Interesting Facts About North American River Otter
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 and found in and along its waterways and coasts. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick water-repellent coat of fur. River otters are playful animals and appear to engage in various types of play behavior including wrestling chasing mock fighting and swimming races.
North American river otter habitat
North American river otters are found in freshwater rivers streams and lakes throughout North America. They are a semi-aquatic species spending most of their time in the water but coming ashore to rest mate and give birth. Their diet consists primarily of fish but they will also eat crayfish frogs and small mammals. River otters are very playful creatures and are often seen sliding down muddy banks or wrestling with each other. They are also excellent swimmers and can remain submerged for up to eight minutes at a time.
North American river otter facts
The species is a member of the family Mustelidae which also includes weasel badgers martens and wolverines. A typical adult river otter weighs between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). The animal's overall length ranges from about 1 m (3.3 ft) in small females to about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in large males. River otters have long slim bodies with short legs and a long muscular tail.
North American river otter diet
North American river otters are opportunistic eaters and their diet can vary depending on their location and what is available. They typically eat fish but they will also eat amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals. In some areas, they have been known to eat crayfish clams, and mussels. River otters usually hunt alone or in pairs and they typically dive into the water to catch their prey.
North American river otter lifespan
The average lifespan of a river otter in the wild is 8-9 years but some have been known to live up to 13 years. In captivity, river otters have been known to live up to 21 years. The oldest recorded captive river otter lived to be 24 years old. River otters are relatively long-lived animals considering their small size.
North American river otter predators
The North American river otter is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent. The otter is a member of the Mustelidae or weasel family and is the only species in the Lontra genus. North American river otters are members of an ancient lineage of otters that first appeared during the Pliocene epoch. The earliest fossil evidence of otters dates to 3.6 million years ago.
North American river otters inhabit a wide range of habitats including rivers streams lakes ponds and estuaries. They are found throughout North America from Alaska and Canada to Florida and Mexico. River otters are predators and their diet consists primarily of fish crayfish and amphibians. They have also been known to eat small mammals birds and reptiles. North American river otters are relatively resistant to disease and parasites and have few natural predators. However they
North American river otter for sale
A member of the weasel family is similar in appearance to other otters such as the European otter but has a more elongated body and neck.
The North American river otter is an animal of particular concern due to its rapidly declining population. The greatest threat to the species is habitat loss and degradation. River otters are also commonly killed by humans through pollution trapping and hunting. Because of these threats, the North American river otter is listed as a species of special concern in Canada and some US states and is protected under the US Endangered Species Act.
North American river otter range map
The North American river otter also known as the northern river otter or the common otter is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent and found in and along its waterways and coasts. The species is a member of the Mustelidae or weasel family and is in the monotypic genus Lontra. The North American river otter ranges throughout much of Canada and parts of the United States including Alaska. It is a relatively large member of the mustelid family with males weighing up to 9 kg (20 lb) and females 7 kg (15 lb).
North American river otter population
Listed as least concern by the IUCN it is a relatively common species. The 13 recognized subspecies range from southern Canada to northern Mexico including most of the United States. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick water-repellent coat of fur. An adult male weighs between 5.0 and 14 kg (11 and 31 lb) and is about 1 m (3 ft 3 in) long whereas an adult female is slightly smaller at 3–8 kg (6.6–17.6 lb).
