© copyright 2003-2020 Study.com. North American river otter conservation. This animal’s lovely waterproof pelt, which allows it to regulate its temperature, in the 1700s-1800s, a regular part of French fur trade, has meant this animal has been hunted for hundreds of years. Currently this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today remain stable. A romp of feisty otters is making a big splash in their new home at the Tennessee Aquarium. Its short, muscular legs move surprisingly well on land, and is usually seen traveling in pairs (Foresman 2012). North American river otters get their energy from their very high metabolism, which requires that they eat a great deal during the day. Create an account to start this course today. The North American river otter is a member of the mustelid or weasel family that can be easily identified by a stout body, short legs, noticeably tapered tail and dense, short, glossy fur. | {{course.flashcardSetCount}} ... Aonyx is the older name, so the Asian small-clawed otter is now Aonyx cinereus. One of the most unfortunate river otter facts is that these animals are currently threatened by habitat loss. Being aquatic in nature, this species is confined to places that have permanent water. They have a streamed-lined body that is about 2.5 feet long and a tail that is flattened and well-muscled. Chattanooga, TN (PRWEB) May 06, 2014 River Otter Falls Opens at the Tennessee Aquarium; Meet The Furry Faces of Conservation. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. They are primarily nocturnal, but become more diurnal in winter, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. North American River Otter North American river otters. In the wild, their average life span is 8 or 9 years. Human contact is influencing this otter’s aquatic habitats. These otters are very good swimmers and divers, and are able to stay underwater as long as 8 minutes. Although its name also suggests that it is only a river-dwelling animal, this isn't true. Cognitive Learning Activities for the Classroom, Tech and Engineering - Questions & Answers, Health and Medicine - Questions & Answers, Working Scholars® Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. About North American River Otters. River otters (genus Lutra) inhabit all types of inland waterways, as well as estuaries and marine coves. This means that they have to eat a lot during the day. Often seen frolicking on both land and in the water, the otter seems to make having fun an important part of life. In water, especially along the Gulf Coast, crocodilian reptiles are real threats. Its fur ranges in color from white and gray to brown and black. Pups will open their eyes when they are one month old and are weaned when about 3 months old, starting to leave their birth range from 6 months to the age of one year. 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. They are found living in rivers, lakes, ponds, small streams, marshes, and other inland wetlands. Their range extends through most of North America from Alaska and northern Canada down to southern Florida. Today, otters are common in all of northern Minnesota, and thanks to wetland restoration, are becoming more common again in southern parts of the state. Habitat/Diet The North American river otter is quite possibly the most numerous otter species in the world. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Soon the babies are just as at home in the water as the adults. Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree. Habitat. Mothers nudge the tiny otters into the water, and then strong instincts take over. Not sure what college you want to attend yet? 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. River Otter Habitat. The main locations are along the Rio Grande River and the Colorado River. These animals have boundless energy due to their very high metabolism. The North American River Otter is quite versatile, making its home in lakes, swamps, ponds and marshes, in addition to rivers. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. When we think of animals that are playful, we often imagine domesticated pets, such as cats and dogs. They can live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats, including rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and estuaries. The Buttonwood Park Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP) for North American River Otters. River otters eat fish, and fish populations are threatened by climate change from rising sea levels. These animals inhabit a variety of diverse environments, from saltwater estuaries to freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes and streams The only types of ecosystems in which otters cannot be found are deserts, mountains, and polar regions. Their flat, streamlined heads and sleek fur make them agile and aerodynamic. Anyone can earn 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. Speaking of swimming, the North American River Otter is top in its class. If fish numbers start to decrease or they move elsewhere as a result of climate change, this species would lose its major food source. The Defenders of Wildlife resource, based on harvest reports, estimates the North American otter’s total population size to be over 100,000 individuals. You can test out of the Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. Mothers will catch and release prey to teach their young how to forage and to catch food items. Let's take a closer look at this playful creature. Birds and birds’ eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. The nocturnal creatures, who are related to weasels, are a common presence … North American River Otter on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_river_otter, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/12302/0. Its fur ranges in color from white and gray to brown and black. Threats: habitat d… Most species are entirely dependent on aquatic habitats for food. This includes a wide range of habitats, from rivers, streams and creeks, to coastal waters, lakes and swamps. Gestation is for two months, but young may be produced up to a year after breeding due to delayed implantation. This animal’s lovely waterproof pelt, which allows it to regulate its temperature, in the 1700s-1800s, a regular part of French fur trade, has meant this animal has been hunted for hundreds of years. North American River Otters can adapt to a wide variety of aquatic habitats. Can You Go to Community College With a GED? Water quality is lowered, water is depleted, timber and other vegetation is cleared and becomes scarce. EXPERIENCES There is no significant threat today from commercial harvesting, but illegal hunting can affect local populations. 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. Breeding is from December to April: late winter or early in spring. In certain areas, alligators will nab them as well. 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 the only river otter that is found north of Mexico. credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level. While North American River otters are rather high up on the food chain, they do in fact have several natural predators. A member of the weasel family, the North American River Otter has a long body with short but strong legs. just create an account. They do fine in both cold and warm temperatures of water. This otter enjoys feasting on a wide variety of different animals, such as fish, insects, turtles, frogs, birds and even eggs. The Northern River Otter is found both in Canada and the United States. Consumes almost anything they catch/encounter Few natural predators, Bobcats, American crocodiles fish frogs turtles Small mammals- muskrat Birds- water fowl Reptiles Fruits Crustaceans North American river otters are the only river otter that is found north of Mexico. Habitat of the North American River Otter. Services. As long as there is plenty of food, most any body of water will do for these otters. Here are a few reasons why you should cast your vote for our otter habitat! 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? Habitat and range Early in the Twentieth Century, otter range was greatly reduced in Minnesota as a result of wetland drainage and pollution which destroyed habitat. North American otters are playful animals, and indulge in water play, mud/snow sliding, and burrowing through snow. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. courses that prepare you to earn Log in here for access. In this lesson, we will take a closer look at one particular species, the North American River Otter. However, there is a type of wild animal that fits this description extremely well: the otter. Within the National Forest System (NFS), a sensitive species is a plant … Key Information: This is the smallest of the world’s otters, about 0.9 m long, weighing around 5 kg. 's' : ''}}. North American River Otter Wikipedia article -, 2. Despite its common name, the North American river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats. In captivity, North American river otters can live into their 20s. Physical characteristics help otters with their outstanding swimming abilities. Webbed feet and a very strong tail both propel them quickly and gracefully through the water. It is very well adapted to life in water. Many "play" activities serve a purpose, such as strengthening social bonds, practicing hunting techniques, and scent marking. Basically, they can be found anywhere they have easy access to both land and water. first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. At one time, a playful semi-aquatic animal survived in South Dakota's prairie rivers - the vigorous and active river otter (Lontra canadensis).

north american river otter habitat

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