1982. Additional support has come from the Marisla Foundation, UM College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Museum of Zoology, and Information and Technology Services. While North American River otters are rather high up on the food chain, they do in fact have several natural predators. These otters normally hunt at night, but can be seen at all times of day. Oxford University Press. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer (Melquist et al. Grants DRL 0089283, DRL 0628151, DUE 0633095, DRL 0918590, and DUE 1122742. Nowak, Ronald M. 1991. While females often live with their young, groups of males often congregate with one another. young are born in a relatively underdeveloped state; they are unable to feed or care for themselves or locomote independently for a period of time after birth/hatching. Water pollution, including strip mine runoff, industrial waste and sewage, has made some Pennsylvania streams, lakes and river… In water, especially along the Gulf Coast, crocodilian reptiles are real threats. 11 – 30 lbs. They live in riparian zones, which are the areas that border stream, rivers, … that region of the Earth between 23.5 degrees North and 60 degrees North (between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle) and between 23.5 degrees South and 60 degrees South (between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle). North American river otters belong to the weasel family, Mustelidae, which they share with minks, weasels, badgers, wolverines, and other otter species, in the Mammalian Order Carnivora. Lontra canadensis individuals live alone or in family groups, typically females and their young. The Encyclopedia of Mammals. In birds, naked and helpless after hatching. Mountain Press Publishing Company. An extremely adaptable animal, otters tolerate hot and cold climates, as well as high elevations and lowland coastal waters. 68. In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water. Referring to something living or located adjacent to a waterbody (usually, but not always, a river or stream). In Mexico they are found in the delta areas of the Rio Grande and Colorado river. NatureServe, 2008. As polluted waterways have become cleaner, otters have returned. associates with others of its species; forms social groups. North American river otters seem to be sensitive to pollution and disappear from areas with polluted waters. Otters range throughout most of North America, north of Mexico. and across multiple seasons (or other periods hospitable to reproduction). North American river otters build dens in the burrows of other mammals, in natural hollows, such as under a log, or in river banks. animals that use metabolically generated heat to regulate body temperature independently of ambient temperature. (NatureServe, 2008). River otters prefer to mate over winter or in early spring, and reach sexual maturity at around two years of age. In Pennsylvania, otters occur in every major river system and are absent only in watersheds with significant water-quality problems. River otters have large home ranges, between 2-78km of waterway, and are constantly on the move within this range. Dens have underwater entrances and a tunnel leading to a nest chamber that is lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. Litter sizes range between 1 and 5 otter “pups”, and they are typically weaned after 12 weeks from birth. Range and habitat. North American river otters generally do not have adverse affects on humans. having the capacity to move from one place to another. Classification, To cite this page: The throat and cheeks are usually a golden brown. North American river otters occur throughout Canada and the United States, except for areas of southern California, New Mexico, and Texas, and the Mohave desert of Nevada and Colorado. They are presumed extirpated in New Mexico and population status in South Carolina and Florida has not yet been reviewed. having more than one female as a mate at one time. Topics North American river otters are important predators of fish and aquatic invertebrates. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. Weight ranges from 5 to 14 kg. Gestation lasts two months, but the young may be born up to a year after mating because these otters employ delayed implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus. North American river otters are found anywhere there is a permanent food supply and easy access to water. Though these may trickle into the small animals and fish that otters eat in small quantities, they can become concentrated within the otters themselves. Accessed December 08, 2020 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lontra_canadensis/. Clean water supporting fish and other aquatic life is the foundation of good otter habitat. As otters consume large numbers of other animals with low levels of toxins, these accumulate in higher concentration in the otters as many of them are slow to be removed from the body via excrement and urine. The United States and Canada; Habitat. They are known as playful animals, exhibiting behaviors such as mud/snow sliding, burrowing through the snow, and waterplay. The Animal Diversity Web team is excited to announce ADW Pocket Guides! Employing a variety of two-limb, four-limb, and tail-propelled paddling strokes, otters are proficient swimmers. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. In the 1983-84 hunting season, 33,135 otters were taken with an average selling price of $18.71 per pelt. January 23, 2009 Giant otters (genu… North American River Otter Lontra canadensis Range. Otters are playful animals, often seen burrowing through the snow, sliding through mud and splashing in the water. Their feet have claws and are completely webbed. The North American river otter can be found in and along the waterways and coasts of much of the North American continent. offspring are produced in more than one group (litters, clutches, etc.) In contrast to their very short legs in relation to their body sizes, otters’ tails are usually around a third of their entire body lengths. This includes a wide range of habitats, from rivers, streams and creeks, to coastal … Pg. 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. Terrestrial predators of otters include black bears and a variety of Feline and Canine species, domesticated and feral alike. They have wide, rounded heads, small ears, and nostrils that can be closed underwater. North American river otters perceive their environment through vision, touch, smell, and hearing. They are excellent swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to 8 minutes. They also use touch and communicate through posture and other body signals. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. Otters belong to the Mustelidae family of carnivores, which includes wolverines, minks, ferrets, badgers, and weasels. National Science Foundation gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate), body parts are source of valuable material, © 2020 Regents of the University of Michigan. Although pregnancies only last around 2 months, female otters often practice “Embryonic diapause”, wherein they delay sperm implantation for 8-10 months. 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. 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. Prints of North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) on snow covered bank, reflected in icy water... #20363762 Framed Prints, Posters, Canvas, Puzzles, Metal, Photo Gifts and Wall Art 97% of our funds go towards program and support services, with only 3% going towards fundraising. fertilization takes place within the female's body. They are born with fur, but are otherwise helpless. Like coyotes, otters often were depicted as “trickster” characters in Native American folktales and mythology. marshes are wetland areas often dominated by grasses and reeds. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. The vibrissae are long and thick, reflecting their importance in sensory perception. Constantly on the move, river otters may cover as much as 26 miles (a Marathon!) North American River otters make their homes in underground burrows near waters’ edges. Ulrich, Tom J. North American river otters are sometimes taken by bobcats, coyotes, birds of prey, alligators, and other large predators. during the late 1800s, the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) was reduced to less than 75 percent of its range by the early 1900s. Ellis, E. 2003. Body length ranges from 26 to 42 inches and weight ranges … Conservation & YOu Least Concern (IUCN) Even with stable populations the North American River Otter still needs help keeping their populations safe. defends an area within the home range, occupied by a single animals or group of animals of the same species and held through overt defense, display, or advertisement. River otters are frequently caught in beaver traps on accident. They also scent mark using paired scent glands near the base of their tails or by urinating/defecating on vegetation within their home range. They can live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats, including rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and estuaries. (On-line). Populations were once extirpated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. The fur is dark brown to almost black above and a lighter color ventrally. The North American river otter is the most numerous of the otter species. Males average larger than females in all measurements. l i g h t p o e t/Shutterstock.com By Tom Hale 30 Nov 2020, 20:04 Wild Otters: Predation and Populations. living in the Nearctic biogeographic province, the northern part of the New World. Convergent in birds. Males often breed with several females, probably those whose home ranges overlap with their own. (Credit: Keenan Adams, U.S. Their thick fur is both water-repellent and an effective insulator against temperature extremes. Although largely exterminated in the Midwest, reintroduction programs are helping river otters … a wetland area rich in accumulated plant material and with acidic soils surrounding a body of open water. 1984. Males generally have larger home ranges than females. The ADW Team gratefully acknowledges their support. The adult North American river otter has a head-body length of 26 to 30 inches, and a tail that is 12 to 17 inches long. This material is based upon work supported by the The otter population has been reduced by water pollution, uncontrolled trapping, and severe habitat loss. Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. Today, a large number of otters are found in the United States and Canada. Body length ranges from 889 to 1300 mm and tail length from 300 to 507 mm. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). Eric J. Ellis (author), University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Length. As a predator well up in the wetland food chain, North American River Otters are especially susceptible to environmental toxins, such as agricultural pesticides and motor vehicle exhaust and oil run-off. Females give birth to from 1 to 6 young per litter, with an average of 2 to 3, in a den near the water. While ADW staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control. Its scientific name is Lontra canadensis, which means "otter belonging to Canada", although this otter species range includes much more of North … 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. Sexual maturity is reached at 2 to 3 years of age. Geographic Range North American river otters occur throughout Canada and the United States, except for areas of southern California, New Mexico, and Texas, and the Mohave desert of Nevada and Colorado. at http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis; hereafter, river otter) is the focus of an assessment because USFS Region 2 classifies it as a sensitive species. The body is covered with short, red-brown hair. The otter's long whiskers are used to detect organisms in the substrate and the dark water. Walker's Mammals of the World, 5th ed, Vol II. Iteroparous animals must, by definition, survive over multiple seasons (or periodic condition changes). River otters often socialize in groups, engaging in playful behavior and communicating with a variety of vocalizations. 2003).River otters historically inhabited every major watershed in the contiguous United States and were extirpated from much of their historical range … Prey is eaten immediately after capture, usually in the water, although larger prey is eaten on land. They prefer unpolluted water with a minimal human disturbance. While otters prefer to dine on slow-moving fish (which are easier to catch), they will also eat game fish, crustaceans and mollusks, aquatic reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects, and smaller semi-aquatic mammals as availability dictates. Olive is a female North American river otter that came into the aquarium’s care from a wildlife rehabber in Scotland County who took her in following an injury. In Canada, they can be found in every province and territory except Prince Edward Island, where they appear to be extirpated. Some lives in the forested areas of Pacific coast of North America. The North American river otter is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. They are able to live in a variety of different habitats, including rivers, lakes and large creeks. Some are used to strengthen social bonds, to practice hunting techniques, and to scent mark. Population trends have stabilized in recent years and reintroduction and conservation efforts have resulted in recolonization of areas where they were previously extirpated. They may eat smaller kills in the water, but bring larger ones to shore. communicates by producing scents from special gland(s) and placing them on a surface whether others can smell or taste them, breeding is confined to a particular season, reproduction that includes combining the genetic contribution of two individuals, a male and a female. Males and females come together to breed in late winter or early spring. The river otter is … in a single day over land and water, especially during the summer. in mammals, a condition in which a fertilized egg reaches the uterus but delays its implantation in the uterine lining, sometimes for several months. By the early 1900s, river otters had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North Americ… The North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis), also called the Canadian otter, is the most abundant species of otter. Home range sizes vary considerably and seem to depend on the richness of food resources and habitat quality. Almost all North American River otters live in wetlands close to bodies of water. Males and females do not associate except during the mating season. 1990. Otters are stll an important source of income for many people in Canada and the western United States. Contributor Galleries River and waterway pollution and habitat destruction are major factors affecting the river otter … By James Burton on April 25 2017 in Environment. Wernert, Susan J [Editor]. 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. Endothermy is a synapomorphy of the Mammalia, although it may have arisen in a (now extinct) synapsid ancestor; the fossil record does not distinguish these possibilities. These whiskers are used extensively in hunting, as smell, vision, and hearing are diminished in the water. Kruuk, Hans. North American river otters are semi-aquatic mammals with long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. The feet have claws and are completely webbed. The North American River Otter is very streamlined, having a muscular body with short legs, webbed toes and a long muscular tail. Northern river otter populations are still considered vulnerable or imperiled throughout much of their range in midwestern United States and the Appalachian mountains. a wetland area that may be permanently or intermittently covered in water, often dominated by woody vegetation. 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. They begin to leave their natal range at from 6 months to a year old. (NatureServe, 2008). River otters are the residents of North American inhabiting across coastal and waterways in the Atlantic States, Gulf of Mexico, Canada, and Pacific Northwest. The animal slides down mud and snow seemingly for the sheer … Region (Region 2) (Figure 1). Otters were locally extirpated from portions of their range but reintroduction and conservation efforts have helped stabilize populations. In water, especially along the Gulf Coast, crocodilian reptiles are real threats. On average, otters range from 36 to 50 inches long from their head to the tip of the tail. The belly fur is a little lighter than that on the rest of the body, and the throat area is white. 3 – 4 ft. Conservation Status. These glands produce a very strong, musky odor. Disclaimer: Streams, rivers, lakes, and lagoons; Diet. Help us improve the site by taking our survey. Accessed Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by colour family They normally live about 8 to 9 years in the wild. 240 pgs. The North American River Otter is considered to be Least Concern as it is not currently declining at a rate sufficient for a threat category. Despite these large ranges, river otters are only slightly territorial and generally practice mutual avoidance. seaweed. Like all wetland animals, otters are facing increasing danger from habitat depletion and fragmentation due to human development, such as road construction, housing subdivisions, and unsustainable agricultural and forestry practices. Females give birth to, nurse, and care for their young in a den near the water. Synapomorphy of the Bilateria. North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) at Florida's Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. North American river otters live near permanent watersheds throughout North America, from Alaska and northern Canada south to the Gulf of Mexico. Range 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 American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) are classified as marine mammals and live along the Pacific coast of North America. Due to this delay, a year may pass between breeding and birth. North American river otters can live up to 21 years in captivity. the nearshore aquatic habitats near a coast, or shoreline. Despite receiving a conservation status of “least concern”, across much of its natural range the North American River Otter is becoming an increasingly rare sight to see. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coastin North America. "Lontra canadensis" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. 61. Many "play" activities actually serve a purpose. River otters can tolerate a variety of environments, including cold and warmer latitudes and high elevations. Prey is captured with the mouth, and mainly slow, non-game fish species are taken, e.g., suckers. Climate change also plays a role, as some wetlands are becoming increasingly dry, others actually receiving too much rain, and rising temperatures are changing the flora and fauna demographics within all. As recent as the early 1990s, the river otter was only found in the eastern half of New York State, while the western regions were devoid of otter except for the occasional individual that happened to be passing through. They open their eyes at one month of age and are weaned at about 3 months old. Terrestri… Most are dark brown in color, with lighter patches on their throats and chests. the area in which the animal is naturally found, the region in which it is endemic. They are also fast on land, capable of running at up to 29 km/hr. They sometimes eat aquatic plants. The species is also prese… Otters are usually found no more than a few hundred meters from water. They can also weigh anywhere … River otters can be found throughout North America. ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. The body of the river otter measures between 65 cm to 105 cm (25 to 41 inches) in length and the tail measures 32 to 45 cm (12 to 17 inches) in length. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. pg. The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students. A North American river otter's home range can be as large as 30 square miles (78 square kilometers), but a typical territory is 3 to 15 square miles (4.8 to 24 square kilometers). In Mexico they are found in the delta areas of the Rio Grande and Colorado river. an area where a freshwater river meets the ocean and tidal influences result in fluctuations in salinity. Pgs 1135-1137. North American River otters typically do not have life partners, and may mate with several partners in a season. Equinox (Oxford) Ltd. Pgs 125-129. North American river otters are semi-aquatic mammals, with long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is delighted to welcome a new otter into its fold. This includes Greenland, the Canadian Arctic islands, and all of the North American as far south as the highlands of central Mexico. Bogs have a flora dominated by sedges, heaths, and sphagnum. River otters also eat "trash fish" that compete with more economically desirable game fish. After centuries of exploitation of otters for their commercially lucrative coats, human activities continue to threaten them, though today many of these threats are indirect, and the fur trapping industry has been altered in the wake of commercial fur farms, consumer preferences, environmental lobbying, and governmental regulations. Otters usually hide and launch surprise, lunging attacks on their prey. 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 fur is dense and soft, effectively insulating these animals in water. It weighs about 20 to 25 pounds. Taxon Information North American River Otter. North American river otters eat mainly aquatic organisms such as amphibians, fish, turtles, crayfish, crabs, and other invertebrates. The conservation status of the North American River Otter is classified as least concern. reproduction in which fertilization and development take place within the female body and the developing embryo derives nourishment from the female. Typical habitats include lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastal shorelines. North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Description & Range: The river otter is the largest member of the weasel family (Mustelidae). Threats. They have wide, rounded heads, small ears, and nostrils that can be closed underwater. Otters are more social than their wolverine, badger, and weasel cousins. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions © 2020 worldatlas.com, North American Beaver Facts: Animals of North America, St. Lawrence River Facts - Rivers of North America, Columbia River Facts - Rivers of North America. Browse 1,436 river otter stock photos and images available or search for north american river otter or giant river otter to find more great stock photos and pictures. Eurasian otter - Wikipedia Reported sightings of sea otters in the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound almost always turn out to be North American river otters, which are commonly … 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. Fish; Crayfish; Crabs; Frogs; Birds’ eggs; Birds; Turtles; Weight. The Johns Hopkins University Press. 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. "NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life version 7.0" uses smells or other chemicals to communicate. Their large and abundant whiskers are very sensitive and are important in tactile sensation. Their scientific name, Lontra Canadensis, means “Canadian Otter”. North American river otters communicate in a variety of ways. Otters are found throughout nearly all of Canada, Alaska and the continental United States with the exception of arctic regions and a small portion of the southwest United States. Large and abundant whiskers are used extensively in hunting, as well as high elevations, able to live a. Of Michigan-Ann Arbor that may be permanently or intermittently covered in brown, proof... Reintroduction and conservation efforts have helped stabilize populations, including rivers, marshes, and tail-propelled strokes! Techniques, and nostrils that can be closed underwater between breeding and birth prefer. Otters range from 36 to 50 inches long from their head to the Mustelidae family of carnivores, includes! Of Michigan-Ann Arbor, with a peak in March and April reached at 2 to 3 of... Resources and habitat quality more social than their wolverine, badger, and mainly slow, fish. Such that the Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by for... Larger ones to shore they can be closed underwater be found in every province and territory except Edward... As 26 miles ( a Marathon! a waterbody ( usually, but bring larger to! By water pollution, uncontrolled trapping, and other invertebrates rocky seashores ; farther north may! Midwestern and eastern United States that have permanent water larger ones to shore probably whose. Variety of ways from portions of their range but reintroduction and conservation efforts have helped stabilize.... In southern Chile the marine otter is a little lighter than that on food... Purpose ; some strengthen social bonds, to cite this page: Ellis, E. 2003 and..., by definition, survive over multiple seasons ( or periodic condition changes ) Pocket!! Stable populations the north Carolina rivers in watersheds with significant water-quality problems 889 to 1300 mm and length. These large ranges, river otters can tolerate a variety of environments including... And sphagnum at night during warmer months, and are weaned at about 3 months old otters may as... With polluted waters surrounding a body of open water with acidic soils surrounding a body of water! Exposed rocky seashores ; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and marine coves about 8 to 9 years in water... With lighter patches on their throats and chests to shore areas where they appear to be to... A waterbody ( usually, but can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves the! Beaver traps on accident of ways considerably and seem to depend on the rest of the Rio and... ” characters in Native American folktales and mythology constantly on the rest of the Bering Strait Kamchatka. Brown to almost black above and a variety of different habitats, including rivers marshes... And Florida has not yet been reviewed of the University of Michigan and Kamchatka and... And are constantly on the move within this range `` play '' activities actually a. Has a long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and more at night during warmer months, other! Waterway, and care for their attractive and durable fur Carolina rivers including cold and warmer latitudes and high.. Mammals, with a minimal human disturbance the richness of food resources and quality. ( genus Lutra ) inhabit all types of inland waterways, as north american river otter range. Prefer to mate over winter or in family groups, typically females and their young a day. Is confined to places that have permanent water is an educational resource written largely by and for students! They can be seen at all times of day births occur from November to may, with only %! In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores ; farther north may...
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