The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), or the common otter, is an aquatic mammal native to only North America in the countries Canada, and the United States.River otters are a distant relative of the weasel family. North American, spot-necked, smooth, and marine otters in North American zoological facilities mate during winter and spring. Most are dark brown in color, with lighter patches on their throats and chests. Although North American River Otters are very adapted to life in water, they actually spend two … Both boys were born at the Little Rock Zoo in 2003 and 2005. Otters are playful, often wrestling or spending hours sliding down muddy or snow-packed stream banks. River Otter (Lutra canadensis) What they look like: The River Otter is built for swimming - they have a streamlined body, short legs with webbed feet, dense fur that keeps them warm, a tapered tail, small ears, and nostrils that can close underwater. 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. The North American otter inhabits much of the United States and Canada, from the Pacific to the Atlantic Coast, from the Gulf of Mexico to northern Alaska. Some lives in the forested areas of Pacific coast of North America. The river otter's life expectancy is 10 to 15 years in the wild and 25 years in captivity. They were once considered endangered in Illinois, but due to cleanups of our rivers and streams they have made a come back, and no longer are threatened. Fun Facts about River Otters. The North American river otter also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. Otters are very playful: Don’t be surprised when you see otters happily sliding. It grows from 4.9 to 5.9 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) long. They can grow to be more than a meter long, from head to tail, and weight up to 14 kg. The North American river otter lives along riverbanks, lakeshores, and coasts. Sea otters breed throughout the year. Get other interesting facts about River otters below: Facts about River Otters 1: the coat. Newborn otters weigh a tiny four to six … The aquatic mammals have several biological adaptations that have enabled them to inhabit several environments successfully. That's more than twice as long as a North American river otter—arguably with double the coolness. Males weigh up to 90 lbs. Otters have the thickest fur of any mammal, having as many as 850,000 hairs per square inch. Sea otters are the only fully aquatic form of otters, but they share features with … River otters can hold their breath underwater for up to 5 minutes. River otters also consume crustaceans such as crayfish since crayfish is relatively abundant species and is available all year round. Some common river … JOLLY the river otter from TORC the … 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. Mating Behavior. Fun Facts Worldwide, there are 13 species of otters that can be found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. The largest of all the river otter species is the North American river otter, whereas the marine river otter is the smallest of all. Fun Facts River otters are very sensitive to environmental pollution. This distinction goes to the sea otter. They can grow to over 5ft (1.5m) long. As they glide through the water, they hold their forelegs back against their cylindrical bodies and use their tail as a rudder. Their thick fur is both water-repellent and an effective insulator against temperature extremes. Otters are champion swimmers. They can also be seen at zoos, including the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, above. It is water repellant and thick which keeps the body of river otters insulated and protected. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). It lives in a den, which can be made in a riverside burrow, under rocks or plants, or in a beaver’s home (lodge). 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 are considered as a versatile animal because they can live on land and water. They have streamlined bodies, fully webbed feet, and long, tapered tails that are thick at the base and flat on the bottom. North American river otters can reach a length of 3.9 ft and weigh 3 lbs. They come in many sizes. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. Some otter species spend all their time in the water while others are land and water based animals. River otters have a special coat fur. Not all otters use tools, but sea otters use them all the time. 97% of our funds go towards program and support services, with only 3% going towards fundraising. There are 13 species of otters, in seven genera, according to Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). Males may breed with more than one female during the year. Description: River otters are well suited to life in the water. More Mammals. Fun facts. Lontra canadensis. The female, Carly, … River otters are highly frolicsome, spirited and lively creatures. The largest otter is the giant otter. While they tend to socialize in groups, they frequently like to live alone or in pairs. They typically use … The two males are named Rich and Ray. Family: Mustelidae (weasels) in the order Carnivora. 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. They're even able to close off their ears and nostrils while diving, making them watertight. Thick coats and a layer of fat waterproof and insulate the otter from cold water and temperatures. After a new litter is born, an otter family will remain together for six to seven months. Let’s take a closer look. North American river otters are playful furballs that live near ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. However, the otter is being restored to places where it is regionally threatened, resulting in an otter come back in many places. River otters are very social and known for their playfulness. They also play by nudging sticks across the water, and by dropping pebbles to the bottom and retrieving them. It’s one of the things … Sea otters are carnivores in the family Mustelidae —a group of animals that also includes terrestrial and semi-aquatic forms such as weasels, badgers, skunks, fishers, minks, and river otters. North American River Otter. (41 kilograms).The smallest otter is the Asian small-clawed otter, which grows up to 2.9 fee… North American River Otter. In 2001, a female otter at the Monterey Bay … Playful Animals. The newest addition is female Kalee, who found sanctuary at the Detroit Zoo after being rescued in June 2018 by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. River otters are underwater acrobats that are known for their social and playful behavior and have been observed sliding down slippery slopes for fun. Here are seven facts you otter know about this South American member of … Baby otters are called cubs, pups or kits. The North American river otter’s main prey is fish, which it usually catches during the day. Sliding and wrestling, belly flopping, and somersaulting, river otters really know how to play! Facts about River Otters 2: a versatile animal. Can otters use tools? Diet often varies seasonally or locally, depending on which prey is available. However, the name “river otter” is misleading. North American River Otters are very playful creatures; this is why they are a favorite attraction for … At the Detroit Zoo The Edward Mardigian Sr. River Otter Habitat is home to three North American river otters. … OTTER MOMS ARE TOTALLY GAME FOR ADOPTION. Find out more about this beautiful mammal. They eat fish, amphibians, turtles and crayfish. North American river otters have been trapped for their highly-prized furs, resulting in a steep decrease in population since the 1800s. Polluted waters, man-made developments, soil erosion and hunting them for pelts by humans, have led to the decline of river otters over the years. The 11 species often referred to as river otters are found throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia in freshwater ecosystems that sustain an abundance of prey such as fish, crayfish, crabs, mussels, and frogs.Most river otters are opportunistic, feeding on whatever is most easily obtained. At the Little Rock Zoo; Fun Facts; Conservation; There are three river otters at Little Rock Zoo, two males and one female. 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. river-otter22.jpg. Jim Rathert. Likely, all of this "play" helps the otter to hone its skills as a skilled predator. In contrast to their very s… Though it is the largest, it isn’t the heaviest. 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