North American, spot-necked, smooth, and marine otters in North American zoological facilities mate during winter and spring. It lives in a den, which can be made in a riverside burrow, under rocks or plants, or in a beaver’s home (lodge). Like sea otters, river otters also display thickest furs that ensure a limited heat loss. Their fur is thick a… River otters primarily feed on fish with the size ranges from 2 – 50 cm (0.79 – 20 inches) which is really necessary since fish is a great source for gaining calories. It builds its habitat in the swamps, rivers, lakes, tidal flat and coastal shoreline; in the form of burrows. Males may breed with more than one female during the year. Read on to learn more. Otters prefer water bordered by woods and with wetlands, such as marshes, nearby. Legs short, but powerful; all four feet webbed. Unlike many other otters which chew their food, the river otter's prey is gulped down immediately. It remains active all throughout the year and become increasingly active at night. The larger specimens with the weight of 15 kg (33 lb) are also found. National Geographic: Sea Otter 2. Their precolonial range apparently included all of North America except the arid Southwest and the northernmost portions of Alaska and Canada. About Our Animals: The Zoo currently houses three river otters. The newest addition is female Kalee, who found sanctuary at the Detroit Zoo after being rescued in June 2018 by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Sea otters breed throughout the year. Adult beetles and stonefly nymphs are just a few of these. All rights reserved. North American river otters are found anywhere there is a permanent food supply and easy access to water. They can grow to over 5ft (1.5m) long. Both male and female becomes mature after two years of age. The adult river otters are known to eat 1 – 1.5 kg (2.2 0 3.3 lb) of fish each day. On land, river otters can bound and run quite well, if not quite as effectively as they swim. The female litters one to six babies in thes underground burrows. • They can hold their breath underwater for up to eight minutes. 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. Flexing their long bodies up and down, paddling with their … Description. 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. Lontra canadensis. It can swim and maneuver better than many fish, and swims with only the top of its head out of the water. Tail long and slightly tapered toward the tip with musk-producing glands underneath. They feed primarily on fish and create their dens in natural hollows or burrows made by other animals. Otters reach sexual maturity between two to three years of age. Family: Mustelidae (weasels) in the order Carnivora. Unlike many mustelids, river otters are more social animals. Reptiles and Amphibians | River Otter Facts. Mating takes place in March and April. River otters live in many different kinds of water throughout North America, including rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and coastal shorelines and marshes. They primarily communicate through auditory signals. Crayfish makes up one-third of the otters diet. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and … Sadly speaking, pollution and urbanizations have led to the decrease in river otter population. River otters are nocturnal and they come out in at night in the summer and spring seasons. The adult river otter has 36 teeth in total. When the young are only about two months old, they get an advanced swimming lesson—their mother pushes them into the water. 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 occur throughout North America except the arctic slopes, the arid portions of the Southwest, and the intensive agricultural and industrialized areas of the Midwestern United States (Fig. The North American river otter's body is built for streamlined swimming. Description. River otters can tolerate a variety of environments, including cold and warmer latitudes and high elevations. The adult male weighs around 11.3 kg (25 lb); while the female weighs up to 8.3 kg (18 lb). North American river otters are the only river otter that is found north of Mexico. It lives in a den, which can be made in a riverside burrow, under rocks or plants, or in a beaver’s home (lodge). The biological name is Lontra Canadensis. Their toes are webbed, they have short legs and they boast a tapered tail ranging up to 15 inches long. North American river otters have been trapped for their highly-prized furs, resulting in a steep decrease in population since the 1800s. They are beginning to disappear from regions once considered as major habitats such as in New Mexico, Indiana Kansas, Arizona, South Dakota, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Ohio. River otters are intelligent animals and they often like to play. They usually breed in the months of December to April. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. The average lifespan of river otters is 21 years in captivity, but they can survive up to 25 years. River otters belong to the weasel family. Around one-third of an otter’s body is composed of a tail. River Otter Facts – Facts about River Otters Summary River otters are playful creatures found throughout aquatic habitats in North America. … It can able to stay under water for about 4 minutes. river-otter22.jpg. However, otters never eat bird eggs. River otters primarily prey on fish, crayfish, turtles and amphibians, and rarely birds. River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. The weight of a North American river otter measures around 5 – 14 kg (11 – 31 lb). They are well adapted to swimming and hunting. They can grow to over 1.5m (5ft) long. How Many Sea Otters are Left in the World? More Mammals. Instead of “water closets,” North American river otters like to poop in piles near the water, called latrines. River otters are smaller than their cousins, the sea otters. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. North American River Otters have long, slender, and sleek bodies. Females are usually a third smaller than males. It is recognized by its powerful neck and elongated body. A place where there are multiple spraints is called a latrine. People also call it North American river otter. They are also fast on land, capable of running at up to 30 km/h (19 miles). The North American River Otter is a playful, semi-aquatic mammal found in waterways of North America. Jim Rathert. River otters are found in diverse habitats ranging from coastal marine waters such as inland wetlands, marshes, lakes, rivers, coastal shorelines to the freshwater streams. In the summer and spring seasons, river otters fancy eating amphibians including boreal chorus frogs, Canadian toads, wood frogs, bullfrogs, green frogs, rough-skinned newt, garter snakes, and Pacific giant salamander. OTTER MOMS ARE TOTALLY GAME FOR ADOPTION. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. It is known as the common otter or northern river otter. They can hold their breath underwater for some eight minutes. However, the largest population of these animals is found in the Great Lakes of North America. The mammal is found all throughout the waterways and coasts of North America. Read More: How Many Sea Otters are Left in the World? In the past, river otters declined due to illegal trapping, water pollution and poor habitat quality. The North American river otter is one of the most playful, curious, and active species of otter. However, not many species play games. The river otter is Minnesota's largest aquatic carnivore that lives in most northern Minnesota lakes, ponds, and streams. The young will open its eyes after 30 – 38 days and they will start eating solid food after 9 – 10 weeks. Why Are Polar Bears Endangered | Top 2 Reasons. They remain active in winter, using ice holes to surface and breathe. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water. Litter size may compose of 3 – 5 young (1 – 3 being an average). Fun Facts: The river otter is non-territorial, but it still marks around its home range using feces and urine as … River otters also consume crustaceans such as crayfish since crayfish is relatively abundant species and is available all year round. A single otter poop is called a "spraint" like a "spraint" ankle. River otter swims at a speed of 11 km/h (6.8 mph); and dive at a depth of 20 meters (22 yards). The weight of a North American river otter measures around 5 – 14 kg (11 – 31 lb). Interesting Facts: • North American river otters can dive to depths of 60 feet. They produce a growl-like sound which is often heard while they are in pain. Head is small and round, with small eyes and ears; prominent whiskers. National Geographic: North American River Otter 3. The river otters do not dig their own den; they use habitats of other animals such as beavers instead. Warm air trapped in a sea otter’s fur keeps them warm in chilly waters.When otters dive, they seal their ears and nose.The word otter comes from Old English and Indo European root words that were also used to create the English word for water.Otters have the densest fur in the world. This semiaquatic mammal has the weight of 11 to 30.9 lb or 5 to 14 kilograms. The juveniles will wean from their mother’s milk in around 10 – 14 weeks. Otters are also very sensitive to environmental pollution. Description: River otters are well suited to life in the water. These otters can walk, slide, bound and even run on land. Mammals include eastern cottontails, snowshoe hares, and meadow voles. The short dense fur is dark brown. They catch fish in their mouths and detect other prey by feeling with their whiskers along the bottoms of streams. 2). In contrast to their very s… In Alaska, the Aleutian Islands and Brooks Range hosts many river otters. Chin and stomach are reddish yellow, tinged with gray. It ranges from 250,000 to a million hairs per square inch, according to the Defenders of Wildlife. The North American river otter lives along riverbanks, lakeshores, and coasts. Mating Behavior. Recent efforts to improve water quality and regulate hunting have restored wild populations. … This tail serves to propel the otters through water. The length of a tail measures around 30 – 50 cm (12 – 20 inches). 2020 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Their body shape aids in helping them make sudden turns to catch fish and other prey. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). I am going to offer some of the most interesting and rarely known river otter facts and that includes river otter habitat, diet, reproduction, and behavior. Today, a large number of otters are found in the United States and Canada. River otter often play games and they chase one another in a game. At the Detroit Zoo The Edward Mardigian Sr. River Otter Habitat is home to three North American river otters. In the wild they live up to 8 – 9 years with the maximum age of 13 years. North American river otters are known for their boundless energy, and they must eat frequently. River otter’s diet also embraces redhorses, cubs, bullheads, catfish, darters, perches, sculpins, pike, salmon, trout, and pike. River otters have very small eyes and flat head. Otters living in captivity largely prefer to consume bigger fish with the size of 15 – 17 cm (5.9 – 6.7 inches). River otter reaches a length of about 66 – 107 cm (26 – 42 inches). North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. The sightless and nearly helpless young are usually born in the months of March and May. Otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they soon get the hang of it. They also have webbed feet, water repellent fur to keep them dry and warm, and nostrils and ears that close in the water. Some lives in the forested areas of Pacific coast of North America. The river otter is the best swimmer of the weasel family. A male river otter appears to approach females indiscriminately until it finds one that is receptive. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. Otter abodes feature numerous tunnels—one of which usually allows them to come and go from the water. In 2001, a female otter at the Monterey Bay … Raccoon Facts: Anatomy, Diet, Habitat, Behavior, First Horse Starter Kit – Equipment That You Need to Ride, Common Health Issues With Horses To Know The Signs Of, Tasmanian Tiger Facts | Tasmanian Tiger Habitat & Diet. It has a stocky … A professional writer and a passionate wildlife enthusiast, who is mostly found hooked to his laptop or in libraries researching about the wildlife. Basically, they’ll live wherever they can find food and water to swim in, but they’re sensitive to pollution so they won’t inhabit polluted waterways. The North American river otter’s main prey is … • They remain active in winter, using ice holes to surface and breathe. Its fur ranges in color from white and gray to brown and black. Males do not help raise young otters. © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, © 2015- Otter families of mother and children can be seen enjoying such fun, which also teaches survival skills. River otters are polygynous. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. North American River Otter The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. River otters possess long, muscular bodies suited to their life on both land and in water. They build burrows abandoned by other animals including beavers, muskrats, and woodchucks. The juveniles are blind and toothless at birth. Distribution River otters are the residents of North American inhabiting across coastal and waterways in the Atlantic States, Gulf of Mexico, Canada, and Pacific Northwest. 97% of our funds go towards program and support services, with only 3% going towards fundraising. In captivity, North American river otters can live into their 20s. Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark, A North American river otter photographed at Lincoln Children's Zoo in Nebraska, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/n/north-american-river-otter.html. They love to playfully slide down snow-covered, icy, or muddy hills—often ending with a splash in the water. In certain areas, river otters rely on birds for their consumption and these birds include green-winged, teal, mallard, ruddy ducks, American coot, American wigeon, waterfowls, rails, and northern pintail. They have streamlined bodies, fully webbed feet, and long, tapered tails that are thick at the base and flat on the bottom. In the wild, their average life span is 8 or 9 years. What are some facts about this animal and what makes it unique? It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. Most are dark brown in color, with lighter patches on their throats and chests. The young will become independent after six months. The river otter also called northern river otter belongs to the family of Mustelidae. 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. Additional resources 1. Common otter is the other name for this animal. It weighs around 5 – 14 kg (11 – 31 lb). Females are 5 per cent smaller as compared to males. These include game fishes, bass (Centrarchidae) suckers (Catostomidae), and shiners. They have 57,800 hairs per square centimeter with the length of the hair measuring at 23.8 mm (0.94 inch). North American river otter conservation. Females retreat to their underground dens to deliver litters of one to six young. Top 5 Tips That Can Help Your Kitten This Spring! North American otters are capable to travel at a speed of 42 km (26 miles) per day. Their thick fur is both water-repellent and an effective insulator against temperature extremes. While playing games, otters also learn some new techniques about fighting and hunting. North American River Otter. The river otter is perfectly equipped for aquatic life. The primary foods for otters are aquatic invertebrates and aquatic insects. The North American river otter’s main prey is … It is a member of weasel family. Read More: Why are Sea Otters Endangered? The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. However, the otter is being restored to places where it is regionally threatened, resulting in an otter come back in many places. They can live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats, including rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and estuaries. Facts about River Otters talk about an animal, which can be found on the coasts or waterways of North America. They are known to travel up to 400 meters (440 yards) under water. The gestation period lasts for 61 – 63 days. River otters seldom feed on mammals as they do not form an essential part of their diet. In this post I want to introduce you to ten facts about river otters and their poop, because poop plays a central role in a river otter's social life, and their social life centers around pooing. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. The male river otters are not territorial. 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. These are their social hubs, like going to the drive-in or mall. These otters' range has been greatly reduced by habitat loss, though they exist in such numbers that they are trapped in some locales. Fish are a favorite food, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. These otters swim by propelling themselves with their powerful tails and flexing their long bodies. The group is composed of an adult female and her progeny. North American river otters are excellent swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to 8 minutes. The North American river otter lives along riverbanks, lakeshores, and coasts. And poor habitat quality – 63 days in Alaska, the river ’! 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