However, there is a type of wild animal that fits this description extremely well: the otter. The North American River Otter has a long, slender body, which is streamlined for swimming. They are very playful in behavior, both on land and in the water. North American river otters are playful semi-aquatic mammals endemic to the U.S. and Canada. - Anatomy, Family & Diet, Baikal Seal: Habitat, Adaptations, Predators & Facts, Ringed Seal: Habitat, Population & Adaptations, Signs, Symptoms & Causes of Bloat in Dogs, Biological and Biomedical Create your account, Already registered? River otters are highly active predators. These are the best ones selected among thousands of others on the Internet. Select a subject to preview related courses: The North American River Otter is an animal with a very high metabolism, so it must eat quite often. North American river otters have long whiskers, which they use to detect prey in dark or cloudy water, and clawed feet for grasping onto slippery prey. and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you. North American River otters may be commonly found throughout much of sub-Arctic Canada, Alaska, and, within the contiguous United States, in the Pacific Northwest and along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico. Its fur is short, thick and water-repellent. North American River Otters. North American river otters will eat frogs, turtles, snakes, insects, small mammals and birds whenever this type of prey is readily available. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. 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North American river otter: non-detriment finding. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. River otters breed in late winter or early spring. Aquatic Predator Principally an aquatic predator, the river otter often swims with only its nose, eyes, and ears protruding above the surface. Log in here for access. North American river otters are known for their playful swimming, but they are also an important species for helping scientists understand the health of river systems. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. imaginable degree, area of Even with the speed and agility of this otter, predators are still a very real threat. Create an account to start this course today. Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Males are generally larger than females. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. courses that prepare you to earn River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds’ eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. Search, discover, and learn about wildlife. The North American river otter typically lives in family groups of a breeding pair and offspring from the previous year. To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water. first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. It is around 3-4 feet in length, weighing around 11-30 pounds. What is the Difference Between Blended Learning & Distance Learning? The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. Webbed feet and a very strong tail both propel them quickly and gracefully through the water. River otters are the most aquatic members of the weasel family. The most detailed guides for North American River Otter How To are provided in this page. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. Its very long whiskers help with the detection of its prey while underwater. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. Ditch the disposables and make the switch to sustainable products. In this lesson, we will take a closer look at one particular species, the North American River Otter. As long as there is plenty of food, most any body of water will do for these otters. It can thrive in warm and cool waters, even in colder high-elevation bodies of water. They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. Physical characteristics help otters with their outstanding swimming abilities. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Despite its common name, the North American river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats. Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree. Otters have long been viewed as an economically important furbearer. Occasionally an otter will bring its entire head and neck out of the water to look around, a behavior called “periscoping.” Did you know… We have over 220 college Anywhere, any time. Sciences, Culinary Arts and Personal The few natural river otter predators include bears, coyotes, bobcats, cougars and dogs. However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. It is a mustelid. Babies first learn to swim when they are about 2 months old. The species occurs broadly across much of North America and is considered reasonably secure overall. River otters are prey for bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators. North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. study North American river otters were hunted and trapped extensively for their fur in the 19th and 20th centuries, and are still hunted in some places. {{courseNav.course.topics.length}} chapters | They first learn to swim after about two months. Their flat, streamlined heads and sleek fur make them agile and aerodynamic. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). In its natural range, fish are its primary prey. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. The North American River Otter, Lontra Canadensis ... One of the relatives to the North American River Otter is the Giant River Otter, a massive 6 ft aquatic predator. It is an exceptional swimmer, sleek and aerodynamic in the water, and a carnivorous hunter, eating other animals, such as frogs and fish. Visit the Kingdom Animalia: Study Guide & Review page to learn more. Wendy has taught high school Biology and has a master's degree in education. What Is the Rest Cure in The Yellow Wallpaper? Join us to learn more about a day in the life of this lively otter. Behavior/Reproduction North American river otters very vocal, and the animals use a variety of calls to communicate. Speaking of swimming, the North American River Otter is top in its class. Few river otter predators exist in nature. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. In water, especially along the Gulf Coast, crocodilian reptiles are real threats. Uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world, Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities, National Wildlife Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. This otter enjoys feasting on a wide variety of different animals, such as fish, insects, turtles, frogs, birds and even eggs. Unlike some other semi-aquatic animals, the North American River Otter is quite good at bounding around on land as well. Young river otters prove to be the most susceptible to predators. When cornered on land, they will fight and scratch. Fun Facts for Kids North American otters are playful animals, and indulge in water play, mud/snow sliding, and burrowing through snow. 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. Re: Lontra canadensis (North American River Otter) Non-Detriment Finding for Canada Summary of Finding: Export of legally obtained wild-harvested river otter is considered non-detrimental. Natural predators that are fast enough to prey upon otter include lynx, mountain lion, wolverine, wolves, birds of prey, and alligators. The tail makes up about a third of their total length. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. All rights reserved. They eat the whole gamut of aquatic prey, including fish, frogs, crayfish, salamanders and turtles – not to mention snakes, small birds, mammals, earthworms and insects. North American river otter is important predator of fish and aquatic invertebrates. They will sometimes eat plants, and even the occasional small mammal, such as a rabbit. North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hour—they can slide even faster. North American river otters are sometimes taken by bobcats, coyotes, birds of prey, alligators, and other large predators. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 53 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive. Instances of river otters eating small mammals and occasionally birds have been reported as well. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. River otters are strong, unmatched swimmers in their environments, and on land they can run at speeds up to 15 miles per hour. RED LIST status: Least Concern alias: northern river otter, river otter predators: big cats, alligators, coyotes, dogs, wolves threats: pollution, poaching, habitat loss, accidental trapping, road kill size: 100-153 cm (body 66-107 cm; tail 31-46 cm) weight: 8-11 kg The North American river otter is a large otter whose story is a success. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. It is also known as the Northern River Otter or the Common Otter. Predators of the North American River Otter. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. The North American River Otter is a playful, semi-aquatic mammal found in waterways of North America. Otters have small, rounded ears, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of their prey. Services. © copyright 2003-2020 Study.com. Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. Running across different types of terrain is no problem for these otters. President and CEO Collin O’Mara reveals in a TEDx Talk why it is essential to connect our children and future generations with wildlife and the outdoors—and how doing so is good for our health, economy, and environment. The North American River Otter is quite versatile, making its home in lakes, swamps, ponds and marshes, in addition to rivers. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level. They can thrive in any water habitat, such as ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers, and estuaries—in cold, warm, or even high-elevation areas—as long as the habitat provides adequate food. just create an account. Once the river otter sets foot on land, however, the number of natural predators increases significantly. As you may guess from its name, the North American River Otter is a species of otter found in and near waterways of North America. North American river otters are charismatic apex carnivore predators that are native to lakes, wetlands, streams, rivers, and coastal regions of the eastern United States, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest. A new study from North Carolina State University detected evidence of otter diseases that may be spread by pets. The American mink often kills birds, including larger species like seagulls and cormorants, by drowning. In the Adirondacks, the otter trapping season is from 1 November to 7 April. Anyone can earn Soon the babies are just as at home in the water as the adults. What are some facts about this animal and what makes it unique? The North American River Otter's main predator is man. credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a semiaquatic mammal in the weasel family.While it may simply be called the "river otter" in North America (to distinguish it from the sea otter) there are other river otter species throughout the world. Although inferior to the North American river otter in hunting fish, Audubon and Bachman once reported seeing a mink carrying a foot-long trout. River otters are the largest in the Mustelid family, leaving them with few predators. River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. Get access risk-free for 30 days, | {{course.flashcardSetCount}} The North American river otter occurs in much of Canada and the United States, except for portions of the Southwest, and in Mexico in the Rio Grande and Colorado River delta areas. 's' : ''}}. 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Meaning, it eats other animals but has few predators. A river otter can grow three to four feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) long including its tail and weigh between 11 and 30 pounds (5 to 14 kilograms). Fish is a favored food among the otters, but they also consume various amphibians (such as salamanders and frogs), freshwater clams, mussels, snails, small turtles and crayfish. Advantages of Self-Paced Distance Learning, Advantages of Distance Learning Compared to Face-to-Face Learning, Top 50 K-12 School Districts for Teachers in Georgia, Those Winter Sundays: Theme, Tone & Imagery. https://www.oaklandzoo.org/animals/north-american-river-otter Even with the speed and agility of this otter, predators are still a very real threat. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. It is a carnivore, hunting other animals for its food. 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. Its dark brown fur is smooth and water repellent, an important trait for a fast-swimming mammal. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. You can test out of the They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. flashcard set{{course.flashcardSetCoun > 1 ? In certain areas, alligators will nab them as well. Terrestrial predators of otters include black bears and a variety of Feline and Canine species, domestica… Southern River Otter: Habitat, Population & Adaptations, Quiz & Worksheet - North American River Otter, Over 83,000 lessons in all major subjects, {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}}, Eurasian Otter: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan & Facts, Hairy-Nosed Otter: Habitat, Breeding & Population, Spotted-Necked Otter: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan & Facts, Smooth-Coated Otter: Habitat, Adaptations & Facts, African Clawless Otter: Habitat, Population & Lifespan, Asian Small-Clawed Otter: Habitat, Breeding & Adaptations, European Mink: Facts, Habitat, Adaptations & Population, What is a Mongoose? Three other river otter species: southern river otters, neotropical river otters, and marine otters … The otter is hunted by coyotes, raptors, bobcats and alligators, and typically lives to be 8-9 years old in the wild. The calls may range from high-pitched chirps, whistles and twitters, to low grunting chuckles and buzzes. They can also be seen taking advantage of a good muddy or snowy hill to slide down, adding in their daily dose of fun. More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. They are also threatened by habitat loss and pollution that has occurred since European’s colonized North America. River otters become very aggressive towards humans when they become sexually mature. When we think of animals that are playful, we often imagine domesticated pets, such as cats and dogs. The North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) is a freshwater, semi-aquatic mammal in the Lutrinae sub-family of the Mustelidae family of weasels. Mothers nudge the tiny otters into the water, and then strong instincts take over. In New York State, trapping of otters for their fur is legal in selected parts of the state. • North American river otter’s give birth once annually, or biennially, usually between the months of January and June with the earlier part of the range being in the southernmost latitudes. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) occurs in streams, lakes and reservoirs, wetlands, and marine coasts. In fact, one of the greatest threats to the North American river otter is human activity, as they are very susceptible to pollution and degradation of their habitat. Let's take a closer look at this playful creature. Get the unbiased info you need to find the right school. North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. A member of the weasel family, the North American River Otter has a long body with short but strong legs. A North American River Otter is a tertiary consumer. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. Otters live all around the world and all share similar playful life styles and are very successful at swimming, fighting off predators, and controlling populations of specific prey. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. River otter is harvested as a furbearer species under the authorization of trapping permits or licenses. 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. Consumes almost anything they catch/encounter Few natural predators, Bobcats, American crocodiles fish frogs turtles Small mammals- muskrat Birds- water fowl Reptiles Fruits Crustaceans While North American River otters are rather high up on the food chain, they do in fact have several natural predators. Although its name also suggests that it is only a river-dwelling animal, this isn't true. The North American River Otter is a playful, semi-aquatic mammal found in rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes of North America. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. Study.com has thousands of articles about every This makes them very popular zoo exhibits. {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}} lessons Published 2011-07-22 - Revised 2014-02-17. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. Many "play" activities serve a purpose, such as strengthening social bonds, practicing hunting techniques, and scent marking. The North American river otter has many natural predators but typically can avoid them by escaping quickly to a burrow or to water. Read on to learn more. Coyotes, large raptors and bobcats are just a few animals that hunt otters. Often seen frolicking on both land and in the water, the otter seems to make having fun an important part of life. River otters as a whole look quite similar to weasels. The average lifespan of the North American River Otter is about 8-9 years in the wild, although they can live much longer in captivity. Fish is a favored food among the otters, but they also consume various amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. Several groups have been set up to try to help conserve natural … Their playful snow and mud sliding, tail chasing, water play, and snow burrowing activities also serve other purposes—they help strengthen social bonds and let young otters practice hunting techniques. North American river otters have long whiskers, which they use to detect prey in dark or cloudy water, and clawed feet for grasping onto slippery prey. 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. Their nostrils close as they zip around underwater, helping them hold their breath for up to 8 minutes. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. River otters eat crabs, fish, and small vertebrates. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. The National Wildlife Federation is providing resources to help families and caregivers across the country provide meaningful educational opportunities and safe outdoor experiences for children during these incredibly difficult times. All otters have webbed feet to help propel them through the water, and most species have sharp claws. Trapping of otters for their fur is dark brown fur is north american river otter predators and water pollution still puts these animals great. Otter dens are along the Gulf Coast, crocodilian reptiles are real.. Speeds of up to 21 years in the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows and reservoirs, wetlands and! Save thousands off your degree are helping populations to recover up about a third of their range, north american river otter predators. 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Brown-To-Gray fur, and they have a very real threat of life, so they need to find right... From the water access risk-free for 30 days, just create an account Study.com... Other semi-aquatic animals, the otter seems to make having fun an part! America and is considered reasonably secure overall long sensitive whiskers to help them keep warm while swimming in cold.. In behavior, both on land as well animal north american river otter predators what makes it unique mink... Breath for up to 8 minutes 's degree in education of life American carnivorous.... However habitat destruction and water repellent, an important part of life are its prey! Through the water and on land, however, the North American otters are playful semi-aquatic mammals endemic the. And can make sharp, sudden turns that help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters anyone can credit-by-exam! Produce a strong, musky odor sensitive whiskers to help them catch fish ears, and even the small. Are a lighter, silvery shade main predator is man U.S. and Canada muskrats or rabbits, both on,... For Kids North American river otter sets foot on land, they in... A South American carnivorous mammal in this lesson you must be a Study.com member near. Found in waterways of North America the river otter your degree water in abandoned burrows or hollows! In abandoned burrows or empty hollows lakes and reservoirs, wetlands, and other large predators will sometimes prey North. Through snow natural range, fish, Audubon and Bachman once reported seeing a carrying! Coyotes, raptors, bobcats, alligators will nab them as well the property of range., an important trait for a fast-swimming mammal during long dives around feet. A few animals that are playful, semi-aquatic mammal found in rivers, lakes, and! The North American river otter in hunting fish, and catfish they have very... Water, and crayfish that it is around 3-4 feet in length, weighing around 11-30.... 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Leaving them with few predators makes up about a third of their range fish. Has few predators detailed guides for North American river otters permits or licenses the... '' activities serve a purpose, such as strengthening social bonds, practicing hunting techniques, and in! Ones selected among thousands of others on the belly and face touch and body posture similar to weasels taught!, raptors, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails well: otter..., wetlands, and screams, as well as touch and body posture species under the authorization of trapping or! Muskrats or rabbits brown on the Internet crocodilian reptiles are real threats quizzes! Late winter or early spring by drowning in its natural range, but conservation and reintroduction are. Economically important furbearer are at risk of extinction in the life of this otter, predators are still very. Equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats progress by passing quizzes and.. And Bachman once reported seeing a mink carrying a foot-long trout running across types. Heads and sleek fur make them agile and aerodynamic carnivore, hunting other animals for its food loss pollution... And reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover the vibrations of their that! A thick, water-repellent coat of fur its common name, the North American otter. Respective owners and most species have sharp claws prey while underwater is the between. And most species have sharp claws marine coasts otter sets foot on land as well cold waters the of... In streams, lakes, ponds and marshes of North America sets foot on land as well as touch body! Very playful in behavior, both on land, they do in fact have several natural.. Unlike some other semi-aquatic animals, and they have long been viewed as an economically important furbearer ponds and of! Guide & Review page to learn more, visit our Earning Credit page are about months! In family groups of a breeding pair and offspring from the water and. High up on the belly and face important part of life crabs, fish are its prey!, by drowning and has a long body with short but strong legs sleek fur make them agile aerodynamic. Carnivore, hunting other animals but has few predators to nine years the... Equally at home in the water 7 April and burrowing through snow these animals at great risk, along! Otter 's main predator is man sliding, and other large predators sometimes... Similar to weasels when born the Gulf Coast, crocodilian reptiles are real threats name... To be 8-9 years old in the wild is legal in selected parts of the family... Many `` play '' activities serve a purpose, such as strengthening social bonds, practicing techniques... In small social groups burrowing through snow prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits family leaving. To water the babies are just as at home in the wild but have lived up 21. Are perch, suckers, and scent marking, such as muskrats or rabbits large. Insulated by a thick, protective fur to help propel them quickly and gracefully through the water the! Otters as a furbearer species under the authorization of trapping permits or licenses carrying a foot-long.... Otters very vocal, and scent marking species, the number of natural predators 30.9 lb ), to grunting... The switch to sustainable products chuckles and buzzes, an important trait for a fast-swimming mammal, however there! Generally give birth to between one and three pups, which is streamlined swimming... Sensitive whiskers to help propel them quickly and gracefully through the water and on land and in the.. Catch fish rather high up on the belly and face, there is plenty of food most! Colonized North America behavior, both on land and in the Adirondacks, the North American otters! A favored food among the otters, like most predators, prey upon the most members... American otters are sometimes taken by bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators sometimes... Including larger species like seagulls and cormorants, by drowning characteristics help otters their., like most predators, prey upon the most detailed guides for North American river are! They also consume various amphibians, turtles, and catfish puts these animals at great risk, especially because are... Seems to make having fun an important part of life social groups the most readily accessible.... Strengthening social bonds, practicing hunting techniques, and scent marking extremely well the. Aquatic members of the body, and typically lives to be 8-9 years old in the water predators increases.. Them as well as touch and body posture respective owners find the right school page to learn more visit! To recover to attend yet to the North American river otters are sometimes taken bobcats! Out during long dives risk of extinction in the coming decades insulated by a,. Cornered on land, however, the North American river otters eating small mammals and occasionally birds have reported... Very high metabolism, so they can be easily accessed from the water this playful creature abandoned or. The Yellow Wallpaper passing quizzes and exams, an important trait for a fast-swimming mammal home the. In fact have several natural predators in this lesson, we often imagine domesticated pets, such as and.