These are the best ones selected among thousands of others on the Internet. The North American river otter typically lives in family groups of a breeding pair and offspring from the previous year. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. Once the river otter sets foot on land, however, the number of natural predators increases significantly. It is around 3-4 feet in length, weighing around 11-30 pounds. Consumes almost anything they catch/encounter Few natural predators, Bobcats, American crocodiles fish frogs turtles Small mammals- muskrat Birds- water fowl Reptiles Fruits Crustaceans River otters are the most aquatic members of the weasel family. Even with the speed and agility of this otter, predators are still a very real threat. - Anatomy, Family & Diet, Baikal Seal: Habitat, Adaptations, Predators & Facts, Ringed Seal: Habitat, Population & Adaptations, Signs, Symptoms & Causes of Bloat in Dogs, Biological and Biomedical Uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world, Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities, National Wildlife Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 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Running across different types of terrain is no problem for these otters. North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. 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. 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. © copyright 2003-2020 Study.com. To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. In water, especially along the Gulf Coast, crocodilian reptiles are real threats. The North American River Otter is quite versatile, making its home in lakes, swamps, ponds and marshes, in addition to rivers. Let's take a closer look at this playful creature. What are some facts about this animal and what makes it unique? Get the unbiased info you need to find the right school. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water. More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds’ eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. North American river otters have long whiskers, which they use to detect prey in dark or cloudy water, and clawed feet for grasping onto slippery prey. You can test out of the flashcard set{{course.flashcardSetCoun > 1 ? North American river otters were hunted and trapped extensively for their fur in the 19th and 20th centuries, and are still hunted in some places. Study.com has thousands of articles about every Did you know… We have over 220 college North American River Otters. Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Get access risk-free for 30 days, The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) occurs in streams, lakes and reservoirs, wetlands, and marine coasts. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. Natural predators that are fast enough to prey upon otter include lynx, mountain lion, wolverine, wolves, birds of prey, and alligators. Create your account, Already registered? courses that prepare you to earn Predators of the North American River Otter. They will sometimes eat plants, and even the occasional small mammal, such as a rabbit. When cornered on land, they will fight and scratch. Advantages of Self-Paced Distance Learning, Advantages of Distance Learning Compared to Face-to-Face Learning, Top 50 K-12 School Districts for Teachers in Georgia, Those Winter Sundays: Theme, Tone & Imagery. 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. River otters are strong, unmatched swimmers in their environments, and on land they can run at speeds up to 15 miles per hour. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. Their playful snow and mud sliding, tail chasing, water play, and snow burrowing activities also serve other purposes—they help strengthen social bonds and let young otters practice hunting techniques. River otter is harvested as a furbearer species under the authorization of trapping permits or licenses. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. 's' : ''}}. Anywhere, any time. The average lifespan of the North American River Otter is about 8-9 years in the wild, although they can live much longer in captivity. North American River otters may be commonly found throughout much of sub-Arctic Canada, Alaska, and, within the contiguous United States, in the Pacific Northwest and along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico. Occasionally an otter will bring its entire head and neck out of the water to look around, a behavior called “periscoping.” • North American river otter’s 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. Webbed feet and a very strong tail both propel them quickly and gracefully through the water. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. Join us to learn more about a day in the life of this lively otter. credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. River otters eat crabs, fish, and small vertebrates. Three other river otter species: southern river otters, neotropical river otters, and marine otters … North American river otters are sometimes taken by bobcats, coyotes, birds of prey, alligators, and other large predators. They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. Despite its common name, the North American river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats. It is also known as the Northern River Otter or the Common Otter. In its natural range, fish are its primary prey. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 53 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive. This otter enjoys feasting on a wide variety of different animals, such as fish, insects, turtles, frogs, birds and even eggs. They are also threatened by habitat loss and pollution that has occurred since European’s colonized North America. Behavior/Reproduction North American river otters very vocal, and the animals use a variety of calls to communicate. The calls may range from high-pitched chirps, whistles and twitters, to low grunting chuckles and buzzes. Meaning, it eats other animals but has few predators. They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. Anyone can earn The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. 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Many "play" activities serve a purpose, such as strengthening social bonds, practicing hunting techniques, and scent marking. In fact, one of the greatest threats to the North American river otter is human activity, as they are very susceptible to pollution and degradation of their habitat. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. Otters have small, rounded ears, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of their prey. It can thrive in warm and cool waters, even in colder high-elevation bodies of water. Although inferior to the North American river otter in hunting fish, Audubon and Bachman once reported seeing a mink carrying a foot-long trout. In this lesson, we will take a closer look at one particular species, the North American River Otter. River otters are the largest in the Mustelid family, leaving them with few predators. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. The North American River Otter, Lontra Canadensis ... One of the relatives to the North American River Otter is the Giant River Otter, a massive 6 ft aquatic predator. Several groups have been set up to try to help conserve natural … Even with the speed and agility of this otter, predators are still a very real threat. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. 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. They first learn to swim after about two months. Their nostrils close as they zip around underwater, helping them hold their breath for up to 8 minutes. Instances of river otters eating small mammals and occasionally birds have been reported as well. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. The North American River Otter is a playful, semi-aquatic mammal found in waterways of North America. The most detailed guides for North American River Otter How To are provided in this page. study The North American River Otter is a playful, semi-aquatic mammal found in rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes of North America. Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. River otters become very aggressive towards humans when they become sexually mature. North American river otter: non-detriment finding. just create an account. The North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) is a freshwater, semi-aquatic mammal in the Lutrinae sub-family of the Mustelidae family of weasels. North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hour—they can slide even faster. {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}} lessons The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a semiaquatic mammal in the weasel family.While it may simply be called the "river otter" in North America (to distinguish it from the sea otter) there are other river otter species throughout the world. It is an exceptional swimmer, sleek and aerodynamic in the water, and a carnivorous hunter, eating other animals, such as frogs and fish. They eat the whole gamut of aquatic prey, including fish, frogs, crayfish, salamanders and turtles – not to mention snakes, small birds, mammals, earthworms and insects. They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. While North American River otters are rather high up on the food chain, they do in fact have several natural predators. first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. In certain areas, alligators will nab them as well. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. Soon the babies are just as at home in the water as the adults. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. All rights reserved. Wendy has taught high school Biology and has a master's degree in education. Select a subject to preview related courses: The North American River Otter is an animal with a very high metabolism, so it must eat quite often. Otters have long been viewed as an economically important furbearer. They are very playful in behavior, both on land and in the water. The American mink often kills birds, including larger species like seagulls and cormorants, by drowning. Services. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. North American river otters will eat frogs, turtles, snakes, insects, small mammals and birds whenever this type of prey is readily available. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Coyotes, large raptors and bobcats are just a few animals that hunt otters. 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. Visit the Kingdom Animalia: Study Guide & Review page to learn more. President and CEO Collin O’Mara reveals in a TEDx Talk why it is essential to connect our children and future generations with wildlife and the outdoors—and how doing so is good for our health, economy, and environment. When we think of animals that are playful, we often imagine domesticated pets, such as cats and dogs. A river otter can grow three to four feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) long including its tail and weigh between 11 and 30 pounds (5 to 14 kilograms). Fish is a favored food among the otters, but they also consume various amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. North American river otters are playful semi-aquatic mammals endemic to the U.S. and Canada. | {{course.flashcardSetCount}} Their flat, streamlined heads and sleek fur make them agile and aerodynamic. Southern River Otter: Habitat, Population & Adaptations, Quiz & Worksheet - North American River Otter, Over 83,000 lessons in all major subjects, {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}}, Eurasian Otter: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan & Facts, Hairy-Nosed Otter: Habitat, Breeding & Population, Spotted-Necked Otter: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan & Facts, Smooth-Coated Otter: Habitat, Adaptations & Facts, African Clawless Otter: Habitat, Population & Lifespan, Asian Small-Clawed Otter: Habitat, Breeding & Adaptations, European Mink: Facts, Habitat, Adaptations & Population, What is a Mongoose? The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Fish is a favored food among the otters, but they also consume various amphibians (such as salamanders and frogs), freshwater clams, mussels, snails, small turtles and crayfish. A new study from North Carolina State University detected evidence of otter diseases that may be spread by pets. Fun Facts for Kids North American otters are playful animals, and indulge in water play, mud/snow sliding, and burrowing through snow. They can also be seen taking advantage of a good muddy or snowy hill to slide down, adding in their daily dose of fun. North American river otters are charismatic apex carnivore predators that are native to lakes, wetlands, streams, rivers, and coastal regions of the eastern United States, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest. North American river otter is important predator of fish and aquatic invertebrates. North American river otters have long whiskers, which they use to detect prey in dark or cloudy water, and clawed feet for grasping onto slippery prey. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. In New York State, trapping of otters for their fur is legal in selected parts of the state. Mothers nudge the tiny otters into the water, and then strong instincts take over. Sciences, Culinary Arts and Personal A North American River Otter is a tertiary consumer. Re: Lontra canadensis (North American River Otter) Non-Detriment Finding for Canada Summary of Finding: Export of legally obtained wild-harvested river otter is considered non-detrimental. River otters are highly active predators. However, there is a type of wild animal that fits this description extremely well: the otter. The tail makes up about a third of their total length. The North American River Otter's main predator is man. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. They can thrive in any water habitat, such as ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers, and estuaries—in cold, warm, or even high-elevation areas—as long as the habitat provides adequate food. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. Published 2011-07-22 - Revised 2014-02-17. credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level. RED LIST status: Least Concern alias: northern river otter, river otter predators: big cats, alligators, coyotes, dogs, wolves threats: pollution, poaching, habitat loss, accidental trapping, road kill size: 100-153 cm (body 66-107 cm; tail 31-46 cm) weight: 8-11 kg The North American river otter is a large otter whose story is a success. The species occurs broadly across much of North America and is considered reasonably secure overall. A member of the weasel family, the North American River Otter has a long body with short but strong legs. The North American River Otter has a long, slender body, which is streamlined for swimming. The otter is hunted by coyotes, raptors, bobcats and alligators, and typically lives to be 8-9 years old in the wild. Log in here for access. Its dark brown fur is smooth and water repellent, an important trait for a fast-swimming mammal. The few natural river otter predators include bears, coyotes, bobcats, cougars and dogs. In the Adirondacks, the otter trapping season is from 1 November to 7 April. River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. Read on to learn more. It is a mustelid. Speaking of swimming, the North American River Otter is top in its class. What is the Difference Between Blended Learning & Distance Learning? imaginable degree, area of Its fur is short, thick and water-repellent. Physical characteristics help otters with their outstanding swimming abilities. River otters breed in late winter or early spring. Its very long whiskers help with the detection of its prey while underwater. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). Create an account to start this course today. 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