Adult river otters weigh 10 to 33 pounds (4.5 to 15 kilograms) and are about 2.5 to 5 feet (76 to 152 centimeters) in length. River Otter. They also receive mice, carrots, hard-boiled eggs, clams, crayfish, dry kibble, crickets and live fish for variety and enrichment. Captured prey are brought to the surface for consumption, with the abdomen used as a table. They usually remain together as a family group though the fall and into the winter months. Not only are we seeing the return of the River otter to many areas, but also that it is possible for humans and otters, to co-exist in the same areas. Different studies have placed the breeding season in winter, late spring and summer. They are powerful swimmers and are continuously active, alert, and quick—characteristics that give them immense aesthetic and recreational value. The normal anatomy section of the Inner Otter features expert descriptions and high quality images of normal sea otter anatomy. The mean weights and sizes of river otters in southern latitudes tend to be lower than those in latitudes farther north. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Popular AMA APA (6th edition) APA (7th edition) Chicago (17th edition, author-date) Harvard IEEE ISO 690 MHRA (3rd edition) MLA (8th edition) OSCOLA Turabian (9th edition) Vancouver. MRC 5516 The Basics. Kristin Moore, a UNM undergrad, and Jerry Dragoo, a research assistant professor in UNM’s biology department, performed a DNA analysis to confirm or refute the field identification. Seasonally, they may travel distances of 50 to 60 miles (80 to 96 km) along streams or lake shores, and their home ranges may be as large as 60 square miles (155 km2). The Giant River Otter only lives in three river systems: the Amazon, Orinoco and La Plata. Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae With the demise of the wolverine (Gulo luscus Linnaeus) in the Adirondacks in the late 1700’s or early 1800’s, the river otter became the region’s largest member of the weasel family. They will also frequent unused or abandoned human structures or shelters. Adult sea otters standard length is on average 4 ft. 3 in. Females are roughly one-third the size of males. (1.29m) for males and 3 ft. 8 in. River otter Lontra canadensis populations in the United States have expanded during the past 50 y as a result of improvements in habitat quality and effective management programs implemented by state and federal agencies and native tribes. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. Otters prefer shores of deep, clear water in lakes, rivers, marshes and ocean bays. RIVER OTTER NETWORK: We are interested in describing the distribution and demography of otters on the coasts, wetlands and watersheds in Humboldt, Del Norte and adjacent counties. This work is supported by New Technologies for Agriculture Extension grant no. Society for Conservation Biology North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis): A Technical Conservation Assessment Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region, Species Conservation Project September 2, 2006 Steve Boyle BIO-Logic Environmental 635 East Main Ste. Adult otter can be over 50 inches long and weigh up to 25 lbs. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. They occur at much higher densities in regions of the Great Lakes, in brackish marshes and inlets, and in other coastal habitats than farther inland. It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. The Giant River Otter only lives in three river systems: the Amazon, Orinoco and La Plata. For years, river otters have been hunted for their fur, and their pelts are still an important source of income for many people in Canada. They weigh about 4 to 6 ounces (113 to 170 grams) at birth and measure 8 to 11 inches (20 to 28 centimeters). Accumulation of mercury and selenium in the brain of river otters (Lontra canadensis) and wild mink (Mustela vison) from Nova Scotia, Canada. North American river otters are likely the most numerous of the otter species. In the southern portion of the range the dates of birth occur earlier, mostly in January and February, implying implantation in November and December. River otters have long, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey. As of 2016, ROEP has catalogued more than 1,730 sightings and added to that tally close to 5,000 camera-trap videos and photos and roughly 1,300 samples of otter scat. The reproductive biology of river otters and all other weasels is complex because of a characteristic known as delayed implantation. River Otter (Lutra canadensis Schreber) From: Saunders, D. A. SEA OTTER BIOLOGY. Range. Other research maintains that river otters mate for life. Female otters prepare dens that they keep scrupulously clean. The teen’s mother, biology teacher Casina Ewert, ... One of the two domestic dogs that encountered the river otter was a puppy that had to be euthanized after the incident. The Gut Microbial Community Structure of the North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) in the Alberta Oil Sands Region in Canada: ... Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 180, Gendron Hall, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5 Canada. For many years, it was thought that the Japanese river otter was a subspecies of the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra. River otters belong to the weasel family. river otter biology, habitat, history, resource value, and population management and provide direction for future management. At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, they eat a prepared meat diet and several types of fish. The ♀ gave birth to nine litters, with 14.6.1 pups born, 6.4 (48%) of which survived to > 1 year old. Females are slightly smaller, weighing 14-33 kg and measuring 1-1.4m in length. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. Regionally extinct throughout the Midwest and heavily populated areas in the east, several states have recently begun reintroduction programs. Unlike sea otters, river otters are capable of covering great distances on land. A third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, protects the eye and allows the otter to see when swimming underwater. The male otter is generally chased away until the young are weaned and old enough to leave the riverbank, at which time they may return and help raise the pups. Males have been recorded to travel up to 10 miles (16 km) in 1 night. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. Journal. Females are slightly smaller, weighing 14-33 kg and measuring 1-1.4 m in length. State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Otter populations are confined to water courses, lakes, and wetlands, and therefore, population densities are lower than those of terrestrial species. River otters have been blamed for decimating game fish populations and are seen as a pest to eradicate by many game fishermen. Science of The Total Environment, 408(3), pp.537-542 . Their long, agile bodies enable them to quickly twist , turn, roll and dive, and they are frequently seen sliding or burrowing in the mud or snow. It is both the world’s largest otter and largest member of the mustelid family, reaching up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length. The otter’s fur is thick but fine, lustrous deep brown to almost black in color, with the exception of the chin and throat which are lighter. They spend much of their time feeding and at what appears to be group play, repeatedly sliding down steep banks of mud or snow. In other words, while some may be squeamish over the notion of trapping river otters for their hides, this activity, in a structured and regulated sense, helps to foster and reap the most robust data set for river otter population insight available. At the center of the range in California, sea otters spend 40-50% of each 24-hr period foraging, although in more recently occupied areas at the edge of the range they may feed as little as 20% of the time. Socially, the basic group is the female and her offspring. It is both the world’s largest otter and largest member of the mustelid family, reaching up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length. By becoming a member, you'll help the Zoo save species and get great benefits for you and your family each time you visit! Otter Spotters help the River Otter Ecology Project keep track of the lively creatures, whose population was decimated by trappers and pollution. River otters (Lutra canadensis, Fig. Upon learning there was a need for volunteers with River Otter Ecology Project, I saw a chance to learn about the North American River Otter; not only to help chart the return of another otter species, but also, hopefully, help to prevent a recurrence of what I had observed all those years ago. An extremely adaptable animal, otters tolerate hot and cold climates, as well as high elevations and lowland coastal waters. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water. different regions. Claiming a territory about ten miles in diameter, it marked the area with its droppings about one to three miles apart and sets up three or four nests under rocks or inside bushes. Biology of the North American river otter Adult river otters weigh between 15 and 30 pounds and measure 84.34 cm (2.8 feet) to 137.16 cm (4.5 feet).1,2 Otters have adapted to their aquatic environment by de-veloping dense fur, large lungs, and webbed hind feet. Hollow logs, rock crevices, nutria houses, and abandoned beaver lodges and bank dens are used. They prefer unpolluted water with a minimal human disturbance. In their role as predators, otters help regulate the local population of the organisms they consume. Native to both Newfoundland and Labrador. Their webbed feet, streamlined bodies, and long, tapered tails enable them to move through water with agility, grace, and speed. The pelage(covering, or coat, of a mammal, whether of wool, fur, or hair) is brown or reddis… They are found at the top of the food chain, and there is some evidence that their birth rates are reduced when pollution levels—including toxic chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides and agricultural wastes—build up. Are you a hunter? California sea otter: Enhydra lutris nereis Alaskan sea otter: Enhydra lutris kenyoni Russian sea otter: Enhydra lutris lutris: Body size. The river otter's eyes and ears are located high on its head for surface swimming. 1) are best known for their continuous and playful behavior, their aesthetic value, and the value of their durable, high-quality fur. Change style powered by CSL. They don’t like human encroachment, and are uncommon nowadays. 1; Bluett et al. North American river otters are known for their playful swimming, but they are also an important species for helping scientists understand the health of river … Description. Prior to our Otter Spotter community science effort beginning in 2012, river otters were not known to inhabit the SF Bay Area. Scent marking is done by either urinating/defecating or by emitting a strong, musky odor from the paired scent glands near the base of the tail. 2015-41595-24254 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. They have long, streamlined bodies, short legs, and a robust, tapered tail, all of which are well adapted to their mostly aquatic habitat. In response to this drop in population, regulations were put in place to reduce the amount being lost to … Adirondack Mammals. The reproductive biology of river otters and all other weasels is complex because of a characteristic known as delayed implantation. Using fertilizers sparingly, keeping storm drains free of litter and picking up after your pet can also improve watershed health. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. The oldest living river otter on record was 27 years old. 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. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). River otters on our study area exhibited clear evidence of space sharing, suggesting that individuals in this population were neither solitary nor territorial. Lutra canadensis. Because they are at the top of their food chain, they have few predators. Recent releases totaling more than 1,000 otters have been made in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia in efforts to reestablish local populations. As prey, otters provide a great source of nutrients to animals that hunt them for food. They habitually use specific sites (toilets) for defecation. It represents our guide to managing otter populations in Pennsylvania for the next 10 years. By 1977, the river otter was included as an Appendix II species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) - not necessarily for the river otter’s sake, but more so for that of similar species with endangered status, whom officials feared would be inadvertently targeted by the fur trade in a case of mistaken identity. Numerous species and varieties of fresh and anadromous fishes are eaten, but shell-fish, crayfish, amphibians, and reptiles are also frequently eaten, as are several species of crabs in coastal marshes. males: 10 to 15 years; females: 15 to 20 years: Vocal behavior. Because they have a low tolerance for polluted water, river otters are considered by some naturalists to be a good indicator, or "keystone," species of the quality of aquatic habitats. Breeding Biology 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. Change style powered by CSL. Following breeding and fertilization in spring, eggs (blastocysts) exist in a free-floating state until the following winter or early spring. Otters are found from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island and north to Yukon Territory. When threatened or frightened, they emit a hair-raising scream that can be heard up to 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) across the water. General Biology, Reproduction, and Behavior, Best Practices for Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators. Oct 26, 2018 - Explore Lori Lee Rudy's board "River Otter", followed by 135 people on Pinterest. Click on an organ system below to see examples of everything from normal heart and lungs to lymphnodes and much more! Washington, DC 20013. Otters are playful creatures, frequently seen sliding down riverbanks or burrowing through snow. It also serves as an information and education resource for otter biology and history ^ Otters were once plentiful across most of North America but due to trapping pressure in the late 1800’s and early 20th century, these numbers dwindled. They remain as a family unit for seven to eight months or until the birth of a new litter. The river otter food chain includes many types of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, aquatic plants and roots, eggs, and some small mammals and birds. River otters are adaptable animals inhabiting a variety of aquatic habitats including ponds, rivers, and saltmarshes. Females are about 25 percent smaller than males. FAST FACTS. The majority of the animals in our study area shared space with at least 1 other animal at the core-area scale, and animals tended to be attracted to each other and were frequently located m close proximity to other otters. 100 Montrose, CO 81401 . A North American river otter's home range can be as large as 30 square miles (78 square kilometers), but a typical territory is 3 to 15 square miles (4.8 to 24 square kilometers). Research done in the early 1990s by the Department of Biology of Kochi University in Japan revealed some interesting facts about the genes of the Japanese River Otter. North American River Otter (Lontra … 1988. River Otter Habitats - Biology bibliographies - in Harvard style . Our first goal for The River Otter Ecology Project was to convene a broadly-based group of experts in conservation, population biology, marine mammals, tracking and genomics to help guide our research. When Andrew Rutter took a full-time wildlife ecologist position at the Lake County Forest Preserves in 2017, he expected his work studying river otter ecology would come to an end. Popular AMA APA ... R., O'Brien, M. and Evans, H., 2010. Society for Conservation Biology North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis): A Technical Conservation Assessment Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region, Species Conservation Project September 2, 2006 Steve Boyle BIO-Logic Environmental 635 East Main Ste. maximum weight of 45 kg. Distribution. Following breeding and fertilization in spring, eggs (blastocysts) exist in a free-floating state until the following winter or early spring. Their short but thick, soft fur is brown to almost black except on the chin, throat, cheeks, chest, and occasionally the belly, where it is usually lighter, varying from brown to almost beige. A nocturnal creature, an otter only left its den after dark to forage for food. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. We hope you will join us in this important work. While river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. By comparing the Mitochondrial Cytochrome b Gene of a mummified Japanese river otter corpse with Eurasian otters from Latvia and China, it was proven that t… Between 1999 and 2004 a study into the behaviour and reproductive biology of a pair of Giant river otters was carried out at Cali Zoo. Life history and biology of otters Recognizing good otter habitat Interpreting sign and assessing otter damage Trapping methods for wildlife damage management Techniques for preparing pelts for personal use or sale Should you need further help, a Missouri Department of Conservation wildlife damage biologist can assist you on site with your nuisance otter problems. Amphibious, muscular river otters swim gracefully and quickly underwater to catch prey, and they can run on land. Density & Home Range Size. Answers: 3 on a question: River otters drink about 5 times as much water as a bald eagle drinks in a day. The reproductive biology of river otters and all other weasels is complex because of a characteristic known as delayed implantation. The Inner otter features expert descriptions and high quality images of normal sea otter biology,,. Habitats for local species 3 ), pp.537-542 is known about its in. 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