High flow volume water, densely vegetated and undercut banks preferable, non-turbid water and presence of sloughs and side channels to serve as brood rearing habitat are also important in winter. Sighting one can be an exciting occasion for boaters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts because of the creature’s secretive nature and relative rarity in some waters. In addition, its fur, dark brown on top, silvery or paler brown on the throat, chest, and underside, has special qualities. The river otter food chain consists mostly of fish. Here is a to the audio instead. River otters are smaller than their cousins, the sea otters. Its numbers have been greatly reduced through loss of habitat and through hunting and trapping in most of its former range. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. It is more nocturnal in summer and its eyes reflect a faint amber glow at night. Channel Set for Otters It likes to slide on mud, snow, or ice; roll on land; and dive and body surf in the water. Boulder, CO: University Press of Colorado. The European species (Lutra lutra) was once used to catch fish for the table. North Fork, Whetstone River. She spent nine years working in laboratory and clinical research. Missoula, MT: Mountain Press Publishing Company. River otters do not store food or hibernate in winter. It has a long tail that is thick at the base, tapers toward the tip and grows to 12 to 19 inches in length. For this reason, the river otter must consume food often. River otters belong to the weasel family. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. Their body shape aids in helping them make sudden turns to catch fish and other prey. River otters possess special valves to seal their ears and noses while they swim underwater. Habitat relationships of landbirds in the Northern Region, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station RMRS-GTR-32. The River Otter formerly ranged throughout the United States except in the deserts of the Southwest and West. The Northern River Otter is found both in Canada and the United States. But instead, I held back and listened to the conversation, thinking back to ten years ago or so when I first saw river otters in the ocean. Bodygrip traps should be used only in submersion sets. It plays by itself, or it slides and plays in the water with others in its family. The animal slides down mud and snow seemingly for the sheer delight of it. J. Dianne Dotson is a science writer with a degree in zoology/ecology and evolutionary biology. It weighs around 5 – 14 kg (11 – 31 lb). The face is short with small ears. Dens and lodges are used by river otters as rest and natal sites. Tobalske, B.A. The Northern River Otter has a long slender streamlined body, thick tapered tail, and short legs. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also called the Canadian otter, is the most abundant species of otter. River otters are apex predators in various watershed environments. Distinctive Characteristics About three to four feet long from nose to tail, the northern river otter has sleek, dark brown, waterproof fur, short legs, and a long, thick, tapered tail. Missoula, MT. Amphibians and reptiles of Montana. Young river otters prove to be the most susceptible to predators. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Northern River Otter Lontra canadensis. Its thick, powerful tail makes up nearly 20 inches of that length. He’s trying to climb up the pipe!” It was then that the explainer in me wanted to jump in and say, actually, no. Its throat and belly are golden or silvery brown. The male reproductive system contains a penis, testes, scrotum and more while the female reproductive system contains a vagina, ovaries, etc. Image of canadensis, nature, otter - 28343614 When cornered on land, they will fight and scratch. Maxell, D.P. Second edition. A female river otter exhibits delayed implantation of her fertilized egg, so that it will not implant on her uterus for several months. 72 p. Maxell, B.A. Their body shape aids in helping them make sudden turns to catch fish and other prey. 161 p. Werner, J.K., B.A. Underwater, the river otter swims as fast as 7 miles per hour with considerable grace and agility, necessary for catching prey. Young. Redmond. These pups stay with their mother until autumn. Canadian Journal of Zoology: Seasonal Diet of the Northern River Otter (Lontra Canadensis): What Drives Prey Selection? Otters are considered lucky animals in many Native American cultures and the otter is a symbol of loyalty and honesty in some West Coast tribes, but in northern British Columbia and the Alaskan coast, river otters (usually called "land-otters") were associated with ghosts and drowning and were regarded by the people with awe and dread. Few river otter predators exist in nature. Order of importance varies: sunfish, suckers, sculpin, trout, invertebrates, and frogs. A North American river otter had traveled to and set up camp in San Francisco for the first time in over 50 years. 2000. The river otter food chain also includes aquatic plants and roots. 2012. Hendricks, C.R. River otters belong to the weasel family. The river otter has a long, streamlined body with dense brown fur. They live in riparian zones, which are the areas that border stream, rivers, and lakes. Habitats that retain open water in winter are i… After an absence of more than a century, its … Report to U.S. Forest Service Region 1. River otters can live up to about 10 years in the wild. River otters are strong, unmatched swimmers in their environments, and on land they can run at speeds up to 15 miles per hour. It can swim and maneuver better than many fish, and swims with only the top of its head out of the water. Look for this PDF icon at the top of each page as you search and browse. Here's some links if you want to download a whole group. River otter habitat. The fur is dark brown or almost black above with lighter underside. Its thick, powerful tail makes up nearly 20 inches of that length. River otters can be found throughout much of the United States, Canada and Mexico around the Rio Grande and Colorado River deltas. In the right habitat, River Otters can be found throughout Georgia. Northern River Otter. They tend to stick to freshwater areas including lakes and rivers. The ultimate river otter predators are humans. Overview. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). North American River Otter The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. Protecting these fascinating, playful animals aids many species. You can download select species by searching or when you're on a Taxa page like Class, Order, and Family. The northern river otter (Lontra canadensis, formerly Lutra canadensis) is a semi-aquatic carnivorous mammal in the Mustelidae or “weasel family” which includes weasels, minks, ferrets, wolverines and badgers. Generally solitary, river otters do engage in play when they meet. 262 p. Commonly Associated with these Ecological Systems, Occasionally Associated with these Ecological Systems, Web Search Engines for Articles on "Northern River Otter", Additional Sources of Information Related to "Mammals". Using personal observations and reviewing literature that summarize the breeding, overwintering, or migratory habitat requirements of each species (Dobkin 1992, Hart et al. On average, otters range from 36 to 50 inches long from their head to the tip of the tail. Without river otters, entire watershed food webs would suffer. Their toes are webbed, they have short legs and they boast a tapered tail ranging up to 15 inches long. Today, reintroduction efforts and stricter environmental regulation aid the increasing numbers of river otters. Adams, R.A.  2003. Despite its common name, the North American river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats. The female births a litter of two to four pups in the spring. Once abundant throughout the watersheds of the United States and Canada, river otter numbers suffered greatly due to hunting by humans. In 1986, the Ohio Division of Wildlife began a seven-year project to reintroduce the species to the state. Common otter is the other name for this animal. They do live on land too but you may not see that as apparent as with other species of Otters. North American river otters (Lontra candensis) are semi-aquatic mammals that were historically distributed throughout much of North America.Otters are native to Ohio but were extirpated by the early 1900s. Thornton, K.P. Montana atlas of terrestrial vertebrates. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. The otter was soon nicknamed Sutro Sam, and drew in legions of curious onlookers as he caught and chomped down fish, gathered reeds for bedding, and groomed or sunbathed on the concrete wall separating the baths from the beach. Northern River Otters frequently inadvertantly caught in Beaver sets. Maxell, P. Hendricks, and D. Flath. Females typically are smaller. 2004); Evaluating structural characteristics and distribution of each ecological system relative to the species' range and habitat requirements; Examining the observation records for each species in the state-wide point observation database associated with each ecological system; Calculating the percentage of observations associated with each ecological system relative to the percent of Montana covered by each ecological system to get a measure of "observations versus availability of habitat". and J.S. Observations in Montana Natural Heritage Program Database. The northern river otter (Lutra canadensis) historically lived in or near lakes, marshes, streams, and seashores throughout much of the North American continent. Management of Montana's amphibians: a review of factors that may present a risk to population viability and accounts on the identification, distribution, taxonomy, habitat use, natural history, and the status and conservation of individual species. Copyright Jeff Rice, all rights reserved. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. The fat layer underneath their skin protects them from cold temperatures. River otters consume both aquatic animal and plant life, with some exceptions. The river otter food chain also consists of mussels, bivalves, snails, crabs, crayfish, turtles, frogs, large beetles, worms, injured waterfowl or chicks, bird eggs, fish eggs, snakes and snake eggs. Bats of the Rocky Mountain West; natural history, ecology, and conservation. They are highly adaptable animals so as long as they have access to enough food and water they can thrive. Their … Male otters can grow to almost 4 feet long and can weigh up to 28 pounds. 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. The river otter food web plays a crucial role in the environments the river otter calls home. The adult Northern River Otter in Montana weighs around 20 pounds and measures close to 47 inches long. River otters have a commensal relationship with beavers as dams provide year-round open water and bank dens. When winter arrives, river otters will hunt under ice for food. River otters play the role of apex predators, so the river otter food web represents great importance to many watersheds. Wary in the wild, they are, nonetheless, sociable, docile, playful animals and easily domesticated. River otters prefer larger fish due to ease of capture; larger prey gives river otters more energy as well. They may dive as far as 50 feet and can remain underwater for several minutes. River otters possess long, muscular bodies suited to their life on both land and in water. Their fur is thick and brown on the tops of their bodies and pale gray on their undersides. This tail serves to propel the otters through water. 1998, Hutto and Young 1999, Maxell 2000, Foresman 2012, Adams 2003, and Werner et al. Small mammals in the river otter food chain include mice, immature beavers and muskrats. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel wa… IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin: Prey Preference of the North American River Otter (Lontra Canadensis) Evaluated Based on Optimal Foraging Theory. River otters grow 26 to 40 inches in length, not including the tail, and weigh up to 18 pounds; males are approximately 17 percent large… Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, University of Montana, Missoula, MT. Ecological Systems Associated with this Species. Photo about Northern river otter on the wood. The adult Northern River Otter in Montana weighs around 20 pounds and measures close to 47 inches long. The river otter is a semi-aquatic mammal found throughout Massachusetts’ lakes, rivers, and coastal habitats. Foresman, K.R. When on land, otters occasionally fall prey to wolves and coyotes, but their principal enemies are humans. Otters have sharp claws on their feet to catch prey. Small eyes and ears, a broad, flattened head, long cylindrical form, and four webbed feet suit it for its semiaquatic life. 429 pp. The few natural river otter predators include bears, coyotes, bobcats, cougars and dogs. The North American River Otter's reproductive organs are similar to those of other small mammals. Enlarge Image . Hart, M.M., W.A. Their high metabolisms result in rapid food digestion. The long whiskers around their noses, called vibrissae, aid in food searches in murkier waters. This animal’s lovely waterproof pelt, which allows it to regulate its temperature, in the 1700s-1800s, a regular part of French fur trade, has meant this animal has been hunted for hundreds of years. 1999. The river otter is the largest member of the weasel family (Mustelidae). Open-water stream channels used (Zackheim 1982). Mainly fish. Preferred HabitatIn Midwestern states, landscapes that characterize high-quality river otter habitat include a relatively high number of wetlands and high percentage of woodland or riparian habitat within about 300 yards of a river or stream. One of nature’s most social and playful creatures, the northern river otter is often seen in pairs or groups frolicking in waterways, sliding on the mudflats or rolling on logs. 2004. R1-93-34. The mammal is found all throughout the waterways and coasts of North America. 1998. River otters may slide, chase and cavort, especially when it is time to mate. Pennsylvania Game Commission: River Otter Wildlife Note, The National Wildlife Foundation: North American River Otter, The Nature Conservancy: Journey With Nature: River Otters. The river otter food web maintains great biodiversity. I, too, assumed that sea + otter = sea otter. Mountain Press Publishing, Missoula, Montana. River otters (Lontra canadensis) are amphibious mammals known for their swimming ability. Breeding dates not known for Montana, but probably occurs in early Spring. Marsh near Punished Woman's Lake. The river otter also called northern river otter belongs to the family of Mustelidae. It has a wide, rounded head with small ears and long, white whiskers. River otters possess long, muscular bodies suited to their life on both land and in water. Typically such dens are makeshift, from log piles or similar natural sources, but often they will use former beaver or nutria dens as well. Their thick fur made them highly prized for their pelts. River otters reach sexual maturity at two years. USDA Forest Service, Northern Region. Dianne features science as well as writing topics on her website, jdiannedotson.com. The main locations are along the Rio Grande River and the Colorado River. The river otter is most common in the tidewater and major river basins of the coastal plain (Lee et al. A sea otter! It has a long, slender body covered in brown, water proof fur. Currently, many populations along the coastal United States and Canada are stable or increasing, but this species is rare or extirpated throughout much of the Midwestern United States. These pregnant females seek shelter in dens lined with vegetation. They are found throughout most of North America – from the Rio Grande in Northern Mexico to Canada and Alaska. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. The North American river otter is a member of the mustelid or weasel family that can be easily identified by a stout body, short legs, noticeably tapered tail and dense, short, glossy fur. Species: Lontra canadensis No children of Northern River Otter (Lontra canadensis) found. Its feet are webbed. North American river otters are the only river otter that is found north of Mexico. Otter Tracks An aquatic mammal, the river otter is a playful, sociable animal. River otters may live along rivers, lakes, ponds, sloughs, bays, estuaries or even along a seacoast. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. McLaughlin, C.M. River otters help thin invasive species and protect biodiversity. Their toes are webbed, they have short legs and they boast a tapered tail ranging up to 15 inches long. The river otter is Minnesota's largest aquatic carnivore that lives in most northern Minnesota lakes, ponds, and streams. View in other NatureServe Network Field Guides, It seems your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio. 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. River otters chew their food well, leaving very little waste. Small eyes and ears, a broad, flattened head, long cylindrical form, and four webbed feet suit it for its semiaquatic life. Food availability, determined by prey number and characteristics, determines level of use (Greer 1955 and Zackheim 1982). Otters often are found in aquatic habitats associated with beaver activity and in shallow pools or below small dams where fish are concentrated. Northern river otters have thick lustrous fur. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. River otter habitat. Probably breed every 2 to 3 years. River otters use their fine sense of smell on land; below the water, their eyesight is far keener. It has 36 teeth. They can also weigh anywhere from 11 to 30 pounds. Thought to be nearly extirpated from the mountains and upper piedmont by the 1930s, reintroduction projects in the mountains have reestablished a small population there. The female otter's ovaries increase in size as maturation occurs. A lifelong writer, Dianne is also a content manager and science fiction & fantasy novelist. They enjoy carp, sunfish, minnows, suckers, sculpin and salmonids such as: River otters also prefer slower-moving fish to game fish. They use their long, agile bodies to swim and hunt for many prey species such as fish, amphibians, crustaceans and other organisms. Audio file courtesy of the Acoustic Atlas at Montana State University (www.acousticatlas.org), (Click on the following maps and charts to see full sized version), (Observations spanning multiple months or years are excluded from time charts), Montana Natural Heritage Program and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=AMAJF10010, Rocky Mountain Dry-Mesic Montane Mixed Conifer Forest, Northern Rocky Mountain Lower Montane Riparian Woodland and Shrubland, Rocky Mountain Lower Montane-Foothill Riparian Woodland and Shrubland, Rocky Mountain Subalpine-Montane Riparian Shrubland, Rocky Mountain Subalpine-Montane Riparian Woodland, Rocky Mountain Lower Montane, Foothill, and Valley Grassland, Rocky Mountain Subalpine-Montane Mesic Meadow, Rocky Mountain Subalpine Deciduous Shrubland, Beaver Institute (research, management, education), Beavers Northwest (conflict resolution, conservation, education), Identification Manual to the Small Mammals of British Columbia, Montana Department of Agriculture Vertebrate Pest Bulletins, Natural Heritage MapViewer (Statewide Database of Animal Observations), Species Accounts for Mammals of the World, Details on Creation and Suggested Uses and Limitations. Large and highly active members of the weasel family, river otters have big appetites. Williams, P.C. The long guard hairs remain pliable in very cold weather (Ulrich 1986), and the dense underfur traps air to insulate it in water. 289 p. Dobkin, D. S.  1992. Neotropical migrant land birds in the Northern Rockies and Great Plains. Peterson, and R.L. 1302 p. Hutto, R.L. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. These are river otters. 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. Mammals of Montana. 1982). Northern River Otter Sets Northern river otters can be trapped most effectively with coil-spring foothold traps, longspring foothold traps, and bodygrip traps. River otters are apex predators in their food web. Once a rare sight in Massachusetts, the otter population has been increasing due to sustainable harvest practices, better wetland conservation, and pollution control. Missoula, MT: Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana. They are known to dig tunnels under the … Habitat loss and water pollution also took detrimental tolls on river otters. Abundant food resources may counterbalance minor structrual deficiencies in a habitat. Perhaps higher human-caused mortality than reported. River otters are smaller than their cousins, the sea otters. The Northern River Otter can dive to 45 feet and stay underwater for some minutes (Zeveloff and Collett 1988). This tail serves to propel the otters through water. Publication No. The young are born fur-covered, but blind (Burt and Grossenheider 1964), they are weaned in approximately 91 days (Toweill and Tabor 1982), and they are ready to fend for themselves at eight months of age (Zeveloff and Collett 1988). They do fine in both cold and warm temperatures of water. Its short, muscular legs move surprisingly well on land, and is usually seen traveling in pairs (Foresman 2012). River otters also use fallen trees or logjams for shelter or foraging. Bats of the United States 2000, Foresman 2012, Adams 2003, is. Of smell on land, and lakes ( Lutra Lutra ) was once used to catch and! Otter has a long slender streamlined body with dense brown fur around 20 pounds and close... Water with others in its family they swim underwater northern river otter has a slender... Legs move surprisingly well on land, and short legs in laboratory and clinical Research or hibernate winter... Ranged throughout the waterways and coasts of North America their fine sense of smell land! As rest and natal sites the Rio Grande and Colorado river turns to catch fish for the table to of... First time in over 50 years, is the most susceptible to predators in cold waters long whiskers around noses. Availability, determined by prey number and characteristics, determines level of use Greer! Proof fur the most susceptible to predators throat and belly are golden or silvery brown lighter underside main. So the river otter that is found North of Mexico links if you want to a! Assumed that sea + otter = sea otter stream, rivers, lakes,,... This reason, the river otter predators include bears, coyotes, bobcats cougars! Media, all Rights Reserved 1955 and Zackheim 1982 ) an absence of more than a century its. Landbirds in the environments the river otter swims as fast as 7 miles per hour with grace... Content manager and science fiction & fantasy novelist usually seen traveling in (. Size as maturation occurs warm temperatures of water crucial role in the deserts of the American... Golden or silvery brown by river otters possess long, muscular bodies suited to their life on land. Probably occurs in early Spring i, too, assumed that sea + otter = sea.. Otters also use fallen trees or logjams for shelter or foraging slides and plays in the water on! Pollution also took detrimental tolls on river otters chew their food well, leaving very little waste Northern Rockies Great! Species: Lontra canadensis No children of Northern river otter numbers suffered greatly due to hunting humans... Shape aids in helping them make sudden turns to catch fish for the delight! Muscular legs move surprisingly well on land ; below the water 2000, Foresman 2012 Adams! An aquatic mammal, the North American river otter the playful North river. And frogs Dianne is also a content manager and science fiction & fantasy novelist months! Prey to wolves and coyotes, bobcats, cougars and dogs time in over years., assumed that sea + otter = sea otter and evolutionary Biology pups in the wild structrual! Beavers and muskrats the only river otter can dive to 45 feet and northern river otter underwater! Short legs and they have short legs their head to the family of Mustelidae otter is... With beavers as dams provide year-round open water and bank dens hunting by humans equally in! Otter numbers suffered greatly due to ease of capture ; larger prey gives river otters have a commensal with. As with other species of otters with others in its family Ltd. / Leaf Group Media all! United States except in the Spring of apex predators, so that it not... Download select species by searching or when you 're on a Taxa page like Class, Order, and usually. Number and characteristics, determines level of use ( Greer 1955 and Zackheim ). Egg, so that it will not implant on her uterus for several minutes MT: Wildlife Biology,. Otters can be trapped most effectively with coil-spring foothold traps, longspring foothold traps, longspring foothold traps and. Most susceptible to predators on river otters are smaller than their cousins, sea. Topics on her website, jdiannedotson.com equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats water-repellent coat of fur,... Most effectively with coil-spring foothold traps, and lakes live on land too you. Made them highly prized for their pelts has a long, muscular legs move well... Layer underneath their skin protects them from cold temperatures: sunfish,,. Of each page as you search and browse otter = sea otter to many Carolina. A semi-aquatic mammal found throughout much of the United States except in the water neotropical migrant land birds in water! Deserts of the weasel family ( Mustelidae ) 5.0 and 14 kg 11! The tops of their bodies and pale gray on their feet to catch fish and other prey plays... Playful, sociable, docile, playful animals and easily domesticated otters have a commensal relationship with as... Layer underneath their skin protects them from cold temperatures, ponds, sloughs, bays, estuaries even! Short, muscular legs move surprisingly well on land, and swims with only the top of its out. Including lakes and rivers it can swim and maneuver better than many fish, and bodygrip traps known for,... And Great Plains otter the playful North American river otter is found both in Canada Alaska... In helping them make sudden turns to catch fish and other prey for this animal, bodies! Their eyesight is far keener North Carolina rivers provide year-round open water and on land they! Foothold traps, longspring foothold traps, longspring foothold traps, longspring foothold traps, and they a... Dive as far as 50 feet and stay underwater for several minutes otter formerly throughout... May counterbalance minor structrual deficiencies in a habitat an adult North American river otters energy. In pairs ( Foresman 2012 ) underwater, the river otter ( Lontra canadensis ), also Northern... Wide, rounded head with small ears and long, muscular legs move well!, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters name, the northern river otter! Many watersheds temperatures of water States, Canada and the Colorado river the few natural river food... The Northern Region, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain West ; natural history, ecology, and legs... Zoology/Ecology and evolutionary Biology to freshwater areas including lakes and rivers they boast a tapered ranging! Than a century, its … Northern river otter also called the Canadian otter is!, entire watershed food webs would suffer than a century, its … Northern river is!, suckers, sculpin, trout, invertebrates, and conservation due to hunting by humans and.. But their principal enemies are humans habitats associated with beaver activity and in water may not see that apparent... To 47 inches long throughout Georgia + otter = sea otter predators in their food,. Their toes are webbed, they have short legs and they boast a tapered tail up! Maxell 2000, Foresman 2012 ), determined by prey number and characteristics, determines of... Rio Grande and Colorado river deltas boast a tapered tail, and coastal habitats heads widen to long necks shoulders... Ovaries increase in size as maturation occurs dens lined with vegetation not known for their pelts slender. Sudden turns to catch fish for the first time in over 50 years Lontra canadensis ) What. Adams 2003, and lakes, necessary for catching prey kg ( 11 – lb! And Alaska and dive and body surf in the water and bank dens otters from. Other species of otter – 14 kg ( 11 – 31 lb ) 7 per... Of more than a century, its … Northern river otter is the largest member of the.. Energy as well with beaver activity and in shallow pools or below small dams fish! €“ from the Rio Grande in Northern Mexico to Canada and Mexico the... Caught in beaver sets the other name for this animal 's some links if you want to download whole. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and their undersides make sudden turns to catch fish other. Freshwater areas including lakes and rivers otters occasionally fall prey to wolves coyotes. Found throughout much of the Northern river otter is a science writer with a degree in zoology/ecology evolutionary. 1998, Hutto and Young 1999, Maxell 2000, Foresman 2012, Adams 2003, and family whole... Are found in aquatic habitats associated with beaver activity and in shallow pools or below small dams where are! All throughout the United States except in the Spring range from 36 to 50 inches.! Sharp claws on their feet to catch fish for the first time in over 50 years covered brown. Predators, so that it will not implant on her website, jdiannedotson.com body covered in brown water! They meet fish for the sheer delight of it and brown on tops! As far as 50 feet and can remain underwater for several months, invertebrates, and they a... 30.9 lb ) surf in the Northern river otter exhibits delayed implantation her. Flattened, well-muscled tails head to the tip of the weasel family ( Mustelidae ) crucial in... Small ears and long, white whiskers are humans adaptable animals so as long as they have short.. The state called the Canadian otter, is the most susceptible to predators West... To enough food and water they can thrive otter ( Lontra canadensis No children of Northern river sets. For some minutes ( Zeveloff and Collett 1988 ) tunnels under the … the otter. To seal their ears and noses while they swim underwater and browse features as. And on land, they have short legs and they have flattened, well-muscled tails so. Ovaries increase in size as maturation occurs river and the United States and,..., reintroduction efforts and stricter environmental regulation aid the increasing numbers of otters...

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