Its fur ranges in color from white and gray to brown and black. We will have to model north american river otter on them if we want this article to pass ga and fa status. North american river otters lontra canadensisdiscriminate. In the wild, their average life span is 8 or 9 years. The otters sleek, streamlined coat consists of short, thick, dark brown fur with the exception of a reddish yellow colored stomach. Abundance otters are found primarily in the coastal plain, where they can be fairly common to locally common around estuaries, lower portions of rivers, large creeks, and. Mustelidae features the adult north american river otter has a head. It is an amphibious member of this family as are the mink and sea otter. North american river otters seem to be sensitive to pollution and disappear from areas with polluted waters. North american river otter by ellen lawrence overdrive. The north american river otter is highly adapted for aquatic life.
Sighting one can be an exciting occasion for boaters. Pdf scaledependent factors affecting north american river. The north american river otter is the most abundant otter species, but surprisingly little is known about its life in the wild. The story of the resurgence of river otters in north america is one of the greatest success stories of modern wildlife conservation. During the early 1800s, they were probably common along all the major rivers and permanent streams in kansas. Food habits of the river otter in suisun marsh, central california pdf. The north american river otter lontra canadensis is recovering from near extirpation throughout much of its range. Its thick, powerful tail makes up nearly 20 inches of that length.
Check out river otter falls, where a romp of agile otters have a spacious new home to enjoy. Find north american river otter stock images in hd and millions of other royaltyfree stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the shutterstock collection. They are still found in alaska and most of canada, in the. The north american river otter has a relatively standard mammalian carnivore digestive system. We received a three year old north american river otter named lulu. Otter furbearers furharvesting hunting kdwpt kdwpt. At the end of september, 2003, a new angel came into our life. In the literature, the scientific name for the north american river otter was lutra canadensis prior to 1998.
The impact of water temperature on core body temperature of. Fur trapping in the 19th century brought river otter populations to very low populations, but they have returned to the healthy waterways and lakes of the pacific northwest. Keywords river otters, vocal repertoire, vocalizations, lontra canadensis, otter pups, communication. It makes its home in a burrow near the waters edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. A family unit consists of a female and her pups, with. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. North american river otter lontra canadensis june 2019 river otters photographed on the nissequogue river. The north american river otter lontra canadensis, also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the north american continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. Small eyes and ears, a broad, flattened head, long cylindrical form, and four webbed feet suit it for its semiaquatic life. North american river otters belong to the weasel family, mustelidae, which they share with minks, weasels, badgers, wolverines, and other otter species, in the mammalian order carnivora. Fun facts north american river otters are fast on land and will also slide on their bellies on snow, ice or mud. North american river otters have been known to live up to 21 years in captivity and 89 years in the wild.
North american river otter lontra canadensis taxonomy. The natural recolonization of long island, new york by the. One of subspecies of otter, the north american river otter is found from. Otters are playful animals, often seen burrowing through the snow, sliding through mud and splashing in the water. North american river otter edition date 1142006 researched and written by the friends of the rosamond gifford zoo education volunteers history and conservation. They have thick guard fur with dense oil under the fur and the coloration is a dark brown with. Its scientific name is lontra canadensis, which means otter belonging to canada, although this otter species range includes much more of north america than. Classification of captive north american river otters. The species has webbed feet, and long claws for digging and hunting. North american river otter an overview sciencedirect topics. Its not all play, though, and soon the animals begin to hunt for fish in the murky water. While many states experienced declines in river otter densities, distribution, and in some cases extirpation in the mid 1800s 1900s, georgias. River otter north carolina wildlife resources commission.
North american river otters announcing a new addition. Underwater, their welldeveloped vibrissae, the large whiskers around the mouth and nose, help them sense prey. Mostly midsized fish, though crustaceans, amphibians, mollusks, fruits, small mammals, reptiles and birds will be eaten if the opportunity presents itself diet at caldwell zoo. North american river otter smithsonians national zoo. Pdf do alien north american mink compete for resources with. The north american river otter is a member of the weasel family. The north american river otter is a member of the weasel family, mustelidae, along with minks and badgers. North american river otters have a keen sense of smell, in addition to good eyesight and hearing. Over time, otters were reduced to less than 33% of their historic range in the lower 48 states by overharvesting for their fur, habitat loss and water pollution.
Abstract this is the first study to examine in detail the vocal behaviors of north american river otters. Successful handrearing and rehabilitation of north. The north american river otter lontra canadensis occurs in streams, lakes and. North american river otter river otter is an oklahoma state species of special concern in the arkansas river system, whose populations may be increasing due to. Like other mustelids, otters possess anal scent glands. Carnivores have a simple and short digestive system as they dont need be as efficient at extracting nutrients from their food as herbivores or omnivores which will already have done the extraction for the river otters when they are consumed as their prey white et al. One captive north american river otter lontra canadensis was presented four enrichment initiatives live fish, frozen fish, swim tube, pvc scent tubes in a random order and placement throughout the exhibit. The animal slides down mud and snow seemingly for the sheer delight of it. In accordance with european experience, this biological invasion in south.
North american river otters are the only river otter that is found north of mexico. River otters can tolerate a variety of environments, including cold and warmer latitudes and high elevations. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. River otters make use of dens created by other animals, including beavers, and always give birth to their young between february and april. The otters were then subjected to a washing protocol to simulate rehabilitation following an oil spill contamination. The longer outer hairs, called guard hairs, are water repellent. River otters were once one of the most widely distributed mammals in the. North american river otter iucn otter specialist group.
Pdf human north american river otterlontra canadensis. Sliding on slippery slopes and splashing around in the water are common games mothers play with their young. The north american river otter occurs in much of canada and the united states, except for portions of the southwest, and in mexico in the rio grande and colorado river delta areas. In kansas, the species occurred along all the major rivers and many permanent streams. As soon as the first edition of the north american river otter husbandry notebook was completed additional. Sighting one can be an exciting occasion for boaters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts because of the creatures secretive nature and relative rarity in some waters. Although reintroductions, trapping regulations and habitat improvements have led to the reestablishment of river otters in the.
Prior to 1900, degradation of water quality and habitat, human encroachment, and unregulated harvest led to a 75 percent decline in north american otter populations. It can weigh up to 30 pounds and as long as 60 inches long when fully grown. North american river otter national wildlife federation. Human north american river otterlontra canadensis attack. River otters have a brown fur on the back with a paler shade of brown on their bellies. Lontracanadensis introduction north american river otters lontra canadensisbelongtothe subfamily lutrinae within the family mustelidae. These otters are frequently observed playing and sliding together. This animals lovely waterproof pelt, which allows it to regulate its temperature, in the 1700s1800s, a regular part of french fur trade, has meant this animal has been hunted for hundreds of years. Occurs over most of north america, from alaska to newfoundland, and south to fl, tx, and ca. North aerican river otter lontra canadensis fun facts threats and conservation historically hunted for their fur, unregulated trappingin addition to habit loss and water quality issuesresulted in extirpations localized extinction or declines in otter populations across their range.
In captivity, north american river otters can live into their 20s. It is the longest member of the weasel family, mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1. North american river otter an overview sciencedirect. North american river otters lontra canadensis have relatively fluid social structures that can adapt to a wide range of ecological conditions with variable group composition beckel, 1991. North american river otter amazing facts river otters can hold their breath for as long as four minutes. Wetlands freshwater and brackish, rivers, lakes and coasts of canada and the united states. The river otter lutra canadensis is a member of the mustelidae or weasel family.
Biokids kids inquiry of diverse species, lontra canadensis. When laying straight they measure between 3 to 4 feet in length. Successful handrearing and rehabilitation of north american river otter lontra canadensis section 1 when to rehabilitate, young pup care, formula feeding, and weaning. North american river otter naro, also known as the nearctic otter in wildlife facilities. Social grooming in north american river otters springerlink. Three playful creatures slide down a muddy slope and fall into a pond. Environmental enrichment effects on the activity of a. North american river otter lutra canadensis description. North american river otter husbandry manual, 2nd edition i. An annotated bibliography on the north american river otter, lutra canadensis. North american river otters give birth once annually, or biennially, usually between the months of january and june with the earlier part of the range being in the southernmost latitudes.
They can thrive in any water habitat, such as ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers, and estuariesin cold, warm, or even highelevation areasas long as the habitat. All animals within a group were observed simultaneously. There are seven recognized subspecies of the american river otter. These recommendations have a sound scientific basis or are the result of experience gained over many years of working with this species. North american river otter lontra canadensis kingdom. North american river otter chicago zoological society. The northern river otter is the largest river otter in north america and canada. The north american river otter was once nearly eliminated in missouri, but thanks to restoration efforts, these powerful swimmers are once again found throughout most of the state. Iucnssc otter specialist group, otters in zoos, aquaria, rehabilitation, and wildlife sanctuaries oz task force. The river otter has a streamlined flexible body, webbed feet, muscular tail, flattened head and short, thick neck. This amphibious mammal in the weasel family is well adapted to both land and water inhabiting lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds of north america. The regional subspecies lontra canadensis pacifica.
Otters have nictitating membranes, specially adapted. River otters semiaquatic and have long, slender bodies. North american river otter lontra canadensis tag youre it. Otters have suffered severely through habitat destruction, water pollution, misuse of pesticides, excessive. Pdf scaledependent factors affecting north american. River otter description, habitat, image, diet, and. Twisting and turning in the water, the river otter family continues its game. The sacramento zoological society 3930 west land park dr. North american river otter river otter is an oklahoma state species of special concern in the arkansas river system, whose populations may be increasing due to stocking programs. The north american river otter lontra canadensis, also known as the northern river otter or. The erie zoo is home to over 400 animals representing 100 different species. North american river otter lontra canadensis on marthas vineyard, ma masters thesis, antioch new england university elizabeth baldwin, jon atwood, and luanne johnson the north american river otter is a high trophic level piscivore found in coastal and riverine environments and is considered a sentinel species for ecosystem health.
Pdf as a result of the successful restoration and conservation programs deployed by state and federal agencies, populations of the north. The adult northern river otter in montana weighs around 20 pounds and measures close to 47 inches long. North american river otters build dens in the burrows of other mammals, in natural hollows, such as under a log, or in river banks. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. Although they are solitary, otters make a variety of vocalizations. The giant otter or giant river otter pteronura brasiliensis is a south american carnivorous mammal. The one on the right is periscoping, a behavior characteristic of this semiaquatic species. North american river otters exist in small groups usually consisting of unrelated males or a mother and her cubs. They are mostly dark brown in color with a light tan on the muzzle. Classification of captive north american river otters lontra. They have been observed wrestling, chasing other otters, diving for rocks and clamshells, swimming with pebbles or other small objects balanced on their noses, toying with live prey and sliding down mud banks or snow banks. Common names for river otters in north america include northern river otter, canadian otter, land otter, and fish otter toweill and tabor 1982.
They have thick guard fur with dense oil under the fur and the coloration is a dark brown. If resources are plentiful, the species can form larger groups as well. River otter fact sheet wildlife resources division. American river otter lutra canadensis lataxina the american river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many north carolina rivers. Summary of husbandry guidelines for north american river. North american river otters are often found in groups. Pdf classification of captive north american river otters lontra. North american river otter lontra australasian zoo keeping. North american river otter lafayette, in official website. North american river otter otters are playful animals, often seen burrowing through the snow, sliding through mud and splashing in the water.
Article pdf available in wilderness and environmental medicine 181. Ten north american river otters lutra canadensis were anesthetized with telazol and instrumented with ingestable radiotelemetry temperature sensors for measuring core body temperature. Pdf this is the first study to examine in detail the vocal behaviors of north american river otters lontra canadensis, and the results suggest. Here are a few of the animals that call the erie zoo home. It has a long, smooth, streamlined body with short, powerful limbs. The north american river otter has completely webbed feet which are great for running and swimming.
The developed tactile senses such as sensitive facial vibrissae. Nov 19, 2019 the north american river otter once occurred in streams, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, and along coastlines from alaska through canada into all but the most arid areas of the united states. North american river otters, also called canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non. River otters can swim 7 to 8 miles per hour and can stay underwater for 3 to 6 minutes. The american river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many north carolina rivers. American mink mustela vison, originally bred in fur farms, have become established in areas occupied by native endangered southern river otter lontra provocax, in patagonia. These otters inhabit essentially all bodies of water in alaska, parts of canada, and southern u. The playful north american river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. Otter pups tend to come into rehabilitation facilities most often when they are old.
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