The river otter ( Lutra canadensis) is the best swimmer of the weasel, or Mustelidae, family. Fish from the order Perciformes, particularly cichlids and perch, were seen in 97% of scats, and Characiformes, such as characins, in 86%. It is the noisiest otter species, and distinct vocalizations have been documented that indicate alarm, aggression, and reassurance. [63], Local people sometimes take pups for the exotic pet trade or as pets for themselves, but the animal rapidly grows to become unmanageable. 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). Their diet is primarily fish and crayfish, but they will also feast on frogs, snakes, birds, and rodents. [70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. [57][58][37][59], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. [2] It has no serious natural predators other than humans, although it must compete with other predators, such as the Neotropical otter, jaguar, and various crocodilian species, for food resources. Duplaix documented interaction with the Neotropical otter. Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. The river otter is a remarkable animal to watch on the move, either in the water or on the shore. Nature at risk: Otters still call Delaware River home, for now. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. Ecotourism also presents challenges: while it raises money and awareness for the animals, by its nature it also increases human effect on the species, both through associated development and direct disturbances in the field. A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. Decades of poaching for its velvety pelt, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, considerably diminished population numbers. We thought were next, Detroit River is next, he said. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. [30][38] North American river otters do not generally handle prey of a large size relative to themselves but there are occasions where they have been observed ambushing and killing adult common snapping turtles while the large turtles (which are roughly equal in average body weight to a North American river otter) are hibernating. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. The three Guianas remain the last stronghold of giant otters in South America, with pristine giant otter habitat on some rivers and good giant otter densities overallstill, but for how long? ), chubs (Semotilus spp. [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? The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. Giant Otter This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. Its dense fur coat is prized by trappers. [2] In the former, investigation has shown thinly distributed population remnants. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the Eurasian otter, which does not do this. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. [32] The North American river otters have also been known to catch and consume moulting American wigeon (Mareca americana) and green-winged teal (Anas crecca). . An analysis of dry season range size for three otter groups in Ecuador found areas between 0.45 and 2.79 square kilometres (0.17 and 1.08sqmi). Provided it survives its first year of life, a typical North American river otter will live to the age of 12, with some surviving longer. Poaching has long been a problem. River otters eat mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. [50] Males actively participate in rearing cubs and family cohesion is strong;[51] older, juvenile siblings also participate in rearing, although in the weeks immediately after birth, they may temporarily leave the group. They will feed on fish, invertebrates, frogs, clams, crayfish, and small mammals or birds. The North American river otter is the most abundant otter species, but surprisingly little is known about its lifein the wild. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. [26] Other fish an integral part of the North American river otters' diets are those that are often plentiful and found in large schools: sunfish (Lepomis spp. Ste Marie and his partner sprinted a few hundred yards to the walkway where the otter was headed. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. [18] (The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is the fourth Lontra member.) In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. 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. The Guianas are one of the last real strongholds for the species, which also enjoys modest numbers and significant protection in the Peruvian Amazonian basin. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. Otters are the largest member of the weasel family weighing up to 30 lbs. North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting. [61], The North American river otter is considered a species of least concern according to the IUCN Red List, as it is not currently declining at a rate sufficient for a threat category. Group hierarchies are not rigid and the animals easily share roles. [13] The giant otter shares the South American continent with three of the four members of the New World otter genus Lontra: the Neotropical river otter, the southern river otter, and the marine otter. We are thrilled that they are back, he told CNN. [62], The species is amphibious, although primarily terrestrial. 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. Howdyshell said he was able to take video of the river otter to prove he and Molly weren't hallucinating. River otters are found throughout most of North America from the Rio Grande to Canada and Alaska, except for in arid deserts and the treeless Arctic. [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. Two river dolphins, the tucuxi and boto, might potentially compete with the giant otter, but different spatial use and dietary preferences suggest minimal overlap. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. Protect local waterways by using fewer pesticides when caring for your garden or lawn. They also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. River otters stay in family groups during the summer and early fall. North American river otters get their boundless energy from their very high metabolism, which also requires that they eat a great deal during the day. [7] All four names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. This ancient otter weighed as much as an adult lion. [44][45] Within groups, the animals are extremely peaceful and cooperative. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight The park harbors many endangered plants and animals, including the giant otter, and holds the world record for mammal diversity. 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. Published North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. The animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm (28in) to the total body length. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. SmithsoniansNationalZoo& ConservationBiologyInstitute [57] One full-year study of giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. ), with a maximum recorded length of 240 cm (94 in. [45] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. [75] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. The river otter ( Lontra canadensis) is a key bio-indicator of the health of our environment as they sit at the top of this water-based food chain. Are you a hunter? [60], The species can hunt singly, in pairs, and in groups, relying on sharp eyesight to locate prey. [34] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. When in the water, the giant otter faces danger from animals not strictly preying upon it: the electric eel and stingray are potentially deadly if stumbled upon, and piranha may be capable of at least taking bites out of a giant otter, as evidenced by scarring on individuals. It is an amphibious member of this family as are the mink and sea otter. In the United States, there are sea otters and the North American river otter, or . North America's largest North American river otter populations were found in areas with an abundance and diversity of aquatic habitats, such as coastal marshes, the Great Lakes region, and glaciated areas of New England. [59] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. The average 24-hour movement was only 3.5 km (2 mi. [25][31], The species possesses 2n= 38 chromosomes.[32]. 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. These huge. The giant otter has a handful of other names. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. There is evidence that river otters' play activities strengthensocial bonds, improvehunting techniquesand scent markterritories. [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. In addition to the survey data, DEC collects public sighting data for river otter and other furbearer species. [33] Concern over this endangered species has since generated a body of research. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. It is encouraging to note that with these conservation programs, regulations on trappingand the improvement of water quality, the river otters are finally making a comeback in certain wetland areas. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. Trapping, loss or degradation of aquatic habitats through filling of wetlands, and development of coal, oil, gas, tanning, timber, and other industries, resulted in local extinctions or population declines in North American river otter populations in many areas. Their body is long and narrow, with dark brown skin that weighs 15-30 pounds. HISTORY . A Warner Bros. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). After a few bumps, they can slide up to 22 feet on the ice. In 1995, the DNR began a reintroduction program aimed at re-establishing a healthy otter population in several watersheds of northern and southern Indiana. Since their reintroduction to Kentucky in the early 90s, they have recovered to the point that a trapping season was started in 2006, and the species is now found in all major waterways. Logging, hunting, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity. All Rights Reserved. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. [49] However, large populations never occurred in areas of Southern California such as the chaparral and oak woodlands and Mojave Desert seasonal waterway regions, or in the xeric shrubland regions in New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and Colorado. Enhydriodon Omoensis: The Largest Otter Ever The largest . Whale watching is . North Andover, MA (01845) Today. The den is usually dug into the bank of a stream but can be an old beaver's lodge, muskrat house or hollow tree. Before the giant river otter, there was an otter that weighed more than four times the largest living otter species. Today, accidental trappings in beaver traps constitute the most otter fatalities. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. . The estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. Washington, DC 20008. His Mad Magazine work is iconic, and he holds the Guinness World Record for longest cartoonist career. [40] Duplaix suggests a division between "residents", who are established within groups and territories, and nomadic and solitary "transients"; the categories do not seem rigid, and both may be a normal part of the giant otter life cycle. Its distribution has been greatly reduced and is now discontinuous. The North American river otter is one of several carnivorans included in ongoing research of respiratory turbinates by Dr. Van Valkenburgh. The initial goals of the study are: [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. Ste Marie lives on the Canadian side of the Detroit River, which divides Detroit, Michigan, from Windsor, Ontario. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. Different studies have placed the breeding season in winter, late springand summer. Schenck et al., who undertook extensive fieldwork in Peru in the 1990s, suggest specific "no-go" zones where the species is most frequently observed, offset by observation towers and platforms to allow viewing. The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. The species was so thoroughly decimated, the number dropped to just 12 in 1971. When submerged, otters close their nostrils . Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. Because they have a low tolerance for polluted water, river otters are considered by some naturalists to be a good indicator, or "keystone," species of the quality of aquatic habitats. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. When threatened or frightened, they emit a hair-raising scream that can be heard up to 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) across the water. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. [4] Occasional reports also show the river otter eating other small animals, such as mice, squirrels, birds, and even dogs that they've attacked and drowned. Although no studies have been conducted on the total number of Eurasian otters left in the world . New at the Zoo: Meet Our Bushbaby Brothers. How Do You Train A Lemur For Voluntary Radiographs? and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. Chasing is also a common game. At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, they eat a prepared meat diet and several types of fish. A North American river otter's home range can be as large as 30 square miles (78 square kilometers), but a typical territory is 3 to 15 square miles (4.8 to 24 square kilometers). [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. Discover the fascinating world of animal training and enrichment at the Aquarium. They live in riparian zones, which are the areas that border stream, rivers, and lakes. [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) [13] Both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs. Subadults leaving in search of new territory find it impossible to set up family groups. Its pretty crazy to be lucky enough to see one.. River otters are incredible swimmers. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. The neotropical otter is active during twilight and darkness, reducing the likelihood of conflict with the diurnal giant otter. Otters primarily feed on fish and aquatic organisms including crayfish, frogs, and other miscellaneous animals. [5] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. [28] River otters are much smaller averaging 10-30 pounds with a cylindrical body and small head. Carnivore. [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. One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water. Giant otters served as Yaku runa's canoes. [30], At the time of Carter and Rosas' writing, vision had not been directly studied, but field observations show the animal primarily hunts by sight; above water, it is able to recognize observers at great distances. They are found at the top of the food chain, and there is some evidence that their birth rates are reduced when pollution levelsincluding toxic chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides and agricultural wastesbuild up. Using fertilizers sparingly, keeping storm drains free of litter and picking up after your pet can also improve watershed health. Limits on the number of tourists at any one time, fishing prohibitions, and a minimum safe distance of 50 metres (164ft) are proposed to offer further protection. [91] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past.[92]. Whistles may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence is limited. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. 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 . On its face, the upper lip, mandible, and tip of the muzzle are silvery white to yellowish. Female otters prepare dens that they keep scrupulously clean. The cause of the excitement was the sighting, last week, of a wild giant river otter - an animal feared extinct in the country due to habitat loss and hunting - on the Bermejo River in . A localized threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some regions though. To sexual advances between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas furbearer species was first described by naturalist. Plata river systems, especially in coastal areas active during twilight and darkness reducing! 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