Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) [48][49] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. Hums and coos are more reassuring within the group. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. The Guianas are one of the last real strongholds for the species, which also enjoys modest numbers and significant protection in the Peruvian Amazonian basin. It plays an important role in the mythology of the Achuar people, where giant otters are seen as a form of the tsunki, or water spirits: they are a sort of "water people" who feed on fish. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. [39] North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. The tail is highly muscular and comprises up to 40 percent of the otter'stotal body length. Check the conservation status of the animals you hunt and use methods that dont impact other animals. 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. The North American River Otter, Lontra canadensis, is a semi-aquatic mammal found only in North America. [53][56], Cases where otters have been ambushed and consumed by grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have also been reportedly witnessed near the Arctic region. [81], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. The median life expectancy for this species in captivity is 11.7 years, and the longevity record is 21.64 years (Hamilton 2016). The North American river otter is one of several carnivorans included in ongoing research of respiratory turbinates by Dr. Van Valkenburgh. You can be an incredible ally for conservation! [26] Other fish an integral part of the North American river otters' diets are those that are often plentiful and found in large schools: sunfish (Lepomis spp. An extremely adaptable animal, otters tolerate hot and cold climates, as well as high elevations and lowland coastal waters. [16] Their main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. For example, a study conducted in a central California marshland indicated crayfish formed nearly 100% of the river otter's diet at certain times of the year. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8m (5ft 11in). [75][82], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. 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. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. A North American river otter's home range can be as large as 30 square miles (78 square kilometers), but a typical territory is 3 to 15 square miles (4.8 to 24 square kilometers). [21] It differs from the Eurasian otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. I had a feeling it might be a rare encounter, but I really had no idea just how rare, Ste Marie said. The male otter is generally chased away until the young are weaned and old enough to leave the riverbank, at which time they may return and help raise the pups. These include providing at least the minimum recommended land-to-water area ratio, and that all enclosure land surfaces (both artificial and natural) are nearly entirely covered with the recommended substrate conditions (e.g. Otters have a high metabolism which requires them to consume 15% - 20% of their bodyweight in food each day. Watch our Sea Otter Cam and see animated sea otters live now on exhibit as they swim, play with toys, lounge in ice buckets and eat during our daily feeding shows at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. [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). [52] A study conducted on North American river otters in a southwestern Arkansas swamp identified a correlation between crayfish consumption, fish consumption, and water levels. At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, they eat a prepared meat diet and several types of fish. They prefer unpolluted water with a minimal human disturbance. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. Let's meet the 440-pound otter, the largest otter that ever lived. [39] In another instance in Brazil, a carcass was found with clear indications of violent assault by other otters, including bites to the snout and genitals, an attack pattern similar to that exhibited by captive animals. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. breaks world record. They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. [78] Specific threats from human industry include unsustainable mahogany logging in parts of the giant otter range,[75] and concentrations of mercury in its diet of fish, a byproduct of gold mining. We thought were next, Detroit River is next, he said. River otter populations have declined since the 1600s for numerous reasons, including the fur trade and loss of habitat. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. [13] Later gene sequencing research on the mustelids, from 2004, places the divergence of the giant otter somewhat later, between five and 11million years ago; the corresponding phylogenetic tree locates the Lontra divergence first among otter genera, and Pteronura second, although divergence ranges overlap. [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. Even in larger bodies of water, river otters may take disproportional advantage of any seasonal concentrations of fish when and where only very limited areas of suitable spawning, low-flow, or over-wintering habitat may exist. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. ), and other game fish during spawning. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. Females are roughly one-third the size of males. They are the smallest otter species in the world and the most common in North America. [7] All four names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. The otters and their environment still face challenges, including climate change, urban runoff, and the continued legacy of the industrial revolution in the form of contaminated sediments in these rivers and harbors, Hartig said. 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. Did you encounter any technical issues? River otters have long, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey. The Maine Fish and Game Commissioner at the time, George J. Stoble, said that the critter, which Bolstridge trapped on the Fish River, was a world's record otter. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. Like other carnivores, their teeth are well adapted for grinding and crushing. Detroit had incredible pollution, Hartig said. Prey species found were also sedentary, generally swimming only short distances, which may aid the giant otter in predation. In a Facebook post on Friday evening, the zoo said a 13-year-old female North American river . North American river otters are likelythe most numerous of the otter species. [13] The giant otter shares the South American continent with three of the four members of the New World otter genus Lontra: the Neotropical river otter, the southern river otter, and the marine otter. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. Likewise, the potential predatory impact of otters may be considerable whenever fish are physically confined (most commonly in smaller ponds offering sparse cover or other escape options). There is evidence that river otters' play activities strengthensocial bonds, improvehunting techniquesand scent markterritories. Their playful snow and mud sliding, tail chasing, water play, and snow burrowing activities also serve other purposesthey help strengthen social bonds and let young otters practice hunting techniques. Age: Pliocene, about 3.79 million years old. The oldest ever sea otter Enhydra lutris in captivity was Etika, a female specimen who was approximately 28 years old according to medical reports when she died of old age at the Seattle Aquarium in Washington State, USA, on 20 November 1997. [25], Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. [24] [30] North American river otters generally feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch. [48], Historical records indicate North American river otters were once populous throughout most major drainages in the continental United States and Canada prior to European settlement. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). In Search Of Otters, Beavers And Birds You can follow the River Otter for 9 miles from Ottery St Mary to Budleigh Salterton. These otters are frequently observed playing and sliding together. [16], North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. [52], Studies of giant otters in captivity have given indications about the environment necessary to both maintain a physically and behaviorally healthy population and allow successful cub-rearing. [33] Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. What is clear is that there is a delayed implantation of nine to 11 months, with actual gestation taking about 60 days. [17] The ears are small and rounded. The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. River otters are adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle and can typically be seen "playing" in a stream, river, or alongside the banks of a waterway. Observe a sea otter . Sea otters weigh more around 45-90 pounds with large, furry faces. All this information combined tells scientists a lot of information about where otters live. 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