[13], The otters form the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelids and the giant otter is the only member of the genus Pteronura. These include providing at least the minimum recommended land-to-water area ratio, and that all enclosure land surfaces (both artificial and natural) are nearly entirely covered with the recommended substrate conditions (e.g. [81], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. Derek Balmas of Franklinville was. Although generally peaceful, the species is territorial, and aggression has been observed between groups. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. Prey species found were also sedentary, generally swimming only short distances, which may aid the giant otter in predation. [47], Details of giant otter reproduction and life cycle are scarce, and captive animals have provided much of the information. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. [70], Even if without direct predation, the giant otter must still compete with other predators for food resources. River otters generally live along rivers, as their name implies, but they're also found near streams and lakes. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. Air trapped within the dense fur provides superb insulation in icy waters. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. Defence against intruding animals appears to be cooperative: while adult males typically lead in aggressive encounters, cases of alpha females guarding groups have been reported. The average 24-hour movement was only 3.5 km (2 mi. [21], The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. The U.S. is home to two species: the sea otter and the North American river otter. River otters will eat just about any living creature they can catch. [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. [36], North American river otters may prefer to feed on crustaceans, especially crayfish (Cambarus, Pacifasticus, and others) and crabs[23] more than fish where they are locally and seasonally plentiful. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. [53][56], Cases where otters have been ambushed and consumed by grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have also been reportedly witnessed near the Arctic region. [74], The animal faces a variety of critical threats. However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. The North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis), also called the Canadian otter, is the most abundant species of otter. Nature at risk: Otters still call Delaware River home, for now. Hahn is a graduate student at Ohio State University, which is one of the institutional partners in the otter research project, along with the forest preserve district, the Cook County Department of Animal and . The giant otter averages 145 to 180 cm (57-71 in. In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. 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. Life has been unfair to the giant river otter. River otters are North America's only otter species. River otter poop also contains lots of DNA, from what the otters have eaten and from the otters themselves. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. While many states experienced declines in river otter densities, distribution, and in some cases extirpation in the mid 1800's - 1900's, Georgia's The otters typically capture prey in their mouths but occasionally use their thumbs and forepaws to grasp and manipulate prey. A river otter is a small, aquatic mammal that can be found in rivers and lakes in North America. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. Josh Salmon,. [70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. They prefer unpolluted water with a minimal human disturbance. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. [46], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. [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. 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. Although it holds the title of being the world's longest weasel, it's classified as endangered. Carnivorous mustelids in the Lutrinae subfamily, there are 13 otter species found around the world, including the giant river otters, North American river otter, Asian small-clawed otter, European otter, Japanese river otter and African clawless otter, as well as many less well known species. The North American river otter is the most abundant otter species, but surprisingly little is known about its lifein the wild. While revealing of the affection held for the animals, the seizure was a profound blow to the breeding pair, which went on to lose their territory to competitors. Some clouds. Although no studies have been conducted on the total number of Eurasian otters left in the world . [28] This availability is influenced by the following factors: detectability and mobility of the prey, habitat availability for the various prey species, environmental factors, such as water depth and temperature, and seasonal changes in prey supply and distribution in correspondence with otter foraging habitat. They give birth within these dens during the dry season. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Robin ( 1987) reported that in 1985, 50% of Eurasian otters were captive born and in 2015 approximately 77% were captive born (Rey . 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. Otters did not make extensive long-distance movements away from the Murphree area. River otters stay in family groups during the summer and early fall. [75] The animal's relatively late sexual maturity and complex social life makes hunting especially disastrous. All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. [46] In late 2012, a river otter nicknamed Sutro Sam took up residence around the former site of the Sutro Baths in San Francisco, the first river otter sighting in that city in more than half a century. RIVER OTTER FACT SHEET . Howdyshell said he was able to take video of the river otter to prove he and Molly weren't hallucinating. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). Discover the fascinating world of animal training and enrichment at the Aquarium. [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. However, waterpollution, uncontrolled trapping and severe habitat loss have reduced the number of river otters. Information about river otter breeding and reproductive and social behavior is varied due to the difficulty of studying these animals in the wild. 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. [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). I had a feeling it might be a rare encounter, but I really had no idea just how rare, Ste Marie said. Eric Ste Marie, a marine ecologist studying at Windsor University in Ontario, told CNN that the remarkable sighting happened after his partner suggested they go for a walk before starting work. [22][23] Early reports of skins and living animals suggested exceptionally large males of up to 2.4m (7ft 10+12in); intensive hunting likely reduced the occurrence of such massive specimens. [11] The genus name, Pteronura, is derived from the Ancient Greek words (pteron, feather or wing) and (oura, tail),[12] a reference to its distinctive, wing-like tail. The tail is highly muscular and comprises up to 40 percent of the otter'stotal body length. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. In addition to the survey data, DEC collects public sighting data for river otter and other furbearer species. To him, that's just more evidence of . [23], North American river otters consume an extensive assortment of fish species ranging in size from 2 to 50 centimeters (0.79 to 19.69in) that impart sufficient caloric intake for a minute amount of energy expenditure. If the river is cleaner for the river otter, maybe its cleaner for you and me, he added. The otter is a swift and agile swimmer, using its muscular tail to make sharp turns and steering with its neck and webbed feet. [7] All four names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. I realized it was too big to be either of those. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. appreciated. [42] Population densities varied with a high of 1.2/km2 (3.1/sqmi) reported in Suriname and with a low of 0.154/km2 (0.40/sqmi) found in Guyana. River otter. River otters, semiaquatic mammals that can grow up to 30 lbs. Otters have a high metabolism which requires them to consume 15% - 20% of their bodyweight in food each day. Whale watching is . Duplaix documented interaction with the Neotropical otter. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). The giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America, despite the overlap. They can dive up to 60 feet and stay underwater for as long as four minutes. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. [62], Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. "River otters are one of the greatest predator reintroduction stories in the U.S. They're a great underdog story," said Zach Hahn. Luckily for a few of . River Otter River otters ( Lontra canadensis) are now found throughout most of Indiana, thanks to efforts of the DNR and its partners. [26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. 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