[1], During the 1970s, improvements in natural resource management techniques emerged, along with increased concerns about North American river otter population declines in North America. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. There was so much oil in the river that not only river otters but beavers could not live there. It is an amphibious member of this family as are the mink and sea otter. [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. The North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis), also called the Canadian otter, is the most abundant species of otter. River otters will eat just about any living creature they can catch. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. The otter can attack from both above and below, swiveling at the last instant to clamp the prey in its jaws. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. Jan. 20, 2022 5:24 PM PT. [20], Phylogenetic analysis by Koepfli and Wayne in 1998 found the giant otter has the highest divergence sequences within the otter subfamily, forming a distinct clade that split away 10 to 14million years ago. There are 13 species of otters around the world, according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. I spotted something brown and furry in the water, he said. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. The North American River Otter, for instance, is nocturnal three seasons and more diurnal only in the winter. 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. [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. [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. [62], Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. [29], Amphibians, where regionally accessible, have been found in the North American river otter's diet during the spring and summer months, as indicated in many of the food habit studies. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. It is encouraging to note that with these conservation programs, regulations on trappingand the improvement of water quality, the river otters are finally making a comeback in certain wetland areas. The European River Otter shares similar sleeping habits, spending most of the day sleeping in undergrowth or the holes which are their dens. ), and other game fish during spawning. Unlike most otter habitats around the world, it is thought that the Pacific north coast still supports a thriving otter population. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. An extremely adaptable animal, otters tolerate hot and cold climates, as well as high elevations and lowland coastal waters. In the winter, otters have found the easiest and perhaps most fun way to get around is by sliding. If theyre there, its a good sign.. These huge. As human activity expands, giant otter home ranges become increasingly isolated. [50] The few occurrences of mammals found in the North American river otter's diet include remains of the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus); meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus); eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus); and snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus). Researchers emphasize that even between groups, conflict avoidance is generally adopted. ), and the maximum movement recorded was 7.3 km (4.5 mi.). [75][82], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. [30], At the time of Carter and Rosas' writing, vision had not been directly studied, but field observations show the animal primarily hunts by sight; above water, it is able to recognize observers at great distances. SmithsoniansNationalZoo& ConservationBiologyInstitute On average, male otters weigh 25lbs and are about 48in in length . For years, river otters have been hunted for their fur, and theirpelts are still an important source of income for many people in Canada. Oil would coat their fur and they couldnt thermoregulate and keep warm, so they died.. [13], The otters form the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelids and the giant otter is the only member of the genus Pteronura. Sliding is a thing. Discovery Company. 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. The giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America, despite the overlap. brasiliensis. Defence against intruding animals appears to be cooperative: while adult males typically lead in aggressive encounters, cases of alpha females guarding groups have been reported. They are the smallest otter species in the world and the most common in North America. About the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Your Go-to Guide for a Winter Day at the Zoo, What's New at the Smithsonians National Zoo This Summer. Let's meet the 440-pound otter, the largest otter that ever lived. 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. River otters have long, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey. [89] A Ticuna legend has it that the giant otter exchanged places with the jaguar: the story says jaguar formerly lived in the water and the giant otter came to the land only to eat. On its face, the upper lip, mandible, and tip of the muzzle are silvery white to yellowish. This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. The U.S. is home to two species: the sea otter and the North American river otter. The giant river otter can weigh up to 99 pounds. A restoration program in western New York has in. [28] Unique markings of white or cream fur color the throat and under the chin, allow individuals to be identified from birth. About this Specimen The specimen was scanned by Matthew Colbert on 5 January 2006 along the coronal axis for a total of 705 slices. In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. [91] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past.[92]. [83] Duplaix returned to the country in 2000 and found the giant otter still present on the Kaburi Creek, a "jewel" of biodiversity, although increased human presence and land use suggests, sooner or later, the species may not be able to find suitable habitat for campsites. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. I realized it was too big to be either of those. We are thrilled that they are back, he told CNN. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. They will feed on fish, invertebrates, frogs, clams, crayfish, and small mammals or birds. They spend a significant portion of the day scent marking territory by urinating, defecating, scratching and rubbing their scent glands on rocks and trees. [48] Study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). Weight: 11 to 30 pounds. [16], North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. River otters keep their young safe by their side and in dens that . [66] Giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. . 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. Schoolchildren, however, had a more positive impression of the animal. [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. Their fur is brown, slick, and acts as a. The river otter's eyes and ears are located high on its head for surface swimming. [33] Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. [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. Schenck et al., who undertook extensive fieldwork in Peru in the 1990s, suggest specific "no-go" zones where the species is most frequently observed, offset by observation towers and platforms to allow viewing. 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. Free or royalty-free photos and images. The North American River Otter, Lontra canadensis, is a semi-aquatic mammal found only in North America. North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting. [23], Like other otters, the North American river otter lives in a holt, or den, constructed in the burrows of other animals, or in natural hollows, such as under a log or in river banks. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. Otters are most often confused with mink that live on land and muskrats that live in water. This means they likely arrived in the Americas at a similar time as humans,[17] meaning humans were an important part of their natural ecosystem from the moment otters arrived. [28] This availability is influenced by the following factors: detectability and mobility of the prey, habitat availability for the various prey species, environmental factors, such as water depth and temperature, and seasonal changes in prey supply and distribution in correspondence with otter foraging habitat. Typically, otters in northern regions are larger than otters in southern regions, and males are usually larger than females. The giant otter has the shortest fur of all otter species; it is typically chocolate brown, but may be reddish or fawn, and appears nearly black when wet. In the United States, there are sea otters and the North American river otter, or . Life has been unfair to the giant river otter. 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). ). [15][16] The New World river otters originated from the Old World river otters following a migration across the Bering Land Bridge, which existed off and on between 1.8million and 10,000 years ago. River otters leave scent marks on vegetation within their home range. River otters, semiaquatic mammals that can grow up to 30 lbs. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). Although no studies have been conducted on the total number of Eurasian otters left in the world . They are found throughout most of North America - from the Rio Grande in Northern Mexico to Canada and Alaska. [28] [15] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. [30][38] North American river otters do not generally handle prey of a large size relative to themselves but there are occasions where they have been observed ambushing and killing adult common snapping turtles while the large turtles (which are roughly equal in average body weight to a North American river otter) are hibernating. 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. [79][80], Other threats to the giant otter include conflict with fishermen, who often view the species as a nuisance (see below). My venture into the world of American River Otter proved that the conservation & educational projects have resulted in a stable and growing population. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. It tapers to a point. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. [2] In the former, investigation has shown thinly distributed population remnants. [78] A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations. 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. The North American river otter is one of several carnivorans included in ongoing research of respiratory turbinates by Dr. Van Valkenburgh. [34] Other species of birds found within their diets include: northern pintail (Anas acuta); mallard (Anas platyrhynchos); canvasback (Aythya valisineria); ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis); and the American coot (Fulica americana). A river otter is a small, aquatic mammal that can be found in rivers and lakes in North America. [7] All four names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. [42], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. Otter births occur most frequently in March or April. jookco Cartoon great AL Jaffee has passed away at age 102. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, they eat a prepared meat diet and several types of fish. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. 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