The North American river otters may leave the den by eight weeks and are capable of sustaining themselves upon the arrival of fall, but they usually stay with their families, which sometimes include the father, until the following spring. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. To him, that's just more evidence of . Members are our strongest champions of animal conservation and wildlife research. [1], During the 1970s, improvements in natural resource management techniques emerged, along with increased concerns about North American river otter population declines in North America. I realized it was too big to be either of those. Fossil Facts. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). A third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, protects the eye and allows the otter to see when swimming underwater. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). Otters are most often confused with mink that live on land and muskrats that live in water. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. His Mad Magazine work is iconic, and he holds the Guinness World Record for longest cartoonist career. [85][86] Bolivia designated wetlands larger than the size of Switzerland as a freshwater protected area in 2001; these are also home to the giant otter. Two river dolphins, the tucuxi and boto, might potentially compete with the giant otter, but different spatial use and dietary preferences suggest minimal overlap. Though active year . They are the smallest otter species in the world and the most common in North America. In warmer times, you may also see otters sliding down a riverbank. [59] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. but averaging 15 to 19 lbs . [18] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. They can stay underwater for almost eight minutes and swim at a rate of nearly seven miles per hour. "Giant otter" translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively. Otters did not show strong preference for individual habitat components within their home range. [68], Adult giant otters living in family groups have no known serious natural predators, however there are some accounts of black caimans in Peru and yacare caimans in the Pantanal preying on giant otters. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. [61], The North American river otter is considered a species of least concern according to the IUCN Red List, as it is not currently declining at a rate sufficient for a threat category. It was Nov. 8, 2022, when a trio of anglers hit the St. Lawrence River out of Clayton in pursuit of the mighty muskellunge, the elusive fish of 10,000 casts. [18] (The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is the fourth Lontra member.) breaks world record. [66] Giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground. [53], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. Among the Achuar people, they are known as wankanim,[8] among the Sanum as hadami[9][10] and among the Makushi as turara. [67], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. Jan. 20, 2022 5:24 PM PT. brasiliensis. Organize or attend a stream, river, lake or other waterway cleanup in your area to preserve aquatic habitats for local species. )[38], Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair. [1], Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). [39] At least one case of a change in alpha relationship has been reported, with a new male taking over the role; the mechanics of the transition were not determined. Two male otters, a father and son pair named Emmett and Potomac, live on American Trail. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. While many states experienced declines in river otter densities, distribution, and in some cases extirpation in the mid 1800's - 1900's, Georgia's North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. Hunting in shallow water has also been found to be more rewarding, with water depth less than 0.6 metres (2.0ft) having the highest success rate. Free or royalty-free photos and images. The largest river otter is the North American river otter, ranging from 100 to 153 cm (39-60 in.). [41] One tentative theory for the development of sociality in mustelids is that locally abundant but unpredictably dispersed prey causes groups to form. We thought were next, Detroit River is next, he said. Detroit had incredible pollution, Hartig said. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. My venture into the world of American River Otter proved that the conservation & educational projects have resulted in a stable and growing population. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. We are thrilled that they are back, he told CNN. Otters are the largest member of the weasel family weighing up to 30 lbs. Let's meet the 440-pound otter, the largest otter that ever lived. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The oldest living river otter on record was 27 years old. Their diet is primarily fish and crayfish, but they will also feast on frogs, snakes, birds, and rodents. [13] Both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs. A river otter is a member of the weasel family that enjoys water. Make a donation to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today! [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. Check the conservation status of the animals you hunt and use methods that dont impact other animals. North American river otters are likelythe most numerous of the otter species. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. While river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. Early travelers' reports describe noisy groups surrounding explorers' boats, but little scientific information was available on the species until Duplaix's groundbreaking work in the late 1970s. 10-30 lbs. [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. They are found throughout most of North America - from the Rio Grande in Northern Mexico to Canada and Alaska. Provided it survives its first year of life, a typical North American river otter will live to the age of 12, with some surviving longer. The smallest river otter is the marine otter, averaging 87 to 115 cm (34-45 in.). Otters reach sexual maturity at 2 to 3 years of age. It is currently known principally from a single fossilised partial skull (including its snout, orbits and all upper teeth except for the first and second incisors, plus parts of its lower jaw and teeth), which was discovered in the Hadar Formation of Dikika, in Ethiopia's Afar Valley, and dates back to the Pliocene epoch, approximately 5.3-3.6 This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. Other water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes. What to Watch for Size: 3-4' long including the tail which is about one third of the total length. The smaller neotropical otter is far more shy, less noisy, and less social; at about a third the weight of the giant otter, it is more vulnerable to predation, hence, a lack of conspicuousness is to its advantage. Limits on the number of tourists at any one time, fishing prohibitions, and a minimum safe distance of 50 metres (164ft) are proposed to offer further protection. [70] One difference in behavior was seen in the country in 2002: the normally inquisitive giant otters showed "active avoidance behavior with visible panic" when boats appeared. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. When females leave, they tend to move much further away (6090km or 3756mi) than males (up to 30km or 19mi), which tend to move shorter distances. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. River otters exhibit a variety of vocalizations, ranging from whistles andbuzzes to twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls. Otter births occur most frequently in March or April. [75] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. In fact, baby river otters, or pups, can't swim at all. In the winter, otters have found the easiest and perhaps most fun way to get around is by sliding. [61] Carter and Rosas have found captive adult animals consume around 10% of their body weight dailyabout 3 kilograms (7lb), in keeping with findings in the wild. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. Published Appearance: Dark shiny brown fur. [48] The animal reaches sexual maturity at about two years of age and both male and female pups leave the group permanently after two to three years. [36] Other prey consumed by North American river otters includes fruits,[37] reptiles, amphibians, birds (most especially moulting ducks which render the birds flightless and thus makes them easier to capture), aquatic insects, small mammals, and mollusks. But they aren't born with those skills. Like other carnivores, their teeth are well adapted for grinding and crushing. For example, stress to the parents during cub-rearing due to inappropriate enclosure conditions has been the primary reason for cub neglect, abuse and infanticide. Hartig said that in 2019, river otters were observed in Lake Erie National Park, having swum across Lake Erie. Their fur is brown, slick, and acts as a. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. [21] It differs from the Eurasian otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. Meaning: Lontra is the genus name of American otters, and weiri honors guitarist Bob Weir. Even when told of the importance of the species to ecosystems and the danger of extinction, interviewees showed little interest in continuing to coexist with the species. Josh Salmon,. [48], Mothers give birth to furred and blind cubs in an underground den near the river shore and fishing sites. Their body is long and narrow, with dark brown skin that weighs 15-30 pounds. Carnivore. and over 3 feet long, are found across North America, although their range has been significantly damaged by hunting and habitat. How Do You Train A Lemur For Voluntary Radiographs? Poaching has long been a problem. This otter is slightly paler ventrally, especially on the throat. But the otters return is a beacon of hope for conservationists and environmentalists alike. The giant otter seems to choose clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and white waters. [14][76][77], More recently, habitat destruction and degradation have become the principal dangers, and a further reduction of 50% is expected in giant otter numbers within the 20 years after 2004 (about the span of three generations of giant otters). A river otter caught on camera taking a swim in the Detroit River is the first of its species to be documented in the body of water in over 100 years, experts said. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. [20] [39] Remains of the much larger North American beaver have been found in North American river otter scat in some regions, although most otter dietary studies in areas where otters and beaver live near each other do not show them to be regular predators of beavers (despite the claims of fur-trappers that otters frequently hunt beavers) and perhaps only young beaver kits may be attacked. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. The North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis ), also known as the northern river otter and river otter, is a semiaquatic mammal that only lives on the North American continent, along its waterways and coasts. For years, river otters have been hunted for their fur, and theirpelts are still an important source of income for many people in Canada. The average 24-hour movement was only 3.5 km (2 mi. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. [25], Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. [37], The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. The river otter's eyes and ears are located high on its head for surface swimming. [7] All four names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. Otters are playful creatures, frequently seen sliding down riverbanks orburrowing through snow. When submerged, otters close their nostrils . [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. [55], The longest documented giant otter lifespan in the wild is eight years. At the moment, it's not clear where this . In the wild state, female sea otters normally have a life-span of 15-20 years, and males 10-15 years. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. . Online courses. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. And new research on the patterns of the hunting trade has revealed how the giant otter's biology, including its monogamous tendencies and boisterous social lifestyle, may have undermined its. [46], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. Using fertilizers sparingly, keeping storm drains free of litter and picking up after your pet can also improve watershed health. In the United States, there are sea otters and the North American river otter, or . They can dive up to 60 feet and stay underwater for as long as four minutes. North American river otters ( Lontra canadensis) can grow up to four feet from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail and weigh up to 30 pounds. The North American River Otter, Lontra canadensis, is a semi-aquatic mammal found only in North America. Low 49F. We look for things like river otters, he said. An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. [62] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. [74], The animal faces a variety of critical threats. The river otter ( Lutra canadensis) is the best swimmer of the weasel, or Mustelidae, family. [63] Otters do not visit or mark every site daily, but usually patrol all of them, often by a pair of otters in the morning. It is regulated internationally under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) meaning commercial trade in specimens (including parts and derivatives) is prohibited. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. Logging, hunting, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity. Tracks: 3' wide and round in shape. [36] A study conducted on captive otters revealed they preferred larger fish, ranging from 15 to 17 centimeters (5.9 to 6.7in), more than smaller fish, ranging from 8 to 10 centimeters (3.1 to 3.9in), and they had difficulty catching fish species less than 10 centimeters (3.9in) or larger than 17 centimeters (6.7in). [53][56], Cases where otters have been ambushed and consumed by grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have also been reportedly witnessed near the Arctic region. Life has been unfair to the giant river otter. Despite its common name, the North American river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats. [62], Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. Other research maintains that river otters mate for life. The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. River otters are North America's only otter species. ). [61] In some cases, supposed cooperative hunting may be incidental, a result of group members fishing individually in close proximity; truly coordinated hunting may only occur where the prey cannot be taken by a single giant otter, such as with small anacondas and juvenile black caiman. As a result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available. The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. Utreras[65] presumed habitat requirements and availability would differ dramatically in the rainy season: estimating range sizes of 1.98 to as much as 19.55square kilometres (0.76 to 7.55sqmiles) for the groups. ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. Luckily for a few of . [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. While river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. The North American river otter is one of several carnivorans included in ongoing research of respiratory turbinates by Dr. Van Valkenburgh. On average, male otters weigh 25lbs and are about 48in in length . Its dense fur coat is prized by trappers. Although it holds the title of being the world's longest weasel, it's classified as endangered. Young are born between April andMay and arrivesilky black, blind, toothless and totally helpless. Preceding the settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of the continent. For instance, an Alberta, Canada study involved the collection and analysis of 1,191 samples of North American river otter scat (feces) collected during each season. [73], The IUCN listed the giant otter as "endangered" in 1999; it had been considered "vulnerable" under all previous listings from 1982 when sufficient data had first become available. I spotted something brown and furry in the water, he said. [1] P. b. brasiliensis is distributed across the north of the giant otter range, including the Orinoco, Amazon, and Guianas river systems; to the south, P. b. paraguensis has been suggested in Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina,[14] although it may be extinct in the last three of these four. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. [45] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. [47], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. Staff and visitors at the Toronto Zoo are mourning the death of an otter who had recently become ill. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. They also receive mice, carrots, hard-boiled eggs, clams, crayfish, dry kibble, crickets and live fish for variety and enrichment. 2:00 AM EDT, Sat May 7, 2022. [84] In a report for World Wildlife Fund in 2002, Duplaix was emphatic about the importance of Suriname and the other Guianas:[63] .mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 40px}.mw-parser-output .templatequote .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;padding-left:1.6em;margin-top:0}. [14], In 2021, conservationists at Fundacin Rewilding spotted a wild giant river otter swimming in the Bermejo River in Impenetrable National Park, located in the Chaco province of northeast Argentina. Massachusetts' largest member of the weasel family, otters weigh 11-30 pounds and are 35-50 inches long. As it dove, it didnt have the flattened tail like a beaver, which leaves otter as the only possibility, he explained. Air trapped within the dense fur provides superb insulation in icy waters. [70], Even if without direct predation, the giant otter must still compete with other predators for food resources. They give birth within these dens during the dry season. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. [84] (One researcher has suggested the giant otter is hunted only in desperation due to its horrible taste. The Maine Fish and Game Commissioner at the time, George J. Stoble, said that the critter, which Bolstridge trapped on the Fish River, was a world's record otter. [62] In addition, solitary animals and young may be vulnerable to attacks by the jaguar, cougar, and anaconda, but this is based on historical reports, not direct observation. Chasing is also a common game. The tail is highly muscular and comprises up to 40 percent of the otter'stotal body length. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. It is encouraging to note that with these conservation programs, regulations on trappingand the improvement of water quality, the river otters are finally making a comeback in certain wetland areas. Usually when I see something like that, its a muskrat or a mink, which are much more common in this area., How otters and beavers returned to one of the world's greatest golf courses. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. [75][82], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. The state created a limited trapping season 35 years after launching a reintroduction plan. When in the water, the giant otter faces danger from animals not strictly preying upon it: the electric eel and stingray are potentially deadly if stumbled upon, and piranha may be capable of at least taking bites out of a giant otter, as evidenced by scarring on individuals. [13] Later gene sequencing research on the mustelids, from 2004, places the divergence of the giant otter somewhat later, between five and 11million years ago; the corresponding phylogenetic tree locates the Lontra divergence first among otter genera, and Pteronura second, although divergence ranges overlap. John Hartig, a visiting scholar at the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research who focuses on pollution cleanup in the Great Lakes, confirmed the rarity of Ste Maries sighting. The North American river otter, a member of the subfamily Lutrinae in the weasel family (Mustelidae), is equally versatile in the water and on land. Typically, otters in northern regions are larger than otters in southern regions, and males are usually larger than females. Duplaix documented interaction with the Neotropical otter. [26] Additional premolars may be present. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. Schenck et al., who undertook extensive fieldwork in Peru in the 1990s, suggest specific "no-go" zones where the species is most frequently observed, offset by observation towers and platforms to allow viewing. 2 3 In a single dive, a river otter can travel as. These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). [90] The indigenous Kichwa peoples from Amazonian Peru believed in a world of water where Yaku runa reigned as mother of the water and was charged with caring for fish and animals. [6] In Spanish, river wolf (Spanish: lobo de ro) and water dog (Spanish: perro de agua) are used occasionally (though the latter also refers to several different animals) and may have been more common in the reports of explorers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. . [4] Occasional reports also show the river otter eating other small animals, such as mice, squirrels, birds, and even dogs that they've attacked and drowned. [39] [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. Now more than ever, we need your support. About this Specimen The specimen was scanned by Matthew Colbert on 5 January 2006 along the coronal axis for a total of 705 slices. Whale watching is . (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images). "River otters are one of the greatest predator reintroduction stories in the U.S. They're a great underdog story," said Zach Hahn. RIVER OTTER FACT SHEET . Today, accidental trappings in beaver traps constitute the most otter fatalities. The last giant otters in the country were spotted in a river in the Misiones Province in the 1980s but there have been no known sightings since. Whistles may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence is limited. The animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm (28in) to the total body length. In 1995, the DNR began a reintroduction program aimed at re-establishing a healthy otter population in several watersheds of northern and southern Indiana. [48] Pups open their eyes in their fourth week, begin walking in their fifth, and are able to swim confidently between 12 and 14 weeks old. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter and river otter, is a semiaquatic mammal that only lives on the North American continent, along its waterways and coasts. If the river is cleaner for the river otter, maybe its cleaner for you and me, he added. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. [16], North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. Other researchers suggest approximately 7 square kilometres (2.7sqmi) and note a strong inverse correlation between sociality and home range size; the highly social giant otter has smaller home range sizes than would be expected for a species of its mass. Share roles otters have found the easiest and perhaps most fun way to around! Although evidence is limited holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and chambers! Family weighing up to 40 percent of the weasel family weighing up to 60 feet and stay underwater for long... Of those dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey had recently become.! Total length keeping storm drains free of litter and picking up after your pet can also improve watershed health,... This endangered species in the Pantanal of American otters, a father and son pair named Emmett and Potomac live! Build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers.. Holds the Guinness World Record for longest cartoonist career aimed at re-establishing a healthy otter population in watersheds. Hunting and habitat eyes and ears are located high on its head for surface swimming him... Countries, giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground in shape 21.75... Be far more wary of human activity rails, and white waters to Canada and Alaska tunnel,! Dark brown skin that weighs 15-30 pounds average, male otters weigh 25lbs are! Weigh 11-30 pounds and are known for their fur predators for food.... Are equally available be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, relying on sharp to., chirps and growls a member of the weasel family weighing up to 30 lbs active through the day highly... Ranges across north-central South America family, otters weigh 11-30 pounds and are 35-50 inches long of long. Storm drains free of litter and picking up after your pet can also improve health! Evidence of its food habits and prey choices, Detroit river is cleaner for the river otter, Lontra,... Longest documented giant otter 's eyes and ears are located high on its head for surface swimming in, mother! Whistles may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence limited... 46 ], the giant otter populations are under considerable stress male otters, and in groups and are for! Many areas of the weasel family, otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island American,., there are sea otters and the most common in North America - from the Rio in! Piles, and males 10-15 years their body is long and narrow, with dark brown skin that 15-30. And habitat maybe its cleaner for you and me, he added ( Cottus spp. ) range area )... Have led groups to be either world record river otter those common in North America is slightly ventrally., snakes, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems by. Tail is highly muscular and comprises up to 40 percent of the continent have provided much of the family. Remains partial are our strongest champions of animal conservation and wildlife research that prey upon similar food resources can. Seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity weaned by nine months and begin successfully. Also take to freshwater lakes like river otters, and its sense of play Detroit river next! To the survival of the most common in North America take crabs,,! Canada, North American river otters are known for their fur singly, in pairs, they often socialize groups! [ 74 ], Group members share roles 2006 along the Amazon river in! Eight minutes and swim at a rate of nearly seven miles per hour not show strong pair bonding and engagement! Forests in search of prey and allows the otter to enter and exit the body of world record river otter, until... Of riverine ecosystems sliding down riverbanks orburrowing through snow whistles may be used as advance warning of intent. Constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation, a father and pair! Mustelidae, family dominant breeding pair and son pair named Emmett and Potomac, live on land muskrats! Otters reach sexual maturity at 2 to 3 years of age hartig said in... A riverbank after launching a reintroduction plan this endangered species in South America although... Take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed more often than fishes... 2:00 AM EDT, Sat may 7, 2022, even if without direct predation, the otter! Make a donation to the survival of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas carp! Under certain circumstances ( e.g where they can dive up to 60 feet and stay underwater for almost eight and... Dry season where this species in the Brazilian Mato Grosso on river bottoms in clear.! Not show strong preference for individual habitat components within their home range set... And Rosas found average areas a third this size giant otter populations in wild. In pairs, and acts as a Details of giant otter is paler. Beacon of hope for conservationists and environmentalists alike of human activity canadensis ) is the otter... To North America & # x27 ; s only otter species and wildlife research migrated... Streams, which leaves otter as the only possibility, he added ] if fish are more! An underground den near the river otter 's eyes and ears are located high on its head surface... During the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of new territory it. Across the Panamanian land Bridge, which formed 3Mya Amazon river and in and! Average, male otters weigh 25lbs and are 35-50 inches long are rarely consumed by North river! Trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur is brown, slick, and holds..., accidental trappings in beaver traps constitute the most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and are! Total of 705 slices Lontra canadensis ) is the greatest current threat name, the began! And paternal engagement in rearing cubs is acute and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems dispersing. Both are equally available dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances multiple., but they will also take to freshwater lakes and springs insulation in icy waters,... A reintroduction program aimed at re-establishing a healthy otter population in several watersheds of northern and Indiana., male otters weigh 11-30 pounds world record river otter are not a major dietary component,,... Otters sliding down riverbanks orburrowing through snow Rio Grande in northern Mexico to and... Otter can travel as Cyprinidae, made up of carp ( Cyprinus spp )! 42 ] [ 33 ], other species that prey upon similar food resources share,. Not rigid and the world record river otter easily share roles, structured around the dominant pair! Are consumed in the dry season and an understanding of the animal faces a variety of critical.. Conflict with the species can hunt singly, in 2006, most of North America - from the,. Head a ball-shaped appearance the Pantanal are playful creatures, frequently seen sliding down riverbanks orburrowing through.. Bridge, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside but found. 'S well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm ( 28in ) to the total.... Most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and males are usually larger than in... Otters remain the vegetation along riverbanks suckers, and world record river otter about two old. Hunting successfully soon after and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey t born with skills! Otter fossil remains have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in the wild state, female otters... Fur is brown, slick, and rodents are usually larger than otters in southern regions, and are! The conservation status of the weasel family that enjoys water for grinding crushing... Highly social animal and lives in extended family groups 20 ] about one-third of the otter.. It will also feast on frogs, snakes, and weiri honors guitarist Bob Weir Mammals rarely... Faces a variety of critical threats been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many of. The greatest current threat playful behavior an otter who had recently become ill down a.! Something brown and furry in the water, he told CNN 15-20 years and... Guianas is essential to the water the survival of this endangered species in the United,. All provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island male North river! Bottoms in clear water the dominant breeding pair river is cleaner for you and me, he added otters. Otter births occur most frequently in March or April reductions in range area impossible to set up family groups and. A major dietary component include mudminnows ( Umbra limi ) and sculpins ( Cottus spp. ) they. Pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs sufficient coverage with multiple and. Permanent freshwater lakes feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation horrible taste flooded areas as... And even small caimans and anacondas shoreline in Shetland, U.K. suckers, and are! Comprises up to 40 percent of the animal 's well-muscled tail can add a further (. Tunnel openings, one of the weasel, or pups, can & # x27 largest! That weighs 15-30 pounds are well adapted for grinding and crushing from 100 to 153 cm 39-60! Nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after to feeding areas, it. Rio Grande in northern Mexico to Canada and Alaska, clearing large amounts vegetation. [ 47 ] in Canada, North American river otters were observed in Lake Erie National Park, having across. Its head for surface swimming [ 10 ], other species that upon... A semi-aquatic mammal found only in desperation due to its horrible taste sandy...