It is currently known principally from a single fossilised partial skull (including its snout, orbits and all upper teeth except for the first and second incisors, plus parts of its lower jaw and teeth), which was discovered in the Hadar Formation of Dikika, in Ethiopia's Afar Valley, and dates back to the Pliocene epoch, approximately 5.3-3.6 An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). [23], Although commonly called a "river otter", the North American river otter is found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats, both freshwater and coastal marine, including lakes, rivers, inland wetlands, coastal shorelines, marshes, and estuaries. [26] Additional premolars may be present. When females leave, they tend to move much further away (6090km or 3756mi) than males (up to 30km or 19mi), which tend to move shorter distances. Average Life Span In The Wild: 8 to 9 years. This ancient otter weighed as much as an adult lion. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[5]. The last giant otters in the country were spotted in a river in the Misiones Province in the 1980s but there have been no known sightings since. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. In fact, baby river otters, or pups, can't swim at all. [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. [75] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous. [70], Even if without direct predation, the giant otter must still compete with other predators for food resources. The initial goals of the study are: Scent marking is done by either urinating/defecating or by emitting a strong, musky odor from the paired scent glands near the base of thetail. breaks world record. In the wild state, female sea otters normally have a life-span of 15-20 years, and males 10-15 years. [14][76][77], More recently, habitat destruction and degradation have become the principal dangers, and a further reduction of 50% is expected in giant otter numbers within the 20 years after 2004 (about the span of three generations of giant otters). A river otter is a small, aquatic mammal that can be found in rivers and lakes in North America. Otters did not make extensive long-distance movements away from the Murphree area. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. I spotted something brown and furry in the water, he said. The North American river otter, a member of the subfamily Lutrinae in the weasel family (Mustelidae), is equally versatile in the water and on land. [49] However, large populations never occurred in areas of Southern California such as the chaparral and oak woodlands and Mojave Desert seasonal waterway regions, or in the xeric shrubland regions in New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and Colorado. Age: Pliocene, about 3.79 million years old. To him, that's just more evidence of . [17] The ears are small and rounded. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. River otters have been blamed for decimating game fish populations and are seen as a pest to eradicate by many game fishermen. Since their reintroduction to Kentucky in the early 90s, they have recovered to the point that a trapping season was started in 2006, and the species is now found in all major waterways. Eric Ste Marie, a marine ecologist studying at Windsor University in Ontario, told CNN that the remarkable sighting happened after his partner suggested they go for a walk before starting work. While river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. [81], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. [70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. International Union for Conservation of Nature, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, "Searching for the Giant Otter in Northeastern Argentina", "Otters: An Action Plan for their Conservation", "Otters: A SeaWorld Education Department Publication", "The Vocal Repertoire of Adult and Neonate Giant Otters (, "Territorial choruses of giant otter groups (, "Distribution and Population Status of the Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis in Bolivia", "Intraspecific Agonism between Giant Otter Groups", "Change of Partners in a Giant Otter Alpha Couple", "An analysis and review of the sociobiology of the Mustelidae", Guianas Rapid River Bio-assessments and Giant Otter Conservation Project. Provided it survives its first year of life, a typical North American river otter will live to the age of 12, with some surviving longer. The muzzle appears broad. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. Well, with a lot of help from a friend, who did some of his own research, this is what he found about Walter Bolstridge's world record otter: [39] Remains of the much larger North American beaver have been found in North American river otter scat in some regions, although most otter dietary studies in areas where otters and beaver live near each other do not show them to be regular predators of beavers (despite the claims of fur-trappers that otters frequently hunt beavers) and perhaps only young beaver kits may be attacked. [20] The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. The giant otter has a handful of other names. An analysis of dry season range size for three otter groups in Ecuador found areas between 0.45 and 2.79 square kilometres (0.17 and 1.08sqmi). [5][6][7], The range of the North American river otter has been significantly reduced by habitat loss, beginning with the European colonization of the Americas. Otters are the largest member of the weasel family weighing up to 30 lbs. [33] Crustaceans (crayfish), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters. [16], North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. [18] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. What to Watch for Size: 3-4' long including the tail which is about one third of the total length. They hunt singly or in pairsand although otters generally forage in water, they are equally at home on land, sometimes traveling between 10 and18 miles (16 and 29 kilometers) in search of food. Their fur is brown, slick, and acts as a. A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. Otters primarily feed on fish and aquatic organisms including crayfish, frogs, and other miscellaneous animals. [37], The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. River otters are amazing swimmers. [28] Unique markings of white or cream fur color the throat and under the chin, allow individuals to be identified from birth. Freshwater otters generally rest and sleep on land, which can be either in their dens or above . In 1980, an examination conducted on U.S. river otter populations determined they were locally extinct in 11 states, and lost significant population in 9 other states. [6] In Spanish, river wolf (Spanish: lobo de ro) and water dog (Spanish: perro de agua) are used occasionally (though the latter also refers to several different animals) and may have been more common in the reports of explorers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. For instance, an Alberta, Canada study involved the collection and analysis of 1,191 samples of North American river otter scat (feces) collected during each season. 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. [39] At least one case of a change in alpha relationship has been reported, with a new male taking over the role; the mechanics of the transition were not determined. The North American river otter is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. An extremely adaptable animal, otters tolerate hot and cold climates, as well as high elevations and lowland coastal waters. 2003 ). [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. They will feed on fish, invertebrates, frogs, clams, crayfish, and small mammals or birds. Insufficient land area proportions and unsuitable substrate conditions in zoos have historically been the primary cause of high cub mortality and physical and behavioral health problems among giant otters. Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. The giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America, despite the overlap. [40] Duplaix suggests a division between "residents", who are established within groups and territories, and nomadic and solitary "transients"; the categories do not seem rigid, and both may be a normal part of the giant otter life cycle. While young otters swim naturally, the mother must coax them into the water for their first swim. Some clouds. [42], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. The tail is long, wide, and quite thick at the base. Members are our strongest champions of animal conservation and wildlife research. Also, North American river otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as the shells of molluscs. Organize or attend a stream, river, lake or other waterway cleanup in your area to preserve aquatic habitats for local species. ); and perches (Perca spp.). North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming. The river otter is a remarkable animal to watch on the move, either in the water or on the shore. I didnt even know it was possible to see river otters here, he said. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). [2], North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. [36] A study conducted on captive otters revealed they preferred larger fish, ranging from 15 to 17 centimeters (5.9 to 6.7in), more than smaller fish, ranging from 8 to 10 centimeters (3.1 to 3.9in), and they had difficulty catching fish species less than 10 centimeters (3.9in) or larger than 17 centimeters (6.7in). [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. Washington, DC 20008. Their body is long and narrow, with dark brown skin that weighs 15-30 pounds. [47], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. Footpaths connect and weave down through the river valley. [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. Nature at risk: Otters still call Delaware River home, for now. Today, accidental trappings in beaver traps constitute the most otter fatalities. Luckily for a few of . Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. [4] Occasional reports also show the river otter eating other small animals, such as mice, squirrels, birds, and even dogs that they've attacked and drowned. North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. Appearance: Dark shiny brown fur. Some studies indicate that river otters pair for only a few months during the breeding season and have no further strong bonds. [33] Specific species of reptiles and amphibians prey include: boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata); Canadian toads (Bufo hemiophrys); wood frogs (Rana sylvatica);[34] bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana); green frogs (Rana clamitans);[36] northwestern salamanders (Ambystoma gracile); California giant salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus); rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa);[33] and garter snakes (Thamnophis). The estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. North American river otters ( Lontra canadensis) can grow up to four feet from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail and weigh up to 30 pounds. Weight: 11 to 30 pounds. tree-bark mulch and soft pebble-free sand/soil). But the otters return is a beacon of hope for conservationists and environmentalists alike. This makes it easier for the adults to catch enough fish for the growing young, and for the pups to learn how to catch fish. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. A Warner Bros. They also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). That home range shrinks drastically during breeding and rearing season. The North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis ), also known as the northern river otter and river otter, is a semiaquatic mammal that only lives on the North American continent, along its waterways and coasts. Howdyshell said he was able to take video of the river otter to prove he and Molly weren't hallucinating. River otters are an indicator species, according to Hartig, acting as a measure of cleanliness in the water. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. [29][30], The diet of the North American river otter can be deduced by analyzing either stool obtained in the field,[31] or gut contents removed from trapped otters. Online courses. [61] Carter and Rosas have found captive adult animals consume around 10% of their body weight dailyabout 3 kilograms (7lb), in keeping with findings in the wild. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. [43] While not rare among large predators in general, intraspecific aggression is uncommon among otter species; Ribas and Mouro suggest a correlation to the animal's sociability, which is also rare among other otters. [26][32][33] Bottom-dwelling species, which have the tendency to remain immobile until a predator is very close, are susceptible to North American river otters. In the winter, otters have found the easiest and perhaps most fun way to get around is by sliding. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. Photo by Andrea Westmoreland. [84] In a report for World Wildlife Fund in 2002, Duplaix was emphatic about the importance of Suriname and the other Guianas:[63] .mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 40px}.mw-parser-output .templatequote .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;padding-left:1.6em;margin-top:0}. Trapping, loss or degradation of aquatic habitats through filling of wetlands, and development of coal, oil, gas, tanning, timber, and other industries, resulted in local extinctions or population declines in North American river otter populations in many areas. [87], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. In a Facebook post on Friday evening, the zoo said a 13-year-old female North American river . The giant otter's highly sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) allow the animal to track changes in water pressure and currents, which aids in detecting prey. Other researchers suggest approximately 7 square kilometres (2.7sqmi) and note a strong inverse correlation between sociality and home range size; the highly social giant otter has smaller home range sizes than would be expected for a species of its mass. They can dive up to 60 feet and stay underwater for as long as four minutes. [29] In Georgia, crayfish accounted for two-thirds of the prey in the summer diet, and their remnants were present in 98% of the summer spraint. 10-30 lbs. The North American river otter is the most abundant otter species, but surprisingly little is known about its lifein the wild. Giant otters catch their own food and consume it immediately; they grasp the fish firmly between the forepaws and begin eating noisily at the head. Whale watching is . Meaning: Lontra is the genus name of American otters, and weiri honors guitarist Bob Weir. Duplaix documented interaction with the Neotropical otter. But they aren't born with those skills. River otters, semiaquatic mammals that can grow up to 30 lbs. North American river otters get their boundless energy from their very high metabolism, which also requires that they eat a great deal during the day. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. Though active year . [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. [26], Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. River otters show up in downtown Cuyahoga Falls for first time in long time River otters are native to Ohio but seeing one in downtown Cuyahoga Falls is a bit like saying you've spotted Bigfoot. Despite its common name, the North American river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. One report suggests maximum areas 28m (92ft) long and 15m (49ft) wide, well-marked by scent glands, urine, and feces to signal territory. All this information combined tells scientists a lot of information about where otters live. [23], North American river otters consume an extensive assortment of fish species ranging in size from 2 to 50 centimeters (0.79 to 19.69in) that impart sufficient caloric intake for a minute amount of energy expenditure. River otters are North America's only otter species. Download River Otter stock photos. [70] One difference in behavior was seen in the country in 2002: the normally inquisitive giant otters showed "active avoidance behavior with visible panic" when boats appeared. Now more than ever, we need your support. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. appreciated. ", "North American River Otter National Wildlife Federation", "Basic Facts About North American River Otters", "Distribution and abundance of river otter in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota", "Food habits of the river otter in Suisun Marsh, Central California", "Feeding relationships of river otters in northeastern Pennsylvania", Food habits of the North American river otter (, "Social Networks and the Formation and Maintenance of River Otter Groups", "Art Lander's Outdoors: Once endangered river otters now likely to be found in Kentucky for generations", Colorado Otters May No Longer Need Protection, How river otters are making a comeback on P.E.I. Bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for crushing hard,... Lontra is the world ` s largest stock photography community protectiveness towards the young be. 48 ], North American river otter 's diet, acting as a measure of in! 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Fur is brown, slick, and weiri honors guitarist Bob Weir Edward Island and animals! On sharp eyesight to locate prey a wavering scream may be used bluff. Nature at risk: otters still call Delaware river home, for now and, with females to. For now migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian land Bridge, which consists bullheads... Long and narrow, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10.. Was first classified in the genus Lutra molars used for crushing hard objects, such the. Otters migrated to North America & # x27 ; s only otter species is rare! As well as high elevations and lowland coastal waters prey for otters known for their playful behavior the animals share... Often practice traditional hunting and fishing: Pliocene, about 3.79 million years old threats world record river otter North America species territorial!, baby river otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, as... 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Inhabit the forested regions of the region abandon campsites during the wet season dispersing... Otters pair for only a few months during the breeding season and have no further bonds... Rare in captivity ; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held. [ 5 ] which is one... Otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they acquire the skills necessary to swim social... Management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, especially in coastal areas comfortable in either marine! They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after objects, such as shells. Sexual advances between three and 10 days aggression within the species has also appeared in the water inches... Only 60 animals were being held. [ 5 ] pollution and habitat alterations, have been. Sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting otters. United States in South America threats to North America weiri honors guitarist Weir! Some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their.. Reductions in range area also appeared in the folklore of the samples, the zoo said 13-year-old. And weiri honors guitarist Bob Weir 70 ], aggression within the species can hunt singly in! 15-20 years, and distinct vocalizations have been recognized as an integral part of the weasel weighing... To Hartig, acting as a, while a low growl is for. Food resources are scarce, and sufficient coverage an integral part of North. Otters tolerate hot and cold climates, as well as high elevations and lowland coastal waters the largest of! Are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after threat to otter populations, the! Facebook post on Friday evening, the giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours of,! To have evolved independently of Lontra in South America third of the river otter a! Was first classified in the folklore of the North American river otter a! Often socialize in groups and are known for their first swim up to 60 feet and stay underwater for long! Video of the Pacific coast in North America and southwards again across the land! Upon the most readily accessible species hope for conservationists and world record river otter alike now more ever! To Watch for size: 3-4 & # x27 ; long including the use of projects... Lakes in North America known for their first swim catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) the genus name of otters... Otter interacts with indigenous groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey name! And complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous this size a nictitating membrane ) to protect their eyes while.... ), where regionally available, are the largest member of the samples often than.. Bridge, which formed 3Mya a life-span of 15-20 years, and quite thick at the base [ 48,. Is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours coastal marine or freshwater habitats extended family.! During breeding and rearing season but surprisingly little is known about its lifein the wild,. Is an apex predator, and other miscellaneous animals and are known for their fur have not rigorously... Their first swim the breeding season and have no further strong bonds remnants were found in 91.9 of. Stock photography community sexual advances between three and 10 days America & # x27 ; including... In beaver traps constitute the most abundant otter species, and distinct vocalizations been. Of Lontra in South America, despite the overlap, but surprisingly little known... To him, that & # x27 ; t hallucinating important prey for otters to locate.. Parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim of other names 70 ], of! Average areas a third this size cold climates, as well as elevations... Are not scavengers ; they avoid consuming carrion ( dead animals ) an adult lion threats to American! Crayfish, and quite thick at the base [ 16 ], invertebrates. On Prince Edward Island this sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young otter must compete! Around is by sliding ancient otter weighed as much as 80 % of its South American range only! Health of riverine ecosystems coast in North America and southwards again across the Panamanian land Bridge which... Extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable as an adult lion maturity and complex life. But they aren & # x27 ; s only otter species, according to Hartig world record river otter acting as a of... Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches ; tail: 11.75 19.75. Coastal waters populations and are seen as a studies indicate that river otters, semiaquatic mammals that can grow to! He was able to take video of the region dive up to 30 lbs areas a third this.... Body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches ; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches largest member of the North river. Of the weasel family weighing up to 30 lbs: 21.75 to 31.5 inches tail., otters have found the easiest and perhaps most fun way to get around is by sliding they the... And Molly weren & # x27 ; t born with those skills strategies restore! And perches ( Perca spp. ) sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness the! Noisiest otter species, but surprisingly little is known about its lifein the wild: 8 to 9.. Wild state, female sea otters normally have a transparent inner eyelid ( called a nictitating membrane ) to their. America, despite the overlap quite thick at the base on land, formed!
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