Pictures and facts about the Northern river otter

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Northern river otter

Order : Carnivora
Family : Mustelidae
Subfamily : Lutrinae
Species : Lontra canadensis

Weight: 5 to 14 kg (11 to 31 lbs)
Body length: 89 to 130 cm (35 to 51 in)

The Northern River Otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as North American River Otter, is a common sight in the waterways of North America, where it can be found in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Canada, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. They are active by day and have a streamlined, bulky physique, possessing short legs, a long tail and webbed digits. Northern River Otters have rounded, small heads and large whiskers. Their ears and nostrils are valved to keep out any water when submerged. Their pelage is shiny and brown in color, but usually, their throat is silver-gray in appearance. Not surprisingly, Northern River Otters are strong swimmers and can also move fast on land and are fond of sliding down along riverbanks all the way to the water.

In the wild, they can become ten to fifteen years of age, and under captivity, 20 years is possible.

It is very flexible animal, a Northern River Otter is capable of surviving in many kinds of habitats, such as freshwater, coastal marine, inland wetlands and even marshes. They can bear with differing ranges of temperature and altitudes, but they should be able to have access to two crucial things. First is a consistent supply of food, second is the proximity of water. Their diet consists of wide variety of things found in the water, including fish, crabs, amphibians, turtles, crayfish and other invertebrates. They can supplement their diet with birds and eggs and aquatic plants.

Akin to its cousin otters, this particular otter resides in a den, and this "home" is made in hollows, like under logs. It is recorded that they kill beavers to "conquer" their residences. These otters are playful, they slide, swim, chase, wrestle and leap. It makes them favorites to look at in zoos. They are not particularly friendly to humans if brought up in captivity, especially when they reach sexual maturity and begin acting aggressive and defensive.

While not listed as nationally endangered, they are endangered in states. Over 30,000 otter pelts are sold each year in the United States and Canada according to Wikipedia. They are also hunted by bobcats, coyotes, alligators, birds of prey and other large predators.

Interesting fact: When swimming in circles, it creating a whirlpool. This in turn forces the fish up to the surface.

Facts about the northern river otter

The Northern River Otter is from the order Carnivora.

Discussion The Northern River Otter is active by day if not disturbed by human activity.

Introduction The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a predator adapted to hunting in water, feeding on aquatic and semi-aquatic animals.

The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is one of 13 species of otter worldwide.

The northern river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a large and strong semi-aquatic mammal in the weasal family.

The river otter (Lontra canadensis) is an aquatic mammal

Web Assignment Northern River Otter, Lutra canadensis Common Names: Northern River Otter, North American River Otter Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae Species: Lutra canadensis Author: Maureen Cameron, Mammalogy (4251C), Mount Allison University General Description The northern river otter is a large mustelid, the males often attaining a body length of about 70 cm (120 cm including the tail), and females somewhat smaller (up to about 60 cm, tail excluded).

Northern river otters are found along the borders of streams, rivers, and lakes. (Full text)

The northern river otter is a slender, long-bodied, short-legged mammal with a broad, flat head and a muscular body. (Full text)

Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix 2 of CITES. (Full text)

The northern river otter is a playful, quick and graceful animal that is spends most of its life in the rivers, marshy ponds and wooded riparian areas of the Chesapeake and its rivers. (Full text)

Although the record size for a northern river otter is 33 pounds and 54 inches in length, the average size is 18 pounds and 40 inches long. (Full text)

Similar Species Northern River Otter is smaller, with longer tail and silver-gray throat and belly; lives mainly in freshwater. (Full text)

September 5, 2002, IDNR states that the state threatened river otter (Lontra canadensis) is located within the vicinity of the project; however, no adverse impacts are likely. (Full text)

The river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a thickset mammal with short legs, a neck no smaller than its head, inconspicuous ears, and a muscular body that is broadest at the hips. (Full text)

BEHAVIORThe Northern river otter is usually found alone or in pairs, but will often socialize with other otters. (Full text)

Northern river otters are smaller with long tails and slightly silvery fur on their undersides. (Full text)

Reintroduction of the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is progressing well in central and western New York thanks to the nonprofit New York River Otter Project. (Full text)