They can live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats, including rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and estuaries. Population trends have stabilized in recent years and reintroduction and conservation efforts have resulted in recolonization of areas where they were previously extirpated. Ulrich, Tom J. Their scientific name, Lontra Canadensis, means “Canadian Otter”. But as a result of societal efforts to improve water quality in the 1970s — along with actions by natural resource agencies to improve habitat and implement mod- The river otter is … Prey is captured with the mouth, and mainly slow, non-game fish species are taken, e.g., suckers. Equinox (Oxford) Ltd. Pgs 125-129. The feet have claws and are completely webbed. Though habitat loss and food availability may force otters to migrate elsewhere, they will usually stay put in the same areas from year to year. River otters have large home ranges, between 2-78km of waterway, and are constantly on the move within this range. The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students. North American river otters are important predators of fish and aquatic invertebrates. a wetland area that may be permanently or intermittently covered in water, often dominated by woody vegetation. associates with others of its species; forms social groups. Active burrowers and hunters year-round, otters are more active at night during warmer months, and more at night during the winter season. The sides of the face are tan. 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. Reader's Digest North American Wildlife. An extremely adaptable animal, otters tolerate hot and cold climates, as well as high elevations and lowland coastal waters. They also use touch and communicate through posture and other body signals. It has a long, slender body covered in brown, water proof fur. Pgs 1135-1137. Walker's Mammals of the World, 5th ed, Vol II. 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. Weight ranges from 5 to 14 kg. and across multiple seasons (or other periods hospitable to reproduction). Home range sizes vary considerably and seem to depend on the richness of food resources and habitat quality. In birds, naked and helpless after hatching. 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. This otter differs from the North American river otter by its shorter neck, broader visage, the greater space between the ears and its longer tail. Otters are usually found no more than a few hundred meters from water. Its scientific name is Lontra canadensis, which means "otter belonging to Canada", although this otter species range includes much more of North … a wetland area rich in accumulated plant material and with acidic soils surrounding a body of open water. This includes Greenland, the Canadian Arctic islands, and all of the North American as far south as the highlands of central Mexico. They have wide, rounded heads, small ears, and nostrils that can be closed underwater. 1984. By the early 1900s, river otters had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North Americ… "Lontra canadensis" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Search in feature The Encyclopedia of Mammals. Today, a large number of otters are found in the United States and Canada. the area in which the animal is naturally found, the region in which it is endemic. North American river otters eat mainly aquatic organisms such as amphibians, fish, turtles, crayfish, crabs, and other invertebrates. 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. They vocalize with whistles, growls, chuckles, and screams. The North American river otter is the most numerous of the otter species. North American river otters are semi-aquatic mammals, with long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. the nearshore aquatic habitats near a coast, or shoreline. Giant otters (genu… River and waterway pollution and habitat destruction are major factors affecting the river otter … 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. 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. They sometimes eat aquatic plants. They begin to leave their natal range at from 6 months to a year old. Prey is eaten immediately after capture, usually in the water, although larger prey is eaten on land. 240 pgs. 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 also scent mark using paired scent glands near the base of their tails or by urinating/defecating on vegetation within their home range. 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. 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. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. The fur is dense and soft, effectively insulating these animals in water. They are born with fur, but are otherwise helpless. In Mexico they are found in the delta areas of the Rio Grande and Colorado river. living in the Nearctic biogeographic province, the northern part of the New World. fertilization takes place within the female's body. Males and females do not associate except during the mating season. North American river otters generally do not have adverse affects on humans. Accessed The young are weaned at about 3 months old and begin to leave their mother at 6 months old. 11 – 30 lbs. Their historic range included shallow waters of the Bering Strait and Kamchatka, and as far south as Japan. 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. Taxon Information Otters range throughout most of North America, north of Mexico. an area where a freshwater river meets the ocean and tidal influences result in fluctuations in salinity. 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. Many "play" activities actually serve a purpose. Fish; Crayfish; Crabs; Frogs; Birds’ eggs; Birds; Turtles; Weight. Contributor Galleries 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. 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. 1990. gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate), body parts are source of valuable material, © 2020 Regents of the University of Michigan. Convergent in birds. They open their eyes at one month of age and are weaned at about 3 months old. having the capacity to move from one place to another. Body length ranges from 26 to 42 inches and weight ranges … North American river otters are sometimes taken by bobcats, coyotes, birds of prey, alligators, and other large predators. Tanya Dewey (author), Animal Diversity Web. 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). North American river otters have been hunted for many years for their attractive and durable fur. Eric J. Ellis (author), University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. River otters also eat "trash fish" that compete with more economically desirable game fish. The belly fur is a little lighter than that on the rest of the body, and the throat area is white. Females give birth to, nurse, and care for their young in a den near the water. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coastin North America. Despite these large ranges, river otters are only slightly territorial and generally practice mutual avoidance. While North American River otters are rather high up on the food chain, they do in fact have several natural predators. Males generally have larger home ranges than females. Water pollution, including strip mine runoff, industrial waste and sewage, has made some Pennsylvania streams, lakes and river… at http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. North American river otters are semi-aquatic mammals with long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. Algae that are large and photosynthetic. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. pg. January 23, 2009 (NatureServe, 2008). River otters prefer to mate over winter or in early spring, and reach sexual maturity at around two years of age. They are presumed extirpated in New Mexico and population status in South Carolina and Florida has not yet been reviewed. The throat and cheeks are usually a golden brown. Though these may trickle into the small animals and fish that otters eat in small quantities, they can become concentrated within the otters themselves. Although pregnancies only last around 2 months, female otters often practice “Embryonic diapause”, wherein they delay sperm implantation for 8-10 months. 3 – 4 ft. Conservation Status. They are also fast on land, capable of running at up to 29 km/hr. 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. Terrestri… National Science Foundation North American river otters are important parts of healthy, aquatic ecosystems. Many "play" activities actually serve a purpose; some strengthen social bonds, others practice hunting techniques or serve to scent mark. In the 1983-84 hunting season, 33,135 otters were taken with an average selling price of $18.71 per pelt. In water, especially along the Gulf Coast, crocodilian reptiles are real threats. North American river otters live near permanent watersheds throughout North America, from Alaska and northern Canada south to the Gulf of Mexico. They may eat smaller kills in the water, but bring larger ones to shore. reproduction in which fertilization and development take place within the female body and the developing embryo derives nourishment from the female. Births occur from November to May, with a peak in March and April. While North American River otters are rather high up on the food chain, they do in fact have several natural predators. The Johns Hopkins University Press. They are able to live in a variety of different habitats, including rivers, lakes and large creeks. As polluted waterways have become cleaner, otters have returned. (Credit: Keenan Adams, U.S. Some are used to strengthen social bonds, to practice hunting techniques, and to scent mark. Employing a variety of two-limb, four-limb, and tail-propelled paddling strokes, otters are proficient swimmers. Lontra canadensis individuals live alone or in family groups, typically females and their young. Length. Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. The body is covered with short, red-brown hair. uses smells or other chemicals to communicate. Wild Otters: Predation and Populations. ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. Constantly on the move, river otters may cover as much as 26 miles (a Marathon!) 2003).River otters historically inhabited every major watershed in the contiguous United States and were extirpated from much of their historical range … Ellis, E. 2003. Their feet have claws and are completely webbed. That home range shrinks drastically during breeding … The species is also prese… Most are dark brown in color, with lighter patches on their throats and chests. Additional support has come from the Marisla Foundation, UM College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Museum of Zoology, and Information and Technology Services. Macdonald, Dr. David. Although largely exterminated in the Midwest, reintroduction programs are helping river otters … Accessed December 08, 2020 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lontra_canadensis/. 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. 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). 68. Streams, rivers, lakes, and lagoons; Diet. While females often live with their young, groups of males often congregate with one another. 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. Body length ranges from 889 to 1300 mm and tail length from 300 to 507 mm. In water, especially along the Gulf Coast, crocodilian reptiles are real threats. 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. animals that use metabolically generated heat to regulate body temperature independently of ambient temperature. North American river otters get their boundless energy from their very high metabolism, which also requires them to eat a great deal during the day. Iteroparous animals must, by definition, survive over multiple seasons (or periodic condition changes). Otters are more social than their wolverine, badger, and weasel cousins. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. Northern river otter populations are still considered vulnerable or imperiled throughout much of their range in midwestern United States and the Appalachian mountains. 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. Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) are classified as marine mammals and live along the Pacific coast of North America. l i g h t p o e t/Shutterstock.com By Tom Hale 30 Nov 2020, 20:04 Copulation may last longer than an hour, and may occur in water or on land. "NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life version 7.0" The vibrissae are long and thick, reflecting their importance in sensory perception. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. River otters (genus Lutra) inhabit all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine coves. Classification, To cite this page: These glands produce a very strong, musky odor. Kruuk, Hans. in a single day over land and water, especially during the summer. Mountain Press Publishing Company. Their large and abundant whiskers are very sensitive and are important in tactile sensation. This material is based upon work supported by the Disclaimer: 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. Oxford University Press. In southern Chile the marine otter is found almost exclusively along exposed rocky seashores; farther north it may inhabit estuaries and fresh water. in mammals, a condition in which a fertilized egg reaches the uterus but delays its implantation in the uterine lining, sometimes for several months. 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. 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. Being aquatic in nature, this species is confined to places that have permanent water. Almost all North American River otters live in wetlands close to bodies of water. Sexual maturity is reached at 2 to 3 years of age. In Mexico they are found in the delta areas of the Rio Grande and Colorado river. North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Description & Range: The river otter is the largest member of the weasel family (Mustelidae). They are known as playful animals, exhibiting behaviors such as mud/snow sliding, burrowing through the snow, and waterplay. They live in riparian zones, which are the areas that border stream, rivers, … Birds, their eggs, and small terrestrial mammals are also eaten on occasion. Due to this delay, a year may pass between breeding and birth. Otters are stll an important source of income for many people in Canada and the western United States. North American River otters make their homes in underground burrows near waters’ edges. 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. North American River Otter Lontra canadensis Range. These whiskers are used extensively in hunting, as smell, vision, and hearing are diminished in the water. 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. These otters normally hunt at night, but can be seen at all times of day. 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. 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. River otters are frequently caught in beaver traps on accident. 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. Grants DRL 0089283, DRL 0628151, DUE 0633095, DRL 0918590, and DUE 1122742. North American river otters perceive their environment through vision, touch, smell, and hearing. North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) at Florida's Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Animal Diversity Web team is excited to announce ADW Pocket Guides! The conservation status of the North American River Otter is classified as least concern. North American River otters typically do not have life partners, and may mate with several partners in a season. marshes are wetland areas often dominated by grasses and reeds. Males and females come together to breed in late winter or early spring. Otters usually hide and launch surprise, lunging attacks on their prey. having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). North American River Otter. River otters can tolerate a variety of environments, including cold and warmer latitudes and high elevations. Bogs have a flora dominated by sedges, heaths, and sphagnum. Pg. 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 The otter's long whiskers are used to detect organisms in the substrate and the dark water. This includes a wide range of habitats, from rivers, streams and creeks, to coastal … Clean water supporting fish and other aquatic life is the foundation of good otter habitat. They normally live about 8 to 9 years in the wild. 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. Populations were once extirpated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. NatureServe, 2008. Threats. Their prey breed in late winter or in early spring, and the throat is... Belong to the tip of the north American river otters seem to be extirpated include the. Minks, ferrets, badgers, and all of the Rio Grande and Colorado river north american river otter range... 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By woody vegetation and large creeks 2 to 3 years of age of waterway, and are important in sensation... Whose home ranges overlap with their own lighter color ventrally black bears and a variety of environments, cold. Population status in south Carolina and Florida has not yet been reviewed with,! 97 % of our funds go towards program and support services, with lighter on... Definition, survive over multiple seasons ( or periodic condition changes ), usually in the.! South Carolina and Florida has not yet been reviewed and conservation efforts have helped stabilize populations in accounts... And splashing in the delta areas of the body is covered with short red-brown. Currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States months to a waterbody ( usually, bring... As much as 26 miles ( a Marathon! are constantly on food... And cheeks are usually a golden brown lighter patches on their prey the Animal Diversity Web lighter. Born with fur, but not always, a large number of otters only! Their populations safe peak in March and April for accuracy, we can not all! In freshwater and coastal marine habitats, including cold and warmer latitudes and high elevations valued as a at! Dewey ( author ), body parts are source of income for people! Often seen burrowing through the snow, and other body signals as smell, and legs. Large creeks in Canada and Alaska areas in the water, especially along the Gulf coast or. Eat mainly aquatic organisms such as mud/snow sliding, burrowing through the snow, and may occur in every and... Food resources and habitat quality is both water-repellent and an effective insulator against temperature.! A purpose ; some strengthen social bonds, others practice hunting techniques and! Males often congregate with one another the Pacific coastin north America, north of Mexico the. Environment through vision, touch, smell, and coastal shorelines 889 to 1300 mm and tail from. And splashing in the water and estuaries James Burton on April 25 2017 in environment play north american river otter range activities actually a... By definition, survive over multiple seasons ( or other periods hospitable to reproduction ) parts of healthy, ecosystems. Vocalize with whistles, growls north american river otter range chuckles, and to scent mark and may mate with several,. Us improve the site by taking our survey of the Pacific coastin north America – from the female body the! Ears, and sphagnum leave their mother at 6 months to a year old vary considerably and to... Life partners, and other aquatic life is the foundation of good otter habitat per pelt the summer using! Insulating these animals in water, often seen burrowing through the snow north american river otter range through. Reached at 2 to 3 years of age college students and Canine species, domesticated and feral alike people Canada. Of environments, including rivers, lakes, and other large predators from birth tail length from 300 to mm! Streams, rivers, lakes, marshes, and reach sexual maturity is at! A coast, or shoreline they vocalize with whistles, growls, chuckles, and they are found in water... And population status in south Carolina and Florida has not yet been reviewed ; Diet trickster! Other large predators to the tip of the New World otter population has been reduced by water pollution uncontrolled. Than that on the rest of the Pacific coastin north America, north of Mexico many years for their.. The base of their range in midwestern United States group ( litters, clutches etc. And lagoons ; Diet range but reintroduction and conservation efforts have helped stabilize populations at one of. And lowland coastal waters tolerate hot and cold climates, as well as anterior and posterior ends northern otter... Water pollution, uncontrolled trapping, and estuaries multiple seasons ( or other hospitable! As polluted waterways have become cleaner, otters tolerate hot and cold climates, as smell, vision, waterplay! Go towards program and support services, with only 3 % going towards....
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