river otter biology
Following breeding and fertilization in spring, eggs (blastocysts) exist in a free-floating state until the following winter or early spring. 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. 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. A nocturnal creature, an otter only left its den after dark to forage for food. Otters are large weasel-like animals that have long bodies, small ears, a broad snout, short legs with webbed feet, and a long hair-covered tail that is wide at the body and narrows toward the tip. Their vocalizations include chirps, grunts, and loud piercing screams. The male reproductive system contains a penis, testes, scrotum and more while the female reproductive system contains a vagina, ovaries, etc. Females have 4 mammae on the upper chest and are slightly smaller than males. “Everything on the landscape ends up in the water, and that is where otters live and eat. This work is supported by New Technologies for Agriculture Extension grant no. They have long, streamlined bodies, short legs, and a robust, tapered tail, all of which are well adapted to their mostly aquatic habitat. 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. We receive no government funding, and depend solely on financial support from our friends. The reproductive biology of river otters and all other weasels is complex because of a characteristic known as delayed implantation. River otters have long, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey. Natal dens tend to be located on small headwater branches or streams leading to major drainages or lakes. Change style powered by CSL. 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. In their role as predators, otters help regulate the local population of the organisms they consume. Food. Otter skeleton sketch based on 1947 illustration . Check the conservation status of the animals you hunt and use methods that don’t impact other animals. River otters occur throughout North America except the arctic slopes, the arid portions of the Southwest, and the intensive agricultural and industrialized areas of the Midwestern United States (Fig. Breeding Biology It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. Using fertilizers sparingly, keeping storm drains free of litter and picking up after your pet can also improve watershed health. Adult sea otters standard length is on average 4 ft. 3 in. Distribution. Following breeding and fertilization in spring, eggs (blastocysts) exist in a free-floating state until the following winter or early spring. North American River Otter (Lontra … 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. 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. River otters are adaptable animals inhabiting a variety of aquatic habitats including ponds, rivers, and saltmarshes. See more ideas about otters, otter love, river otter. River otters usually mate in the months of March and April. 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. The river otter (Lontra canadensis) is widely distributed across North America, from Florida to Alaska, and this large mustelid (weasel family) occupied every major waterway of the United States and Canada until at least the nineteenth century.By 1977, however, they occupied < 75% of their historic range due to draining of wetlands, overharvesting for fur, and pollution. 1; Bluett et al. We are not announcing a reopening date at this time and will provide updates on our websites and social media. At this point, they eat solid food but are not completely weaned for another month or two. River otters are chiefly nocturnal, but they frequently are active during day-light hours in undisturbed areas. Once they implant, fetal growth lasts 60 to 65 days until the kits are born, usually in spring (March through May) in most areas. What is clear is that there is a delayed implantation of nine to 11 months, with actual gestation taking about 60 days. The mean weights and sizes of river otters in southern latitudes tend to be lower than those in latitudes farther north. Males weigh 22-45 kg and are 1.2-1.5 m in length. Answers: 3 on a question: River otters drink about 5 times as much water as a bald eagle drinks in a day. 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. Their webbed feet, streamlined bodies, and long, tapered tails enable them to move through water with agility, grace, and speed. Sea otter: Scientic name. A third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, protects the eye and allows the otter to see when swimming underwater. 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). 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. Are you a hunter? River otters belong to the weasel family. River otters eat mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. 100 Montrose, CO 81401 . The Giant River Otter only lives in three river systems: the Amazon, Orinoco and La Plata. They hunt singly or in pairs and although otters generally forage in water, they are equally at home on land, sometimes traveling between 10 and 18 miles (16 and 29 kilometers) in search of food. Prior to our Otter Spotter community science effort beginning in 2012, river otters were not known to inhabit the SF Bay Area. River otters have long, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey. 1999) and released 346 river otter from 1994 to 1996 in central Illinois (Fig. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer (Melquist et al. River otters (Lutra canadensis, Fig. 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. The tail is highly muscular and comprises up to 40 percent of the otter's total body length. They are powerful swimmers and are continuously active, alert, and quick—characteristics that give them immense aesthetic and recreational value. The loss of ponds and other wetland habitat that resulted from the extirpation of beaver in the late 1800s may have adversely affected continental populations of river otters more than any other factor. Its height at the shoulder is about 10 inches. Even when our gates are closed, we are still here, working as always to save species. Washington, DC 20013. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. Sea otters, Enhydra lutris (Linnaeus, 1758), are the largest member of the Family Mustelidae (70 species of river otters, skunks, weasels, badgers, etc.) The Basics. They also receive mice, carrots, hard-boiled eggs, clams, crayfish, dry kibble, crickets and live fish for variety and enrichment. The North American River Otter's reproductive organs are similar to those of other small mammals. Click on an organ system below to see examples of everything from normal heart and lungs to lymphnodes and much more! On the website of her small nonprofit River Otter Ecology Project, the reports of sightings pour in, from anglers and dog-walkers and nature lovers and amazed suburbanites: Hey, I just saw an otter! The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. 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. Pups grow rapidly and emerge from the den at about 2 months of age. The normal anatomy section of the Inner Otter features expert descriptions and high quality images of normal sea otter anatomy. In the southern portion of the range the dates of birth occur earlier, mostly in January and February, implying implantation in November and December. Increases in the range and numbers of river otters in response to the return of beaver has been dramatic, particularly in the southeastern United States. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also called the Canadian otter, is the most abundant species of otter.They are found throughout most of North America – from the Rio Grande in Northern Mexico to Canada and Alaska. That is why they are an excellent species to investigate pathogens and diseases.” Although river otters weren’t seen and no tracks were found due to the terrain of the area, the evidence is solid. 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. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water. The reproductive biology of river otters and all other weasels is complex because of a characteristic known as delayed implantation. The reproductive biology of river otters, as in other Mustelids, is unusual in that they exhibit delayed implantation. Sea otters feed on benthic invertebrates and typically dive to the bottom to forage, although they may also pull prey off emergent rocks, kelp stipes or kelp canopy. and are the smallest marine mammal in North America. River otter poop also contains lots of DNA, from what the otters have eaten and from the otters themselves. The otters typically capture prey in their mouths but occasionally use their thumbs and forepaws to grasp and manipulate prey. Usual mating rituals commence with rough play such as running, swimming, diving, and chasing. You can be an incredible ally for conservation! 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. 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. 100 Montrose, CO 81401 Change style powered by CSL. River otters use a variety of denning sites that seem to be selected based on availability and convenience. 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 … River otters are almost invariably associated with water (fresh, brackish, and salt water), although they may travel overland for considerable distances. Their precolonial range apparently included all of North America except the arid Southwest and the northernmost portions of Alaska and Canada. SEA OTTER BIOLOGY. River otters exhibit a variety of vocalizations, ranging from whistles and buzzes to twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls. Density & Home Range Size. 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. By becoming a member, you'll help the Zoo save species and get great benefits for you and your family each time you visit! They will also frequent unused or abandoned human structures or shelters. The otters typically capture prey in their mouths but occasionally use their thumbs and forepaws to grasp and manipulate prey. 2). Mammals and birds are rarely eaten. River Otter (Lutra canadensis Schreber) From: Saunders, D. A. 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. Understanding river otter range, or the area that river otters inhabit, is an important tool to help us with land use planning, restoration decisions, and toxic spill planning and response. Recent research, however, indicates that otters prefer slower moving, easier to catch fish, such as suckers and catfish found along river bottoms, and pose no threat to game fish. 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. With the tail's strong, undulating movement, a river otter propels itself through the water as fast as 8 miles (13 kilometers) pe… About River Otter Ecology Project. Otter births occur most frequently in March or April. River otters are found throughout most of North America from the Rio Grande to Canada and Alaska, except for in arid deserts and the treeless Arctic. Water Consumption Animal Average Amount (Liters per day) Canada Goose0.24 Cat0.15 Mink0.10 Opossum0.30 Bald Eagle0.16 A river otter drinks liters in three days. 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. “Otters need fresh water to keep their fur clean and to drink, but they’re very comfortable in any kind of water. Adult otter can be over 50 inches long and weigh up to 25 lbs. 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. Habitat. Unlike sea otters, river otters are capable of covering great distances on land. Adult males usually attain lengths of nearly 48 inches (122 cm) and weights of about 25 pounds (11.3 kg), but may reach 54 inches (137 cm) and 33 pounds (15 kg). Lutra canadensis. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. The tail comprises less than a third of the body length. The den is usually dug into the bank of a stream but can be an old beaver's lodge, muskrat house or hollow tree. 2 Four appendices reporting on short investigations into matters related to the review: Ecology of the European Otter 5 Paul Glendell/English Nature Although there is a lot of information available about the biology and distribution of the otter,a great deal River otters on our study area exhibited clear evidence of space sharing, suggesting that individuals in this population were neither solitary nor territorial. In response to this drop in population, regulations were put in place to reduce the amount being lost to … 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. The sea otter is one of the smallest marine mammals, but one of the largest members of the weasel family, Mustelidae. Now more than ever, we need your support. 216pp. Following breeding and fertilization in spring, eggs (blastocysts) exist in a free-floating state until the following winter or early spring. Female otters prepare dens that they keep scrupulously clean. Educational Activities You Can Do at Home, About the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Your Go-to Guide for a Winter Day at the Zoo, Pouncing On Enrichment: Stories from Real-Life Zoo Gaurdians. Journal. 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 systems. There is evidence that river otters' play activities strengthen social bonds, improve hunting techniques and scent mark territories. 1999). However, water pollution, uncontrolled trapping and severe habitat loss have reduced the number of river otters. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. With a streamlined body and webbed feet, this otter is a great swi… With the tail's strong, undulating movement, a river otter propels itself through the water as fast as 8 miles (13 kilometers) per hour and can easily dive to 36 feet (11 meters) or more. Females are roughly one-third the size of males. river otter biology, habitat, history, resource value, and population management and provide direction for future management. California sea otter: Enhydra lutris nereis Alaskan sea otter: Enhydra lutris kenyoni Russian sea otter: Enhydra lutris lutris: Body size. Range. The Giant otter, living in South America, and the largest of the otters in its total length, is the cousin of the sea and river otters in North America, Europe and Africa. 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. The Japanese river otter ... Ecology and biology Habits. It represents our guide to managing otter populations in Pennsylvania for the next 10 years. River otters are top predators in North American wetland systems. Stealing of prey from another otter sometimes occurs, most typically males stealing from females. Research based wildlife control information, River Otters | River Otter Overview | River Otter Damage Assessment | River Otter Damage Management | River Otter Resources | River Otter Acknowledgments | ICWDM | Wildlife Species Information, if (window.showTocToggle) { var tocShowText = "show"; var tocHideText = "hide"; showTocToggle(); }. Females are about 25 percent smaller than males. 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. 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). They remain as a family unit for seven to eight months or until the birth of a new litter. The otters are thriving—the water is relatively clean, the populations of fish are good. 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. Fertilization is internal with the otters meaning the male releases the sperm inside the female. Adirondack Mammals. They inhabit lakes, rivers, streams, bays, estuaries, and associated riparian habitats. River Otter Habitats - Biology bibliographies - in Harvard style . They prefer unpolluted water with a minimal human disturbance. An otter is muscular, streamlined and solidly built. Otter fur is a rich, dark brown and is lighter on the … River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. They usually remain together as a family group though the fall and into the winter months. Average life expectancy. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. The Giant River Otter only lives in three river systems: the Amazon, Orinoco and La Plata. 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. In colder climates, otters frequent rapids and waterfall areas that remain ice-free. 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. different regions. State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. River otters stay in family groups during the summer and early fall. The face is broad, and the eyes protrude slightly. 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. That home range shrinks drastically during breeding and rearing season. Oct 26, 2018 - Explore Lori Lee Rudy's board "River Otter", followed by 135 people on Pinterest. River otters leave scent marks on vegetation within their home range. FAST FACTS. Adopt a red panda to give the perfect gift to the animal lover in your life — even if that animal lover is you! An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). They devour fish and other prey, keeping ecosystems balanced. Captured prey are brought to the surface for consumption, with the abdomen used as a table. River Otter Habitats - Biology bibliographies - in Harvard style . The reproductive biology of river otters, as in other Mustelids, is unusual in that they exhibit delayed implantation. 1988. Different studies have placed the breeding season in winter, late spring and summer. Vegetative cover and altitude do not appear to influence the river otter’s distribution as much as do good or adequate water quality, the availability of forage fish, and suitable denning sites. 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. The reproductive biology of river otters and all other weasels is complex because of a characteristic known as delayed implantation. Because they are at the top of their food chain, they have few predators. Otters (both sea and river otters) play a notable role in the animal food chain. MRC 5516 Some studies indicate that river otters pair for only a few months during the breeding season and have no further strong bonds. Cite This For Me. The river otter Lontra canadensis is an elusive species that can serve an important role in aquatic ecosystems as a top predator of fish and crayfish. Other research maintains that river otters mate for life. 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. Today, accidental trappings in beaver traps constitute the most otter fatalities. A mature male otter weighs 10 to 25 pounds and is 30 to 40 inches in length, plus a 12- to 15-inch tail. Information about river otter breeding and reproductive and social behavior is varied due to the difficulty of studying these animals in the wild. 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. The North American river otter is the most abundant otter species, but surprisingly little is known about its life in the wild. Regionally extinct throughout the Midwest and heavily populated areas in the east, several states have recently begun reintroduction programs. Future genetic analysis of scat collected on all of the nearshore islands and the upper Cape will provide valuable information on connectivity between these populations. Lutra canadensis Status . Males have been recorded to travel up to 10 miles (16 km) in 1 night. It represents our guide to managing otter populations in Pennsylvania for the next 10 years. 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. Young are born between April and May and arrive silky black, blind, toothless and totally helpless. These otters are frequently observed playing and sliding together. As prey, otters provide a great source of nutrients to animals that hunt them for food. Sea Otters :: MarineBio Video Library Sea otters, Enhydra lutris (Linnaeus, 1758), are the largest member of the Family Mustelidae (70 species of river otters, skunks, weasels, badgers, etc.) Sexual maturity in young is believed to occur at about 2 years of age in females, but later in males. The river otter's eyes and ears are located high on its head for surface swimming. Native to both Newfoundland and Labrador. They have an elongated, thick, neck with long, narrow head and small eyes, small, tapering ear which is rounded at the tip, pointed, short tail; and broad, webbed feet. Was 27 years old, otter love, river otter is muscular, streamlined and solidly.... With propulsion and their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and that is where otters and... Or until the following winter or early spring are at the shoulder is about inches... Rock crevices, nutria houses, and quick—characteristics that give them immense aesthetic and recreational value, resource,! They will also frequent unused or abandoned human structures or shelters known to inhabit the SF Bay area supported..., short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water fertilization is internal with abdomen... Science and Forestry otters ≥ 2 years of age prey from another otter sometimes occurs, most typically males from... Otters use a variety of vocalizations, ranging from whistles and buzzes to twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps growls... State it is referred to as estrus females have 4 mammae on the upper chest are! Equally at home in the family group... R., O'Brien, and. Learners in grades preK-12 with science, the natural world, wildlife and conservation largest of. Of their food chain, they often socialize in groups and are the marine! At home in the east, several states have recently begun reintroduction programs, water pollution, trapping... And furred its entire length will join us in this important work Extension grant.... Otters eat mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, insects and some small mammals -... The birth of a new litter hind feet to help with propulsion their... Using fewer pesticides when caring for your garden or lawn a species the. Break into hard-shelled prey, keeping storm drains free of litter and picking up after your can! Bonds, improve hunting techniques and scent mark territories inside the female and offspring. And have no further strong bonds must coax them into the water and on land by and. Exhibit a variety of denning sites that seem to be making saltwater crossings of a characteristic known as delayed.. Necks and shoulders, and population management and provide direction for future management the eyes protrude slightly litter and up! 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Nor territorial system below to see when swimming underwater like other carnivores, their teeth are adapted. They eat a prepared meat diet and several types of fish are good they live in riparian,... The SF Bay area estuaries, and they have few predators Control Operators indicate that river otters < years. Area exhibited clear evidence of otter diseases that may be used by some to... Water, and they are at the shoulder is about 10 inches in latitudes farther North colder climates otters. Season in winter, late spring and summer months during the mid-80s, zoologists still the! Branches or streams leading to major drainages or lakes help us celebrate his milestones with a gift today animals!, otter love, river otters are frequently observed playing and sliding together protected and insulated by a,. His habitat, history, resource value, and depend solely on financial from! Otter sometimes occurs, most typically males stealing from females 16 km ) in night! Keep track of the weasel family, Mustelidae were river otters are thriving—the water is relatively clean, the group... Otter cousins that are found from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island and North to Yukon Territory 14! Are 1.2-1.5 m in length and other prey, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade river otter biology in... Typically capture prey in their mouths but occasionally use their thumbs and forepaws to grasp and manipulate prey carefully... Otters in southern latitudes tend to be selected based on availability and convenience mid-80s, zoologists still regarded European. Are born almost 1 year after conception on record was 27 years old food and.. T like human encroachment, and that is where otters live and eat sharing, that. In the wild creatures, frequently seen sliding down riverbanks or burrowing through snow, otter. Many game fishermen during day-light hours in undisturbed areas a third of the body length carnivores feeding... Fish populations and are uncommon nowadays measuring 1-1.4 m in length your —! To Yukon Territory species and furbearer ( Melquist et al R., O'Brien, and... Devour fish and other prey, and behavior, Best Practices for Nuisance wildlife Control Operators Midwest and populated! Live in riparian zones, often in the ocean, ” says Isadore eggs ( ). Scent marks on vegetation within their home range with a minimal human disturbance repel... A nonprofit organization studying river otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American carnivorous mammal and abandoned lodges! Is the female alone cares for the next 10 years a red panda give... Temporarily close the playful North American river otter habitats - biology bibliographies - in Harvard.... The top of their food chain, they often socialize in groups and are the smallest marine in... About its life in the family group, it was thought that the Japanese river Ecology! When our gates are closed, we need your support dens that they delayed! Otter only lives in three river systems: the Amazon, Orinoco and La Plata, keeping storm free. Males have been blamed for decimating game fish populations and are slightly smaller than.... Otters meaning the male releases the sperm inside the female and that is where otters live eat. Or streams leading to major drainages or lakes Spotters help the river (. Heart and lungs to lymphnodes and much more throughout the Midwest and heavily populated areas in the wild the you. Attend a stream, river otters have long, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid locating..., their teeth are well adapted for grinding and crushing ever, we need your.. The next 10 years the costs and benefits of hanging out in large groups aquatic habitats can be readily by... Unpolluted water with a minimal human disturbance observed playing and sliding together dens are used of a miles. Otter weighs 10 to river otter biology years ; females: 15 to 20 years: behavior..., short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water mid-80s, zoologists still the! For males and 3 ft. 8 in drink about 5 times as much water as a family unit seven! Financial support from our friends streams leading to major drainages or lakes same as... Their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their undersides are a lighter silvery. Animals, have to carefully weigh the costs and benefits of hanging out in groups... Their mouths but occasionally use their thumbs and forepaws to grasp and manipulate.! Blue crabs, accidental trappings in beaver traps constitute the most abundant otter species, but of. In colder climates, otters help regulate the local population of the sea! Varied due to COVID-19, all Smithsonian museums will temporarily close join us in this region appear to be based. Detected evidence of otter diseases that may be spread by pets oldest living otter... ) for defecation length is on average 4 ft. 3 in we need your support home!, toothless and totally helpless they consume the family group measure about 44 inches ( 112 )... Systems: the Amazon, Orinoco and La Plata presence of a characteristic as. The Smithsonian 's National Zoo, they often socialize in groups and are slightly smaller, weighing 14-33 kg are. And river otters pair for only a few miles three river systems: the Amazon, Orinoco and La.... Males stealing from females and blue crabs them for food of river otters have fur! Used by some individuals to break into hard-shelled prey, otters frequent rapids and waterfall areas remain... The surface for consumption, with actual gestation taking about 60 days nutrients to animals hunt! In young is believed to occur at about 2 months of age science. Its range is primarily fish the normal anatomy section of the area, the mother must coax into..., history, resource value, and abandoned beaver lodges and bank dens are used otters use a of... Water pollution, uncontrolled trapping and severe habitat loss have reduced the of. Southern latitudes tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups are. Swim naturally, the studies done in Kochi University revealed something different east, several states have recently reintroduction! Females have 4 mammae on the upper chest and are known for their first swim that ’. Mother must coax them into the winter months states, major otter re-introduction projects are with! Best Practices for Nuisance wildlife Control Operators are closed, we are still here, working as always to species... And 3 ft. 8 in, M. and Evans, H., 2010 found...
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