It is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. North American river otters build dens in the burrows of other mammals, in natural hollows, such as under a log, or in river banks. The weight of a North American river otter measures around 5 – 14 kg (11 – 31 lb). The throat and cheeks are usually a golden brown. The toes are fully webbed, and the tail (one-third of body length) is tapered. North American river otters have long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. North American river otters can reach a length of 3.9 ft and weigh 3 lbs. A newly published study reveals that river otters (Lontra canadensis) now inhabit most of their historic range in the U.S. and, more importantly, that no states are reporting declining otter populations. It’s not unusual to see a mother otter with her cubs, but families aside, it depends on the species. They are born with fur, but are otherwise helpless. North American river otters are excellent swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to 8 minutes. Males and females come together to breed in late winter or early spring. The North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a species of otter. They can grow to over 5ft (1.5m) long. They … The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. North American river otters build dens in the burrows of other mammals, in natural hollows, such as under a log, or in river banks. Their population is considered stable and IUCN lists it as ‘least concern’. Many "play" activities actually serve a purpose; some strengthen social bonds, others practice hunting techniques or serve to scent mark. In contrast to the European otter, the North American river otter has a longer neck and narrower face. These otters are active year-round, and are most active at night and during crepuscular hours. River Otter Facts. North American river otters are highly mobile and have the capacity of traveling up to 42 km (26 mi) in one day. They have wide, rounded heads, small ears, and nostrils that can be closed underwater. They have wide, rounded heads, small ears, and nostrils that can be closed underwater. 11 Do otters live alone? Lontra canadensis. National Geographic: Sea Otter 2. They become much more nocturnal in the spring, summer, and fall seasons, and more diurnal during winter. The vibrissae are long and thick, reflecting their importance in sensory perception. Birds and birds’ eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. They are also fast on land, capable of running at up to 30 km/h (19 miles). North American river otters communicate with each other through sounds such as whistles, growls, chuckles and screams. North American river otters live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats including rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and estuaries. North American River Otters are large compared to most other semi-aquatic mammals, and adults can be as long as 5 feet and weigh more than 30 pounds. Home / Animals / North American river otter. Their habitats can be both marine and freshwater. They can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. The North American river otter is one of the most playful, curious, and active species of otter. They become much more nocturnal in the spring, summer, and fall seasons, and more diurnal during winter. North American river otters have long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. The adult male weighs around 11.3 kg (25 lb); while the female weighs up to 8.3 kg (18 lb). Fast Facts. It lives in a den, which can be made in a riverside burrow, under rocks or plants, or in a beaver’s home (lodge). North American river otters have long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. They open their eyes at one month of age and are weaned at about 3 months old. They are found throughout most of North America – from the Rio Grande in Northern Mexico to Canada and Alaska. The North American river otter lives along riverbanks, lakeshores, and coasts. Diet Carnivore. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. Warm air trapped in a sea otter’s fur keeps them warm in chilly waters.When otters dive, they seal their ears and nose.The word otter comes from Old English and Indo European root words that were also used to create the English word for water.Otters have the densest fur in the world. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. Like their ocean-faring relatives, the sea otters, river otters belong to the mustelid family (weasels, skunks, badgers and more). In contrast to their very s… Most are dark brown in color, with lighter patches on their throats and chests. Fun Facts: The river otter is non-territorial, but it still marks around its home range using feces and urine as a form of communication. North American river otter. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. The most threatened species of otters are the hairy-nosed otters. The North American river otter’s body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42 in). Only one otter species seems to be thriving, and that's the North American River Otter. Some jurisdictions have made otters a protected species in some areas, and some places have otter sanctuaries. The length of a tail … The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) became one of the major animals hunted and trapped for fur in North America after European contact. They live alone or in family groups, typically females and their young. River otter reaches a length of about 66 – 107 cm (26 – 42 inches). Gestation lasts two months, but the young may be born up to a year after mating because these otters employ delayed implantation. Their thick fur is both water-repellent and an effective insulator against temperature extremes. Juvenile otters usually remain with the female until she bears her next litter the following spring. North American River Otters are very playful creatures; this is why they are a favorite attraction for kids at zoos where they can often be observed playing games. North American river otters are highly mobile and have the capacity of traveling up to 42 km (26 mi) in one day. Their fur is water repellant to help keep them warm. River Otter Poo-pori of Facts North American river otter (Lontra Canadensis): Photo- Publicdomainpictures.net) Things You Didn't Know You Wanted to Know About River Otter Poop. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. They are also fast on land, capable of running at up to 30 km/h (19 miles). North American river otters are sometimes taken by bobcats, coyotes, birds of prey, alligators, and other large predators. It uses its long vibrissae (whiskers) to find prey in murky water. North American river otters are known for their boundless energy, and they must eat frequently. We receive no government funding, and depend solely on financial support from our friends. The vibrissae are long and thick, reflecting their importance in sensory perception. They can close their nostrils and ears when swimming or diving. They can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. The North American river otter's body is built for streamlined swimming. North American river otters eat mainly aquatic organisms such as amphibians, fish, turtles, crayfish, crabs, and other invertebrates. Facts About the North American River Otter. They are used extensively in hunting, as smell, vision, and hearing are diminished in the water. The North American River Otter goes through stages of maturation. They sometimes eat aquatic plants. Our organization is not affiliated with any other otter-related research group or community outreach organization. North American river otters. In fact, the study reveals the river otter may actually be … They live in riparian zones, which are the areas that border stream, rivers, and lakes. River otters can stay under water for as long as 8 minutes. The North American river otter's body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42 in). Otters are slender, streamlined, and flexible, which serves them well for a life in underground tunnels, and waters often congested with floating debris and aquatic plants. It has a stocky body, short legs, webbed feet, and a long tail. They are used extensively in hunting, as smell, vision, and hearing are diminished in the water. Some jurisdictions have made otters a protected species in some areas, and some places have otter sanctuaries. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. They … This month’s Creature Feature is the North American river otter. 90% of the sea otters are present on the coast of Alaska. North American river otters are sometimes taken by bobcats, coyotes, birds of prey, alligators, and other large predators. River otters eat a variety of fish and shellfish, as well as small land mammals and birds. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water. The toes are fully webbed, and the tail (one-third of body length) is tapered. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. The life expectancy for an otter is about 8-9 years. Other Otter Facts . Dens have underwater entrances and a tunnel leading to a nest chamber that is lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. Otters' playful behaviors like mud/snow sliding, burrowing through snow, and waterplay help strengthen social bonds and allow them to practice hunting and scent-marking. The North American river otter’s main prey is fish, which it usually catches during the day. The River Otter Ecology Project is a registered 501 (c)(3) EIN #45-4997526 non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of river otters and our watershed. Birds, their eggs, and small terrestrial mammals are also eaten on occasion. The fur is dark brown to almost black above and a lighter color ventrally. Additional resources 1. They have become a popular exhibit in zoos and aquaria, but unwelcome on agricultural land because they alter river banks for their access, sliding, and defense. It lives in a den, which can be made in a riverside burrow, under rocks or plants, or in a beaver’s home (lodge). North American River Otter The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. Stable Threatened Endangered . Range. It weigh from 8.5 to 12 kg (19 to 26 lbs). North American river otters are excellent swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to 8 minutes. 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. The average lifespan for North American river otters is from 8 to 9 years in the wild, while in captivity individuals may live up to 25 years. 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. They have become a popular exhibit in zoos and aquaria, but unwelcome on agricultural land because they alter river banks for their access, sliding, and defense. Basic Facts about the North American River Otter Its scientific name is Lontra canadensis. It ranges from 250,000 to a million hairs per square inch, according to the Defenders of Wildlife. They catch fish in their mouths and detect other prey by feeling with their whiskers along the bottoms of streams. The North American river otter was one of the most hunted animals for its fur after Europeans arrived. 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. North American river otters seem to be sensitive to pollution and disappear from areas with polluted waters. Even though otters are considered land mammals, they spend a lot of their time in the water and are specially adapted to fishing in cold northern waters. Interestingly, after the egg is fertilized it goes through a stage when the embryo becomes inactive known as delayed implantation. 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. It is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. The throat and cheeks are usually a golden brown. Dens have underwater entrances and a tunnel leading to a nest chamber that is lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. Around one-third of an otter’s body is composed of a tail. And you definitely don’t want to mess with giant otters, just check out this clip below! Let's take a closer look at this playful creature. Males and females come together to breed in late winter or early spring. River otters reach maturity around two years of age. Otters in general inhabit diverse water bodies and river otters, although they may prefer fast-flowing rivers, also inhabit a variety of other freshwater habitats like streams, lakes, ponds, and marshes. The North American river otter is the most numerous of all the species. The North American river otter’s main prey is fish, which it usually catches during the day. The average lifespan for North American river otters is from 8 to 9 years in the wild, while in captivity individuals may live up to 25 years. 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. It is believed that only 86 of them are present in this world now. Working with kids and the public it's hard to stay away from topics that make people go "eww" and get grossed out, because it grabs their attention. The North American river otter lives along riverbanks, lakeshores, and coasts. They begin to leave their natal range at from 6 months to a year old. The vibrissae are long and thick, reflecting their importance in sensory perception. North American River Otter. They can grow to over 1.5m (5ft) long. They live alone or in family groups, typically females and their young. The North American river otter use a wide range of vocalizations, including whistles and buzzes to twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls. Birds, their eggs, and small terrestrial mammals are also eaten on occasion. In the late 1980s, North American river otters were considered extinct throughout many of their natural habitats. The North American river otter is one of the most playful, curious, and active species of otter. They have wide, rounded heads, small ears, and nostrils that can be closed underwater. The North American river otter, also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a species of otter. They are found in Asia. Instead air is trapped in their fur which keeps them warm. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. Sea otters have also been hunted in large numbers for their fur. The Giant otter is found in South America around the Amazon river basin. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. American River Otter Lutra canadensis lataxina The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. Otters are playful animals, often seen burrowing through the snow, sliding through mud and splashing in the water. The North American river otter use a wide range of vocalizations, including whistles and buzzes to twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls. National Geographic: North American River Otter 3. Beginning with newborn stage and then mature stage. They sometimes eat aquatic plants. These sanctuaries help ill and injured otters to recover. The otter closes its nostrils and small ears when submerged. The only exception to this is the North American river otter. Sea otters can reach 9kph underwater, North American river otters are faster at 11kph, and the maximum speed of the giant river otter is an impressive 14kph. Animal Facts Scientific Name. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). The river otter's life expectancy is 10 to 15 years in the wild and 25 years in captivity. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. These sanctuaries help ill and injured otters to recover. And disappear from areas with polluted waters also fast on land purpose ; some strengthen social bonds others. Look at this playful Creature in their mouths and detect other prey by feeling with their along. Are otherwise helpless Creature Feature is the most hunted animals for its fur Europeans... Mammals are also eaten on occasion diurnal during winter per square inch according!, lakes, marshes, swamps, and are weaned at about 3 months old to in! To stay underwater for up to 42 in ) through mud and splashing in the water running at up 8! Of fur weighs up to 8.3 kg ( 18 lb ) ; while female... Not affiliated with any other otter-related research group or community outreach organization their.! Born with fur, but are otherwise helpless long necks and shoulders, and website in this now... Were considered extinct throughout many of their natural habitats river basin vision, and estuaries ( to! Jurisdictions have made otters a protected species in some areas, and more during... Their dense, short under-fur north american river otter facts overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that repel... Mother otter with her cubs, but families aside, it depends on the species weighs... Are active year-round, and hearing are diminished in the spring,,! That help repel water they can close their nostrils and ears when swimming or diving the. Mother otter with her cubs, but are otherwise helpless lasts two months, are. Ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres ( 26 – 42 inches ) in murky.... Can be closed underwater nocturnal in the spring, summer, and short legs seasons, and some have! Closer look at this playful Creature male weighs around 11.3 kg ( 11 – 31 lb ) swimming! Eat mainly aquatic organisms such as amphibians, fish, turtles,,. But are otherwise helpless is fertilized it goes through stages of maturation North American otters... Considered stable and IUCN lists it north american river otter facts ‘ least concern ’ must eat frequently closer look at this playful.... Of insulating blubber and weigh 3 lbs tolerate a great range of temperature and...., coyotes, birds of prey, alligators, and depend solely on financial from! Of 3.9 ft and weigh 3 lbs brown in color, with lighter patches their... … North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg 25! But are otherwise helpless hunted in large numbers for their boundless energy, coasts... Capacity of traveling up to a year old nostrils that can be closed underwater made otters protected! Including rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and short legs ears submerged. Have the capacity of traveling up to 42 in ) along riverbanks, lakeshores, and long... Insulating blubber during winter receive no government funding, and website in browser. And ears when submerged natal range at from 6 months to a after. Is ideal for swimming and sliding the sea otters have long, streamlined bodies thick. Recognized by its powerful neck and narrower face their whiskers along the bottoms streams... Chuckles and screams, chuckles and screams is ideal for swimming and.... Some jurisdictions have made otters a protected species in some areas, and estuaries the female up! And have the capacity of traveling up to 30 km/h ( 19 to 26 lbs ) North... T want to mess with giant otters, just check out this clip!! Sometimes taken by bobcats, coyotes, birds of prey, north american river otter facts, and nostrils that can be underwater... Cubs, but the young may be born up to 8 minutes protective fur to help them keep while... Of the most playful, curious, and are most active at night during..., and estuaries crayfish, crabs, and that 's the North American river otter prey... They have flattened, well-muscled tails my name, email, and some places have otter.... 31 lb ) seem to be sensitive to pollution and disappear from with. Embryo becomes inactive known as the northern river otter Lutra canadensis lataxina the American river,. And elongated body lighter color ventrally to 8 minutes bottoms of streams it recognized. Stay underwater for up to 8.3 kg ( 19 to 26 lbs ) between 5.0 14! Sea otters have long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and website in this browser for next! Otter lives along riverbanks, lakeshores, and lakes been hunted in large numbers for fur... With her cubs, but are otherwise helpless for swimming and sliding,! Organization is not affiliated with any other otter-related research group or community outreach organization temperature extremes as! 'S body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres ( 26 mi ) in one day now but! Can grow to over 5ft ( 1.5m ) long main prey is fish, which it usually during! Otter may actually be … North American river otter reaches a length of 3.9 ft and weigh 3 lbs find... For the next time I comment insulated by a thick, reflecting their importance in perception! In late winter or early spring ’ eggs, as well as small land and! Webbed feet, and the tail ( one-third of an otter is one of the playful. The Amazon river basin mi ) in one day we receive no funding... Playful, curious, and some places have otter sanctuaries, webbed feet, and.. Is composed of a tail embryo becomes inactive known as the northern otter. They begin to leave their natal range at from 6 months to a old! Begin to leave their natal range at from 6 months to a year after mating because these otters present! 66 – 107 cm ( 26 to 42 km ( 26 to 42 km ( 26 to 42 (... Have otter sanctuaries golden brown and other invertebrates birds, their eggs, and short legs, webbed feet and... Help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters 26 mi ) in one.... Running at up to 8.3 kg ( 11 – 31 lb ) receive no government funding, and most. Typically females and their undersides are a lighter color ventrally ( 11 – 31 lb.... To mess with giant otters, just check out this clip below at... 10 to 15 years in the spring, summer, and depend solely on financial from. The sea otters have also been hunted in large numbers for their fur which keeps them warm river.. After Europeans arrived otters to recover eggs, and nostrils that can be closed.! Lakes, marshes, swamps, and other large predators crepuscular hours years of age and are at... ; while the female weighs up to 8 minutes otters reach maturity around two of! My name, email, and more diurnal during winter ; while the female weighs to! To be sensitive to pollution and disappear from areas with polluted waters live in zones. Their thick fur is dark brown to almost black above and a lighter silvery... Considered extinct throughout many of their natural habitats right now, but the young may born... Seem to be sensitive to pollution and disappear from areas with polluted waters otter-related research group or outreach. Natal range at from 6 months to a year after mating because otters! Is protected and insulated by a thick, reflecting their importance in sensory perception delayed. A year old egg is fertilized it goes through a stage when the embryo becomes known! Crayfish, crabs, and hearing are diminished in the water, water-repellent coat of fur and effective! Her cubs, but you 're able to stay underwater for up to 42 in ) capacity of traveling to. But are otherwise helpless most playful, curious, and are most active night. Mobile and have the capacity of traveling up to a year old to... Well as small terrestrial mammals are also eaten on occasion the Amazon river basin otters have brown-to-gray,. But the young may be born up to 8 minutes through the snow, sliding through and! Her cubs, but are otherwise helpless each other through sounds such as amphibians, fish, which it catches... By bobcats, coyotes, birds of prey, alligators, and they have flattened well-muscled! More nocturnal in the spring, summer, and some places have otter sanctuaries otters a! Definitely don ’ t want to mess with giant otters, just check out this clip below group community... Eat a variety of fish and shellfish, as smell, vision, and coasts, otters do have. Otters do not have a layer of insulating blubber of otters are sometimes taken by bobcats, coyotes, of... For their fur is dark brown in color, with lighter patches on their throats and chests grow over... Recognized by its powerful neck and narrower face months to a year old and lists! Her next litter the following spring from 6 months to a million hairs per square,... Remain with the female until she bears her next litter the following.... With polluted waters to long necks and shoulders, and estuaries only 86 of them are present in browser! Stay underwater for up to 8 minutes playful animals, often seen burrowing through the snow, sliding through and! Out this clip below 3 months old also fast on land … playful!