They grow to one meter (3 to 4 ft) in length and weigh from five to 15 kilograms (10 to 30 lb). The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. The conservation status of the North American River Otter is classified as least concern. It can swim and maneuver better than many fish, and swims with only the top of its head out of the water. North American river otters are the only river otter that is found north of Mexico. The river otter is Minnesota's largest aquatic carnivore that lives in most northern Minnesota lakes, ponds, and streams. River otters are frequently caught in beaver traps on accident. Life Span 8 - 9 Years. This will help track information about the range of North American river otters in the Salish Sea. Length. They have wide, rounded heads, small ears, and nostrils that can be closed underwater. In Pennsylvania, otters occur in every major river system and are absent only in watersheds with significant water-quality problems. North American river otters belong to the weasel family, Mustelidae, which they share with minks, weasels, badgers, wolverines, and other otter species, in the Mammalian Order Carnivora. Common Name North American River Otter. River otters can tolerate a variety of environments, including cold and warmer latitudes and high elevations. River otters can be found throughout North America. The North American river otter ranges over most of North America north of Mexico. The Internet connection is missing right now, but you're able to browse previously opened pages offline. As the name suggests, the historic range of the North American river otter extended throughout most of North America. North American river otters seem to be sensitive to pollution and disappear from areas with polluted waters. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent, found in and along its waterways and coasts.An adult river otter can weigh between 5 and 14 kg (11 and 30 lb). Individul otter home ranges vary and are determined by drainage patters. The weight of a North American river otter measures around 5 – 14 kg (11 – 31 lb). Adult males live along large stretches of river, often up to 40 to 50 miles. Otters mainly inhabit fresh water rivers, streams, inlets, lakes and coastal marshes. Scientific Name Lontra canadensis. River Otter Facts. Conservation: North American river otters have been hunted for many years for their fur. Region (Region 2) (Figure 1). The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent, found in and along its waterways and coasts. 3. North American River Otter Photo by Megan Mullin Habitat • In the Wild: Alaska, Canada, and the lower 48 states. Home ranges of adult males The body is covered with short, red-brown hair. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. They are able to live in a variety of different habitats, including rivers, lakes and large creeks. North American river otters are semi-aquatic mammals with long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. This dataset represents a species known range extent for North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) within the conterminous United States (CONUS) based on 2001 ground conditions. American River Otter North Carolina Wildlife Profiles Range Map Seems to delight in sliding. 11 – 30 lbs. Threats. Habitat and Range. The river otter is found throughout Alaska with the exception of the Aleutian Islands, the offshore islands of the Bering Sea, and the area adjacent to the arctic coast east of Point Lay. Many "play" activities actually serve a purpose; some strengthen social bonds, others practice hunting techniques or serve to scent mark. Clean water supporting fish and other aquatic life is the foundation of good otter habitat. They can also weigh anywhere from 11 to 30 pounds. River otter reaches a … • Male river otters are larger than the females. 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. Their feet have claws and are completely webbed. Otters range throughout most of North America, north of Mexico. North American river otters build dens in the burrows of other mammals, in natural hollows, such as under a log, or in river banks. The adult male weighs around 11.3 kg (25 lb); while the female weighs up to 8.3 kg (18 lb). The United States and Canada; Habitat. North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Description & Range: The river otter is the largest member of the weasel family (Mustelidae). Status, Trends, and Threats Habitat/Range: Historically, otters were found over most of North America, except the dry Southwest U.S. and treeless arctic. Geographic Range Found in all states and territories of the United States and Canada. Status Least Concern. The body of the river otter measures between 65 cm to 105 cm (25 to 41 inches) in length and the tail measures 32 to 45 cm (12 to 17 inches) in length. By the early 1900s, river otters had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. Mira Lutz June 4, 2019 creature feature, river otter, otter, north american river otter, salish sea. The adult North American river otter has a head-body length of 26 to 30 inches, and a tail that is 12 to 17 inches long. Within the National Forest System (NFS), a sensitive species is a plant … This range map was created by attributing sub-watershed polygons with information of a species' presence, origin, seasonal and reproductive use. On average, otters range from 36 to 50 inches long from their head to the tip of the tail. River otters are most active at night. Body length ranges from 26 to 42 inches and weight ranges from 10 to 30 pounds. See Gap Analysis Project Species Range Maps for more … The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent, found in and along its waterways and coasts.An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11 and 31 lb). It has a long, slender body covered in brown, water proof fur. Summary 7 The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts.An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 31 lb). These are their social hubs, like going to the drive-in or mall. Some threats to river otters include habitat development and loss, hunting and trapping, habitat alterations and damming, disease from invasive species, and pollution. Despite its common name, the North American river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats. Their home ranges are only 3 to 10 miles depending on habitat quality and the time of year. • Exhibit Location: Social Animals Characteristics • Height: length: 18-33 inches; tail length: 12-20 inches • Weight: 6-31 lbs. Fish; Crayfish; Crabs; Frogs; Birds’ eggs; Birds; Turtles; Weight. Instead of “water closets,” North American river otters like to poop in piles near the water, called latrines. 3 – 4 ft. Conservation Status. Trapping and water pollution removed otters through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the mid-western and eastern United States. The belly fur is a little lighter than that on the rest of the body, and the throat area is white. Today, otters live along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, the Pacific Northwest, the Great Lakes, and most of Canada and Alaska. River otters eat a variety of fish and shellfish, as well as small land mammals and birds. The otter body is … Streams, rivers, lakes, and lagoons; Diet. It weigh from 8.5 to 12 kg (19 to 26 lbs). An adult river otter can weigh between Template:Cpnvert. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. It weighs about 20 to 25 pounds. Otters are playful animals, often seen burrowing through the snow, sliding through mud and splashing in the water. It is recognized by its powerful neck and elongated body. Type Mammal. North American River Otter. Otters and their wild neighbors can always use another Salish Sea Hero! The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. The sides of the face are tan. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Range and Distribution Due to efforts made to restore the otter into its former range, otters are now distributed throughout North Carolina. Least Concern (IUCN) Even with stable populations the North American River Otter still needs help keeping their populations safe. Range and habitat. Diet 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. During the 18th century, they could be found playing in streams, rivers, and lakes in almost every waterway. The otter population has been reduced by water pollution, uncontrolled trapping, and severe habitat loss. The North American River Otter is very streamlined, having a muscular body with short legs, webbed toes and a long muscular tail. Article below from Wikipedia entry: The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts.An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 31 lb). The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis; hereafter, river otter) is the focus of an assessment because USFS Region 2 classifies it as a sensitive species. Females aren't nearly as mobile. North American River Otter Lontra canadensis Range. 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. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. North American river otters have long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. Offspring 1 - 6 Pups Diet Carnivore. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). In Canada, they can be found in every province and territory except Prince Edward Island, where they appear to be extirpated. They have wide, rounded heads, small … The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) became one of the major animals hunted and trapped for fur in North America after European contact. 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