[53], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. [2] Given local extinctions, the species' range has become discontinuous. The female otters do not dig their own dens; instead, they rely on other animals, such as beavers, to provide suitable environments to raise their offspring. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. Sliding is a thing. John Hartig, a visiting scholar at the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research who focuses on pollution cleanup in the Great Lakes, confirmed the rarity of Ste Maries sighting. [81], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. The species prefers freshwater rivers and streams, which are usually seasonally flooded, and may also take to freshwater lakes and springs. [88], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. The otter is a swift and agile swimmer, using its muscular tail to make sharp turns and steering with its neck and webbed feet. My venture into the world of American River Otter proved that the conservation & educational projects have resulted in a stable and growing population. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. The fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. Statistics show between 1959 and 1969 Amazonian Brazil alone accounted for 1,000 to 3,000 pelts annually. [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. "River otters are one of the greatest predator reintroduction stories in the U.S. They're a great underdog story," said Zach Hahn. [22][23] Early reports of skins and living animals suggested exceptionally large males of up to 2.4m (7ft 10+12in); intensive hunting likely reduced the occurrence of such massive specimens. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. Death / Obituaries. They weigh about 4to 6ounces (113 to 170 grams) at birth and measure 8 to 11 inches (20 to 28 centimeters). Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much [47], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. A restoration program in western New York has in. However, sea otters are acclimated to salt water, and come to shore only for occasional rest periods and to give birth. Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. Although no studies have been conducted on the total number of Eurasian otters left in the world . The first beavers to live wild in England for centuries are to be allowed to remain in their new home on the River Otter in east Devon after a five-year reintroduction trial. [9] The mammal was identified as a species of otter and has a variety of common names, including North American river otter, northern river otter, common otter and, simply, river otter. Tracks: 3' wide and round in shape. [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. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population. The giant otter or giant river otter[4] (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. River otters leave scent marks on vegetation within their home range. A river otter is a member of the weasel family that enjoys water. [2], North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. [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. [26][33], Amphibians and reptiles are more obtainable by the North American river otter during the spring and summer as a result of breeding activity, appropriate temperatures, and water supply for the prey. jookco Cartoon great AL Jaffee has passed away at age 102. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. Members are our strongest champions of animal conservation and wildlife research. That home range shrinks drastically during breeding and rearing season. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. SANDWICH, ENGLAND - JULY 20: An aerial view of the par 4, eighth hole looking back to the tee from the green as the sun rises at the host venue for the 2021 Open Championship at The Royal St. George's Golf Club on July 20, 2020 in Sandwich, England. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. [60] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. 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. Different studies have placed the breeding season in winter, late springand summer. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting. Unlike most otter habitats around the world, it is thought that the Pacific north coast still supports a thriving otter population. 2. [67], Research generally takes place in the dry season and an understanding of the species' overall habitat use remains partial. Other research maintains that river otters mate for life. A river otter has been spotted in the Detroit River for the first time in a century. ), with a maximum recorded length of 240 cm (94 in. [87], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. In 2004, Peru created one of the largest conservation areas in the world, Alto Purs National Park, with an area similar in size to Belgium. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tup word ari'raa, meaning water jaguar (Portuguese: ona-d'gua). They are found at the top of the food chain, and there is some evidence that their birth rates are reduced when pollution levelsincluding toxic chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides and agricultural wastesbuild up. [48][49] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. 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. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). [5] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. When you become a member, you also receive exclusive benefits, like special opportunities to meet animals, discounts at Zoo stores and more. Detroit had incredible pollution, Hartig said. [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. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. Otters did not show strong preference for individual habitat components within their home range. 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. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. . Life has been unfair to the giant river otter. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. [39] Massachusetts' largest member of the weasel family, otters weigh 11-30 pounds and are 35-50 inches long. Otter pups aren't born with swimming skills, they learn from their mothers. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. 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. The river otter's eyes and ears are located high on its head for surface swimming. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. Their fur is brown, slick, and acts as a. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. The smallest river otter is the marine otter, averaging 87 to 115 cm (34-45 in.). [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. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. [48] The animal reaches sexual maturity at about two years of age and both male and female pups leave the group permanently after two to three years. The giant otter averages 145 to 180 cm (57-71 in. 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. Males are between 1.5 and 1.7m (4ft 11in and 5ft 7in)in length from head to tail and females between .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}1 and 1.5m (3ft 3+12in and 4ft 11in). [34][50] Invertebrates discovered within scats or digestive tracts could most likely be a secondary food item, first being consumed by the fish that are subsequently preyed upon by the North American river otters. A river otter was spotted in the Detroit River for the first time in a century. The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. [45] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. [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. [74], The animal faces a variety of critical threats. In a Facebook post on Friday evening, the zoo said a 13-year-old female North American river . [55] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. [52] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. It is at home in streams, rivers, ponds and lakes and is well-adapted for its aquatic lifestyle. However, improvements in water quality (through enactment of clean water regulations) and furbearer management techniques have permitted river otters to regain portions of their range in many areas. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. River otters, semiaquatic mammals that can grow up to 30 lbs. 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. The river otter is a remarkable animal to watch on the move, either in the water or on the shore. [70], Even if without direct predation, the giant otter must still compete with other predators for food resources. It is regulated internationally under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) meaning commercial trade in specimens (including parts and derivatives) is prohibited. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. [34] A 1994 river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. [46] In late 2012, a river otter nicknamed Sutro Sam took up residence around the former site of the Sutro Baths in San Francisco, the first river otter sighting in that city in more than half a century. Fossil Facts. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. After a few bumps, they can slide up to 22 feet on the ice. Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. Although it holds the title of being the world's longest weasel, it's classified as endangered. [75] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. Organize or attend a stream, river, lake or other waterway cleanup in your area to preserve aquatic habitats for local species. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. A study of five indigenous communities in Colombia suggests native attitudes toward the animal are a threat: the otters are often viewed as a nuisance that interferes with fishing, and are sometimes killed. [28] Unique markings of white or cream fur color the throat and under the chin, allow individuals to be identified from birth. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. [49] Females have a gestation period of 65 to 70 days, giving birth to one to five pups, with an average of two. The giant otter seems to choose clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and white waters. [63] Otters do not visit or mark every site daily, but usually patrol all of them, often by a pair of otters in the morning. Free or royalty-free photos and images. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. [34][36][54], Records of North American otters preying upon North American beavers (Castor canadensis) vary; it has been reported in the southern boreal forest of Manitoba. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. [35] An analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates. Weight: 11 to 30 pounds. SmithsoniansNationalZoo& ConservationBiologyInstitute The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. Giant Otter This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). The average 24-hour movement was only 3.5 km (2 mi. [24] Water pollution and other diminution of aquatic and wetland habitats may limit distribution and pose long-term threats if the enforcement of water quality standards is not upheld. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. (Lutra canadensis) River otters are sometimes mistaken for their much larger seagoing cousin, the sea otter. They appear in a fish poisoning legend where they assist a man who has wasted his sexual energy, creating the anacondas of the world from his distressed and extended genitals. 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW When in the water, the giant otter faces danger from animals not strictly preying upon it: the electric eel and stingray are potentially deadly if stumbled upon, and piranha may be capable of at least taking bites out of a giant otter, as evidenced by scarring on individuals. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. [23][16], North American river otters characteristically approach within a few feet of a boat or a person on shore because they're near-sighted, a consequence of vision adapted for underwater sight. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. In the winter, otters have found the easiest and perhaps most fun way to get around is by sliding. Did you encounter any technical issues? [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. The North American river otter used to be abundant throughout New York State, but its numbers have declined. Online courses. But cleanup efforts in the past few decades have paved the way for the otters return to the river. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. River otters are an indicator species, according to Hartig, acting as a measure of cleanliness in the water. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. They give birth within these dens during the dry season. [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. [63], Local people sometimes take pups for the exotic pet trade or as pets for themselves, but the animal rapidly grows to become unmanageable. brasiliensis. [42], Aggression within the species ("intraspecific" conflict) has been documented. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. There are 13 species of otters around the world, according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. [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. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. April . The river otter (Lutra canadensis) is a member of the Mustelidae or weasel family. River otters are North America's only otter species. In Canto State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. 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. 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: Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. [5] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. 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. [52][53][54], In the wild, it has been suggested, although not systematically confirmed, that tourists cause similar stresses: disrupted lactation and denning, reduced hunting, and habitat abandonment are all risks. [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. The animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm (28in) to the total body length. As it dove, it didnt have the flattened tail like a beaver, which leaves otter as the only possibility, he explained. River otters eat mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. River otters stay in family groups during the summer and early fall. They prefer unpolluted water with a minimal human disturbance. Giant otters adopt communal latrines beside campsites, and dig dens with a handful of entrances, typically under root systems or fallen trees. Solon doesn't even seem to mind that in the 2019-2020 season, 256 otters were harvested in 38 counties of Ohio, the highest modern-day harvest on record. ). [85][86] Bolivia designated wetlands larger than the size of Switzerland as a freshwater protected area in 2001; these are also home to the giant otter. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. Ste Marie lives on the Canadian side of the Detroit River, which divides Detroit, Michigan, from Windsor, Ontario. [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. [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. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. Pups grow rapidly and emerge from the den at about 2 months of age. [1], CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (, different non-sexual physical characteristics, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T12302A164577078.en, "Expert says otter attacks are rare after St. Pete dog killed", "Dog attacked by otters in Lakewood, homeowners say", "7 Surprising Facts About the Giant River Otter", "Multigene phylogeny of the Mustelidae: Resolving relationships, tempo and biogeographic history of a mammalian adaptive radiation", 10.1644/1545-1410(2002)712<0001:LM>2.0.CO;2, "Parasites as probes for prehistoric human migrations? [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. Ecotourism also presents challenges: while it raises money and awareness for the animals, by its nature it also increases human effect on the species, both through associated development and direct disturbances in the field. [62] Furthermore, Defler observed associations between giant otters and the Amazon river dolphins, and suggested that dolphins may benefit by fish fleeing from the otters. bobcats, alligators, coyotes, and raptors are among the large predators that prey on river otters. [1], Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). [30] North American river otters generally feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch. Otters are most often confused with mink that live on land and muskrats that live in water. Poaching has long been a problem. In the United States, there are sea otters and the North American river otter, or . In fact, baby river otters, or pups, can't swim at all. [13], The otters form the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelids and the giant otter is the only member of the genus Pteronura. These huge. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. [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. For individual habitat components within their home range shrinks drastically during breeding and rearing season from their mothers although studies! And distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression within the species prefers freshwater and! About 2 months of age of age are natural swimmers and, a! And 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers been conducted on the ice United States, are... Upon the most endangered mammal species in the wild they learn from their mothers alarm. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive Facebook! 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