000 individuals. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. Their body shape aids in helping them make sudden turns to catch fish and other prey. River otters possess long, muscular bodies suited to their life on both land and in water. They can thrive in any water habitat, such as ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers, and estuaries—in cold, warm, or even high-elevation areas—as long as the habitat provides adequate food. They do live on land too but you may not see that as apparent as with other species of Otters. North American River otters may be commonly found throughout much of sub-Arctic Canada, Alaska, and, within the contiguous United States, in the Pacific Northwest and along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico. Article below from Wikipedia entry: The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts.An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 31 lb). A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. Basically, they can be found anywhere they have easy access to both land and water. Habitat: Found in streams, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands and along marine coasts that have vegetation or rock piles along the banks. River otters … Births take place from November to May, peaking in March and April. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. North American River Otter . It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. In Canada, they can be found in every province and territory except Prince Edward Island, where they appear to be extirpated. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. The North American river otter is a member of the mustelid or weasel family that can be easily identified by a stout body, short legs, noticeably tapered tail and dense, short, glossy fur. North American river otters have been almost eliminated across their native range by the loss of fitting habitat combined with the pressures of hunting/trapping for the fur trade. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. Their playful snow and mud sliding, tail chasing, water play, and snow burrowing activities also serve other purposes—they help strengthen social bonds and let young otters practice hunting techniques. Where Do River Otters Live | River Otter Facts. River otters can be found throughout North America. Dens are created in riverside burrows, under vegetation or rocks near water, in undercut banks or hollow trees, and sometimes in muskrat or beaver lodges. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. Distribution. River otters, members of the weasel family, can run on land as well as swim. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. North American river otters have long whiskers, which they use to detect prey in dark or cloudy water, and clawed feet for grasping onto slippery prey. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. Pups will open their eyes when they are one month old and are weaned when about 3 months old, starting to leave their birth range from 6 months to the age of one year. North American otters are able to dive as deep as 60 feet. They are highly adaptable animals so as long as they have access to enough food and water they can thrive. Uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world, Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities, National Wildlife Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Diet. - Otters play more than most wild animals. They prefer bog lakes with banked shores containing semi aquatic mammal burrows and lakes with Beaver lodges. These animals inhabit a variety of diverse environments, from saltwater estuaries to freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes and streams The Northern River Otter is found both in Canada and the United States. Its short, muscular legs move surprisingly well on land, and is usually seen traveling in pairs (Foresman 2012). This includes a wide range of habitats, from rivers, streams and creeks, to coastal waters, lakes and swamps. Some threats to river otters include habitat development and loss, hunting and trapping, habitat alterations and damming, disease from invasive species, and pollution. The North American river otter occurs in much of Canada and the United States, except for portions of the Southwest, and in Mexico in the Rio Grande and Colorado River delta areas. The North American River Otter is quite versatile, making its home in lakes, swamps, ponds and marshes, in addition to rivers. Today, a large number of otters are found in the United States and Canada. The tail makes up about a third of their total length. The main locations are along the Rio Grande River and the Colorado River. Water quality is lowered, water is depleted, timber and other vegetation is cleared and becomes scarce. They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. This means that they have to eat a lot during the day. Most of these problems are due to water pollution. 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. Weighing between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 31 lb). Summary 4 Lontra canadensis (North American otter) is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North America. This animal’s lovely waterproof pelt, which allows it to regulate its temperature, in the 1700s-1800s, a regular part of French fur trade, has meant this animal has been hunted for hundreds of years. River otters breed in late winter or early spring. The Basics. The Internet connection is missing right now, but you're able to browse previously opened pages offline. Giant otters (genus Pteronura) are found mainly in slow-moving rivers and creeks within forests, swamps, and mars… North American river otters live near permanent watersheds throughout North America, from Alaska and northern Canada south to the Gulf of Mexico. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. The National Wildlife Federation is providing resources to help families and caregivers across the country provide meaningful educational opportunities and safe outdoor experiences for children during these incredibly difficult times. North American River Otter Lontra canadensis Tag - You’re It! They are able to live in a variety of different habitats, including rivers, lakes and large creeks. You can commonly find them living in beaver dams. Their most favorable interior habitats are lowland marshes, swamps, and bogs connected by streams and lakes. A range of vocalizations is also used to communicate, the most common sound amongst a group being a low frequency noise that sounds like chuckling, while loud snorts are often used for signaling potential danger. North American river otters build dens in the burrows of other mammals, in natural hollows, such as under a log, or in river banks. North American River Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_river_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/12302/0. There is much overlap of individual home ranges, and though this animal is non-territorial, it uses scent-marking as an important means of communication. Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. This species’ social structure is very variable, as some animals are solitary, while others live in family groups of an adult female with her offspring, or sometimes in large groups of just adult males. This tail serves to propel the otters through water. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. In captivity, North American river otters can live into their 20s. North American river otters seem to be sensitive to pollution and disappear from areas with polluted waters. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. Otters have the thickest fur of any mammal, having as many as 850,000 hairs per square inch. River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. River otters primarily eat fish, turtles, amphibians, crabs, and crayfish, with some birds, small mammals, and water plants. They do fine in both cold and warm temperatures of water. River otters eat fish, and fish populations are threatened by climate change from rising sea levels. Habitat and Range: Throughout Canada and northern United Stated down through the east coast to Florida. While North American River otters are rather high up on the food chain, they do in fact have several natural predators. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds’ eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. The Buttonwood Park Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP) for North American River Otters. In water, especially along the Gulf Coast, crocodilian reptiles are real threats. Typical habitats include lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastal shorelines. Gestation is for two months, but young may be produced up to a year after breeding due to delayed implantation. Groups typically travel and hunt together, and also use the same resting site and den. Search, discover, and learn about wildlife. North American river otters live in streams, marshes and back waterways surrounding lakes, especially the Great Lakes. Characteristics: The features of North American river otters allow them to succeed both on land and in the water. These otters are very good swimmers and divers, and are able to stay underwater as long as 8 minutes. Historically, these animals were hunted for their coats. President and CEO Collin O’Mara reveals in a TEDx Talk why it is essential to connect our children and future generations with wildlife and the outdoors—and how doing so is good for our health, economy, and environment. 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 are the only river otter that is found north of Mexico. They have been observed wrestling, chasing other otters, diving for rocks and clamshells, swimming with pebbles or other small objects balanced on their noses, toying with live prey and sliding down mud banks or snow banks. The North American otter inhabits much of the United States and Canada, from the Pacific to the Atlantic Coast, from the Gulf of Mexico to northern Alaska. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 53 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive. The only types of ecosystems in which otters cannot be found are deserts, mountains, and polar regions. Mothers will catch and release prey to teach their young how to forage and to catch food items. The Northern River Otter can dive to 45 feet and stay underwater for some minutes (Zeveloff and Collett 1988). On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hour—they can slide even faster. The North American river otter occurs in much of Canada and the United States, except for portions of the Southwest, and in Mexico in the Rio Grande and Colorado River delta areas.

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