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 toes are fully webbed, and the tail (one-third of body length) is tapered. Birds, their eggs, and small terrestrial mammals are also eaten on occasion. 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. 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. 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. They live alone or in family groups, typically females and their young. Males and females come together to breed in late winter or early spring. North American river otters. Beginning with newborn stage and then mature stage. 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 North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a species of otter. Our organization is not affiliated with any other otter-related research group or community outreach organization. North American river otters eat mainly aquatic organisms such as amphibians, fish, turtles, crayfish, crabs, and other invertebrates. The North American river otter’s main prey is fish, which it usually catches during the day. 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. It is recognized by its powerful neck and elongated body. North American river otters are known for their boundless energy, and they must eat frequently. North American river otter. The North American river otter is one of the most playful, curious, and active species of otter. The North American river otter’s main prey is fish, which it usually catches during the day. Around one-third of an otter’s body is composed of a tail. The North American river otter is one of the most playful, curious, and active species of otter. The North American river otter's body is built for streamlined swimming. The North American river otter is the most numerous of all the species. The North American river otter lives along riverbanks, lakeshores, and coasts. They live in riparian zones, which are the areas that border stream, rivers, and lakes. We receive no government funding, and depend solely on financial support from our friends. 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. The adult male weighs around 11.3 kg (25 lb); while the female weighs up to 8.3 kg (18 lb). Dens have underwater entrances and a tunnel leading to a nest chamber that is lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. River otters eat a variety of fish and shellfish, as well as small land mammals and birds. The vibrissae are long and thick, reflecting their importance in sensory perception. Otters' playful behaviors like mud/snow sliding, burrowing through snow, and waterplay help strengthen social bonds and allow them to practice hunting and scent-marking. The river otter's life expectancy is 10 to 15 years in the wild and 25 years in captivity. They are used extensively in hunting, as smell, vision, and hearing are diminished in the water. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. 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! 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. The throat and cheeks are usually a golden brown. North American river otters have long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. 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 are found in Asia. These otters are active year-round, and are most active at night and during crepuscular hours. North American river otters build dens in the burrows of other mammals, in natural hollows, such as under a log, or in river banks. North American river otters are excellent swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to 8 minutes. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. 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. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water. Sea otters have also been hunted in large numbers for their fur. 11 Do otters live alone? North American river otters are excellent swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to 8 minutes. The River Otter Ecology Project is a registered 501 (c)(3) EIN #45-4997526 non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of river otters and our watershed. North American river otters can reach a length of 3.9 ft and weigh 3 lbs. 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). Juvenile otters usually remain with the female until she bears her next litter the following spring. Males and females come together to breed in late winter or early spring. North American river otters are highly mobile and have the capacity of traveling up to 42 km (26 mi) in one day. River otters reach maturity around two years of age. The toes are fully webbed, and the tail (one-third of body length) is tapered. North American river otter. They can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. 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). These sanctuaries help ill and injured otters to recover. Some jurisdictions have made otters a protected species in some areas, and some places have otter sanctuaries. Other Otter Facts . 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. Sea otters can reach 9kph underwater, North American river otters are faster at 11kph, and the maximum speed of the giant river otter is an impressive 14kph. Ft and weigh 3 lbs these otters have brown-to-gray fur, but the young may be born up a. They must eat frequently fur is both water-repellent and an effective insulator against extremes. Around 5 – 14 kg ( 18 lb ) from our friends numbers... Are found throughout most of North America – from the Rio Grande in northern Mexico Canada... 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