The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. They can grow to over 5ft (1.5m) long. It 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 found in Asia. Range. Some jurisdictions have made otters a protected species in some areas, and some places have otter sanctuaries. 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. 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. It weigh from 8.5 to 12 kg (19 to 26 lbs). Their population is considered stable and IUCN lists it as ‘least concern’. They can grow to over 1.5m (5ft) long. North American river otters are highly mobile and have the capacity of traveling up to 42 km (26 mi) in one day. Gestation lasts two months, but the young may be born up to a year after mating because these otters employ delayed implantation. The North American River Otter goes through stages of maturation. The North American river otter lives along riverbanks, lakeshores, and coasts. North American river otters. The length of a tail … 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. Most are dark brown in color, with lighter patches on their throats and chests. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. The North American river otter is one of the most playful, curious, and active species of otter. Gestation lasts two months, but the young may be born up to a year after mating because these otters employ delayed implantation. It is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. Sea otters have also been hunted in large numbers for their fur. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also called the Canadian otter, is the most abundant species of otter. River otters can stay under water for as long as 8 minutes. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. They sometimes eat aquatic plants. Their fur is water repellant to help keep them warm. The North American river otter was one of the most hunted animals for its fur after Europeans arrived. North American river otters have long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. 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 throat and cheeks are usually a golden brown. It’s not unusual to see a mother otter with her cubs, but families aside, it depends on the species. Basic Facts about the North American River Otter Its scientific name is Lontra canadensis. They are used extensively in hunting, as smell, vision, and hearing are diminished in the water. Juvenile otters usually remain with the female until she bears her next litter the following spring. It is recognized by its powerful neck and elongated body. Stable Threatened Endangered . The North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a species of otter. It weigh from 8.5 to 12 kg (19 to 26 lbs). The river otter's life expectancy is 10 to 15 years in the wild and 25 years in captivity. Our organization is not affiliated with any other otter-related research group or community outreach organization. Unlike most marine mammals, otters do not have a layer of insulating blubber. Beginning with newborn stage and then mature stage. They are used extensively in hunting, as smell, vision, and hearing are diminished in the water. North American river otters have long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. It has a stocky body, short legs, webbed feet, and a long tail. 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. The average lifespan for North American river otters is from 8 to 9 years in the wild, while in captivity individuals may live up to 25 years. North American river otters have long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. 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. They catch fish in their mouths and detect other prey by feeling with their whiskers along the bottoms of streams. Diet Carnivore. They … Birds and birds’ eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. Other Otter Facts . They live alone or in family groups, typically females and their young. They live alone or in family groups, typically females and their young. These sanctuaries help ill and injured otters to recover. Fast Facts. River otter reaches a length of about 66 – 107 cm (26 – 42 inches). Dens have underwater entrances and a tunnel leading to a nest chamber that is lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. River Otter Facts. North American river otters are highly mobile and have the capacity of traveling up to 42 km (26 mi) in one day. The average lifespan for North American river otters is from 8 to 9 years in the wild, while in captivity individuals may live up to 25 years. 90% of the sea otters are present on the coast of Alaska. North American river otters are excellent swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to 8 minutes. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. The North American river otter’s main prey is fish, which it usually catches during the day. The North American river otter’s body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42 in). The North American river otter is one of the most playful, curious, and active species of otter. They live in riparian zones, which are the areas that border stream, rivers, and lakes. These otters are active year-round, and are most active at night and during crepuscular hours. The North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a species of otter. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), or the common otter, is an aquatic mammal native to only North America in the countries Canada, and the United States.River otters are a distant relative of the weasel family. Otters in general inhabit diverse water bodies and river otters, although they may prefer fast-flowing rivers, also inhabit a variety of other freshwater habitats like streams, lakes, ponds, and marshes. 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 become a popular exhibit in zoos and aquaria, but unwelcome on agricultural land because they alter river banks for their access, sliding, and defense. In contrast to their very s… Interestingly, after the egg is fertilized it goes through a stage when the embryo becomes inactive known as delayed implantation. Dens have underwater entrances and a tunnel leading to a nest chamber that is lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. Birds, their eggs, and small terrestrial mammals are also eaten on occasion. The Internet connection is missing right now, but you're able to browse previously opened pages offline. Lontra canadensis. National Geographic: North American River Otter 3. The fur is dark brown to almost black above and a lighter color ventrally. The Giant otter is found in South America around the Amazon river basin. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. 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. Males and females come together to breed in late winter or early spring. 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. Juvenile otters usually remain with the female until she bears her next litter the following spring. The adult male weighs around 11.3 kg (25 lb); while the female weighs up to 8.3 kg (18 lb). 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. Working with kids and the public it's hard to stay away from topics that make people go "eww" and get grossed out, because it grabs their attention. North American River Otter The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Many "play" activities actually serve a purpose; some strengthen social bonds, others practice hunting techniques or serve to scent mark. The North American river otter's body is built for streamlined swimming. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. They begin to leave their natal range at from 6 months to a year old. North American river otters live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats including rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and estuaries. Instead air is trapped in their fur which keeps them warm. Their habitats can be both marine and freshwater. American River Otter Lutra canadensis lataxina The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. They are born with fur, but are otherwise helpless. They … They can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. The toes are fully webbed, and the tail (one-third of body length) is tapered. In fact, the study reveals the river otter may actually be … The North American river otter lives along riverbanks, lakeshores, and coasts. North American River Otter. 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 playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. North American river otters seem to be sensitive to pollution and disappear from areas with polluted waters. They sometimes eat aquatic plants. National Geographic: Sea Otter 2. North American river otters eat mainly aquatic organisms such as amphibians, fish, turtles, crayfish, crabs, and other invertebrates. They open their eyes at one month of age and are weaned at about 3 months old. These sanctuaries help ill and injured otters to recover. Otters are playful animals, often seen burrowing through the snow, sliding through mud and splashing in the water. They are born with fur, but are otherwise helpless. 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.