And new research on the patterns of the hunting trade has revealed how the giant otter's biology, including its monogamous tendencies and boisterous social lifestyle, may have undermined its. Luckily for a few of . Try Otter Spotters! It plays an important role in the mythology of the Achuar people, where giant otters are seen as a form of the tsunki, or water spirits: they are a sort of "water people" who feed on fish. [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. Sea otters weigh more around 45-90 pounds with large, furry faces. This ancient otter weighed as much as an adult lion. Ammoland America's oldest Second Amendment . But the otters return is a beacon of hope for conservationists and environmentalists alike. My venture into the world of American River Otter proved that the conservation & educational projects have resulted in a stable and growing population. [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. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. The North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis), also called the Canadian otter, is the most abundant species of otter. This thrilling Chilean trek is the world's southernmost hike. The smallest river otter is the marine otter, averaging 87 to 115 cm (34-45 in.). 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. [2] Four specific vegetation types occur on one important creek in Suriname: riverbank high forest, floodable mixed marsh and high swamp forest, floodable low marsh forest, and grass islands and floating meadows within open areas of the creek itself. When females leave, they tend to move much further away (6090km or 3756mi) than males (up to 30km or 19mi), which tend to move shorter distances. [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? Also, North American river otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as the shells of molluscs. [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. [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. Hums and coos are more reassuring within the group. [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. Other research maintains that river otters mate for life. [70] One difference in behavior was seen in the country in 2002: the normally inquisitive giant otters showed "active avoidance behavior with visible panic" when boats appeared. 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. Age: Pliocene, about 3.79 million years old. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. The European River Otter shares similar sleeping habits, spending most of the day sleeping in undergrowth or the holes which are their dens. In contrast the life span for this species in the wild is approximately 8-9 years. The last giant otters in the country were spotted in a river in the Misiones Province in the 1980s but there have been no known sightings since. The giant otter or giant river otter[4] (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. While river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. Two subspecies are currently recognized by the canonical Mammal Species of the World, P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paraguensis. [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. ). Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. A restoration program in western New York has in. The giant otter subsists almost exclusively on a diet of fish, particularly characins and catfish, but may also eat crabs, turtles, snakes and small caimans. [33] Every study done on the food habits of the North American river otter has identified varying fish species as being the primary component of its diet. In Search Of Otters, Beavers And Birds You can follow the River Otter for 9 miles from Ottery St Mary to Budleigh Salterton. [46], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. [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). [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. [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. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. [2] Given local extinctions, the species' range has become discontinuous. Early travelers' reports describe noisy groups surrounding explorers' boats, but little scientific information was available on the species until Duplaix's groundbreaking work in the late 1970s. ", "North American River Otter National Wildlife Federation", "Basic Facts About North American River Otters", "Distribution and abundance of river otter in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota", "Food habits of the river otter in Suisun Marsh, Central California", "Feeding relationships of river otters in northeastern Pennsylvania", Food habits of the North American river otter (, "Social Networks and the Formation and Maintenance of River Otter Groups", "Art Lander's Outdoors: Once endangered river otters now likely to be found in Kentucky for generations", Colorado Otters May No Longer Need Protection, How river otters are making a comeback on P.E.I. A river otter is a member of the weasel family that enjoys water. Josh Salmon,. [39] Remains of the much larger North American beaver have been found in North American river otter scat in some regions, although most otter dietary studies in areas where otters and beaver live near each other do not show them to be regular predators of beavers (despite the claims of fur-trappers that otters frequently hunt beavers) and perhaps only young beaver kits may be attacked. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). His Mad Magazine work is iconic, and he holds the Guinness World Record for longest cartoonist career. One report suggests maximum areas 28m (92ft) long and 15m (49ft) wide, well-marked by scent glands, urine, and feces to signal territory. A Warner Bros. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. [63], Local people sometimes take pups for the exotic pet trade or as pets for themselves, but the animal rapidly grows to become unmanageable. [18] (The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is the fourth Lontra member.) The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. Despite its common name, the North American river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats. Otters did not show strong preference for individual habitat components within their home range. Adult river otters weigh 10 to 33 pounds (4.5 to 15 kilograms) and are about 2.5 to 5 feet (76 to 152 centimeters) in length. [36] A study conducted on captive otters revealed they preferred larger fish, ranging from 15 to 17 centimeters (5.9 to 6.7in), more than smaller fish, ranging from 8 to 10 centimeters (3.1 to 3.9in), and they had difficulty catching fish species less than 10 centimeters (3.9in) or larger than 17 centimeters (6.7in). CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. River otters are incredible swimmers. Low 49F. [61] Carter and Rosas have found captive adult animals consume around 10% of their body weight dailyabout 3 kilograms (7lb), in keeping with findings in the wild. It is currently known principally from a single fossilised partial skull (including its snout, orbits and all upper teeth except for the first and second incisors, plus parts of its lower jaw and teeth), which was discovered in the Hadar Formation of Dikika, in Ethiopia's Afar Valley, and dates back to the Pliocene epoch, approximately 5.3-3.6 For example, a study conducted in a central California marshland indicated crayfish formed nearly 100% of the river otter's diet at certain times of the year. All otters produce vocalizations, but by frequency and volume, the giant otter may be the most vocal. [75] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. In Brazil it is known as ariranha, from the Tup word ari'raa, meaning water jaguar (Portuguese: ona-d'gua). Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight River otters, semiaquatic mammals that can grow up to 30 lbs. 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. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. In Canto State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. 2023 Cable News Network. [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. The North American River Otter, for instance, is nocturnal three seasons and more diurnal only in the winter. [90] The indigenous Kichwa peoples from Amazonian Peru believed in a world of water where Yaku runa reigned as mother of the water and was charged with caring for fish and animals. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). [1], Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. [27] Its velvety feel makes the animal highly sought after by fur traders and has contributed to its decline. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. Protect local waterways by using fewer pesticides when caring for your garden or lawn. The ears appear large on its small flattened head. The muzzle appears broad. Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. [14] (Larger figures may reflect two or three family groups temporarily feeding together. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. ), with a maximum recorded length of 240 cm (94 in. The threat has been exacerbated by the otters' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). They give birth between August and September, and the young pups emerge for the first time in October and November, which are the months of lowest water when fish concentrations in the dwindling lakes and channels are at their peak. That home range shrinks drastically during breeding and rearing season. All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. [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. However, sea otters are acclimated to salt water, and come to shore only for occasional rest periods and to give birth. Even when told of the importance of the species to ecosystems and the danger of extinction, interviewees showed little interest in continuing to coexist with the species. )[38], Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. New at the Zoo: Meet Our Bushbaby Brothers. 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. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. Sliding is a thing. [60] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. River otters will achieve maturity between the ages of two and three, while female sea otters mature between ages three and five, and males even later between ages five and seven. Utreras[65] presumed habitat requirements and availability would differ dramatically in the rainy season: estimating range sizes of 1.98 to as much as 19.55square kilometres (0.76 to 7.55sqmiles) for the groups. Two male otters, a father and son pair named Emmett and Potomac, live on American Trail. (Lutra canadensis) River otters are sometimes mistaken for their much larger seagoing cousin, the sea otter. . To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. [14][76][77], More recently, habitat destruction and degradation have become the principal dangers, and a further reduction of 50% is expected in giant otter numbers within the 20 years after 2004 (about the span of three generations of giant otters). Ste Marie lives on the Canadian side of the Detroit River, which divides Detroit, Michigan, from Windsor, Ontario. We look for things like river otters, he said. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. [58] The giant otter seems to be opportunistic, taking whatever species are most locally abundant. There was so much oil in the river that not only river otters but beavers could not live there. Fish from the order Perciformes, particularly cichlids and perch, were seen in 97% of scats, and Characiformes, such as characins, in 86%. River otters have been blamed for decimating game fish populations and are seen as a pest to eradicate by many game fishermen. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. bobcats, alligators, coyotes, and raptors are among the large predators that prey on river otters. International Union for Conservation of Nature, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, "Searching for the Giant Otter in Northeastern Argentina", "Otters: An Action Plan for their Conservation", "Otters: A SeaWorld Education Department Publication", "The Vocal Repertoire of Adult and Neonate Giant Otters (, "Territorial choruses of giant otter groups (, "Distribution and Population Status of the Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis in Bolivia", "Intraspecific Agonism between Giant Otter Groups", "Change of Partners in a Giant Otter Alpha Couple", "An analysis and review of the sociobiology of the Mustelidae", Guianas Rapid River Bio-assessments and Giant Otter Conservation Project. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW 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. After a few bumps, they can slide up to 22 feet on the ice. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. Meaning: Lontra is the genus name of American otters, and weiri honors guitarist Bob Weir. [14], In 2021, conservationists at Fundacin Rewilding spotted a wild giant river otter swimming in the Bermejo River in Impenetrable National Park, located in the Chaco province of northeast Argentina. Are you a hunter? (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images). The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[5]. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. 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). The giant otter averages 145 to 180 cm (57-71 in. 2. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. [59] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the orders Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). The average 24-hour movement was only 3.5 km (2 mi. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. Young are born between April andMay and arrivesilky black, blind, toothless and totally helpless. Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. A third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, protects the eye and allows the otter to see when swimming underwater. after 100 years, "Final report of the North American river otter research project on the Upper Colorado River Basin in and adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado", "Asian Carp in the Diet of River Otters in Illinois", Assessment and status report on the Grizzly Bear, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=North_American_river_otter&oldid=1149392550, This page was last edited on 11 April 2023, at 23:15. The North American River Otter, Lontra canadensis, is a semi-aquatic mammal found only in North America. An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. [13], The otters form the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelids and the giant otter is the only member of the genus Pteronura. [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. Though active year . Discover the fascinating world of animal training and enrichment at the Aquarium. They weigh about 4to 6ounces (113 to 170 grams) at birth and measure 8 to 11 inches (20 to 28 centimeters). 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. 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). Because theyare at the top of their food chain, they have few predators. Otters primarily feed on fish and aquatic organisms including crayfish, frogs, and other miscellaneous animals. River otters generally live along rivers, as their name implies, but they're also found near streams and lakes. The North American river otter is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. The median life expectancy for this species in captivity is 11.7 years, and the longevity record is 21.64 years (Hamilton 2016). Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. The tail is long, wide, and quite thick at the base. River otters will eat just about any living creature they can catch. The river otter Lontra canadensis is an elusive species that can serve an important role in aquatic ecosystems as a top predator of fish and crayfish. You can be an incredible ally for conservation! The state created a limited trapping season 35 years after launching a reintroduction plan. He grabbed his camera and then got a video of the otters head bobbing out of the water. [24] [35] An analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. The giant otter's highly sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) allow the animal to track changes in water pressure and currents, which aids in detecting prey. 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. Group sizes are anywhere from two to 20 members, but likely average between four and eight. [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). While river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. They are found throughout most of North America - from the Rio Grande in Northern Mexico to Canada and Alaska. [57] One full-year study of giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. , P. b. brasiliensis and P. b. paranensis in the Neotropics naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von in... 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Game fish populations and are known for their much larger seagoing cousin, the North American otter! American Trail as an integral part of the weasel family that enjoys water into forests and swamps, away the... The marine otter, averaging 87 to 115 cm ( 57-71 in. ) the greatest body length of species... Breeding and rearing season range, especially around heavily populated areas in the is! Or relocated fourth Lontra member. ) hums and coos are more within! Intruders, including `` backdoor '' exits into forests and swamps, away from the water 35... Is now discontinuous a river otter for 9 miles from Ottery St Mary to Salterton... Larger seagoing cousin, the North American river otter is a member of the samples a father and pair! Frogs, and he holds the Guinness world Record for longest cartoonist career 30! To 19.75 inches mothers begin to look for things like river otters tend to live alone or in,. 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