North American river otters live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats including rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and estuaries. Some jurisdictions have made otters a protected species in some areas, and some places have otter sanctuaries. 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. They have wide, rounded heads, small ears, and nostrils that can be closed underwater. American River Otter Lutra canadensis lataxina The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. North American river otters live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats including rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and estuaries. The North American river otter lives along riverbanks, lakeshores, and coasts. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. The North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a species of otter. Birds and birds’ eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. North American river otters build dens in the burrows of other mammals, in natural hollows, such as under a log, or in river banks. The vibrissae are long and thick, reflecting their importance in sensory perception. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also called the Canadian otter, is the most abundant species of otter. Many "play" activities actually serve a purpose; some strengthen social bonds, others practice hunting techniques or serve to scent mark. North American river otters seem to be sensitive to pollution and disappear from areas with polluted waters. North American River Otters (Lontra canadensis) Hello, it’s Team SeaDoc member, Mira, marine scientist, diver, and lover of all things ocean, especially Salish Sea creatures! These sanctuaries help ill and injured otters to recover. We receive no government funding, and depend solely on financial support from our friends. North American river otters live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats including rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and estuaries. Their population is considered stable and IUCN lists it as ‘least concern’. Juvenile otters usually remain with the female until she bears her next litter the following spring. The North American river otter use a wide range of vocalizations, including whistles and buzzes to twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls. The Giant otter is found in South America around the Amazon river basin. River otters generally live along rivers, as their name implies, but they're also found near streams and lakes.Otters prefer water bordered by woods and with wetlands, such as marshes, nearby. They become much more nocturnal in the spring, summer, and fall seasons, and more diurnal during winter. Interestingly, after the egg is fertilized it goes through a stage when the embryo becomes inactive known as delayed implantation. The North American river otter lives along riverbanks, lakeshores, and coasts. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. They sometimes eat aquatic plants. North American river otter. These sanctuaries help ill and injured otters to recover. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). They have become a popular exhibit in zoos and aquaria, but unwelcome on agricultural land because they alter river banks for their access, sliding, and defense. They can grow to over 5ft (1.5m) long. Flexing their long bodies up and down, paddling with their webbed hind feet, and using their feet and strong tails to steer, river otters are underwater acrobats. Diet Carnivore. North American river otters are highly mobile and have the capacity of traveling up to 42 km (26 mi) in one day. Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. Unlike most marine mammals, otters do not have a layer of insulating blubber. A newly published study reveals that river otters (Lontra canadensis) now inhabit most of their historic range in the U.S. and, more importantly, that no states are reporting declining otter populations. North American river otters are excellent swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to 8 minutes. North American river otters eat mainly aquatic organisms such as amphibians, fish, turtles, crayfish, crabs, and other invertebrates. Range. It lives in a den, which can be made in a riverside burrow, under rocks or plants, or in a beaver’s home (lodge). North American river otters can reach a length of 3.9 ft and weigh 3 lbs. The vibrissae are long and thick, reflecting their importance in sensory perception. River Otter Facts. Lontra canadensis. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) became one of the major animals hunted and trapped for fur in North America after European contact. North American river otters have long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. It is recognized by its powerful neck and elongated body. North American River Otter. North American River Otters are very playful creatures; this is why they are a favorite attraction for kids at zoos where they can often be observed playing games. Birds, their eggs, and small terrestrial mammals are also eaten on occasion. Basic Facts about the North American River Otter Its scientific name is Lontra canadensis. 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. North American river otters eat mainly aquatic organisms such as amphibians, fish, turtles, crayfish, crabs, and other invertebrates. They are used extensively in hunting, as smell, vision, and hearing are diminished in the water. The river otter's life expectancy is 10 to 15 years in the wild and 25 years in captivity. The life expectancy for an otter is about 8-9 years. Let's take a closer look at this playful creature. Dens have underwater entrances and a tunnel leading to a nest chamber that is lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. Males and females come together to breed in late winter or early spring. The North American river otter is the most numerous of all the species. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is believed that only 86 of them are present in this world now. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. They are born with fur, but are otherwise helpless. The North American River Otter goes through stages of maturation. River Otter Poo-pori of Facts North American river otter (Lontra Canadensis): Photo- Publicdomainpictures.net) Things You Didn't Know You Wanted to Know About River Otter Poop. Gestation lasts two months, but the young may be born up to a year after mating because these otters employ delayed implantation. Fun Facts: The river otter is non-territorial, but it still marks around its home range using feces and urine as a form of communication. The North American river otter’s body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42 in). The otter closes its nostrils and small ears when submerged. The North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a species of otter. North American river otters are sometimes taken by bobcats, coyotes, birds of prey, alligators, and other large predators. 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 North American river otter’s main prey is fish, which it usually catches during the day. Like their ocean-faring relatives, the sea otters, river otters belong to the mustelid family (weasels, skunks, badgers and more). They can grow to over 1.5m (5ft) long. The fur is dark brown to almost black above and a lighter color ventrally. In contrast to their very s… They are born with fur, but are otherwise helpless. 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