The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) became one of the major animals hunted and trapped for fur in North America after European contact. River otter populations declined significantly throughout the late 1800s due to over-harvesting and water pollution. Otters are carnivorous mustelids in the Lutrinae subfamily. All otters are declining due to habitat loss. North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) are an important part of the watershed ecosystem! Photograph by Michael Quinton / Minden Pictures This lists the logos of programs or partners of NG Education which have provided or contributed the content on this page. 3. It is seen sliding down mud and snow inclines for the sheer delight of it. American River Otter Wildlife Profiles—North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Q&A 1. Almonte, C. “Classification of Captive North American River Otters (Lontra canadensis) Vocal Repertoires: Individual Variations, and Age Class Comparisons.” Animal Behavior and Cognition. Worldwide, there are 13 species of otters that can be found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Mexico. Baby otters are called cubs, pups or kits. According to the mammal species of the world scientific publication, this family is made up by three subfamilies with 22 genera and has 57 living species. 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. By the 1950s its numbers were greatly reduced due to trapping and pollution, but after a long campaign to clean the waterways, trapping management and reintroductions in states in which it no longer occurred, this species now thrives throughout the USA and Canada. They have delayed implantation of the embryo in the uterus which makes the gestation period appear very long, ranging from 9-12 months; this delayed implantation is rare in otters although it is common in the mustelid family as a whole. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. By sharing research and knowledge, participating institutions work together to establish guidelines that best ensure the health of captive populations, and with success, the survival of otherwise extinct species. As top predators, they consume many other animals, from insects and crayfish to rodents and birds. A new study from North Carolina State University detected evidence of otter diseases that may be spread by pets. In turn, so does the number of otters. 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. The North American River Otter is very streamlined, having a muscular body with short legs, webbed toes and a long muscular tail. This species does not hibernate and remains active under frozen water by breathing through breaks in the ice. Last, but not least, North American river otters are considered a keystone species, which means other species in the same habitat largely depend on the existence of river otters. The playful river otter, common in lakes and streams throughout the United States and Canada, enjoys its new freedom. Other nonscientific names include Nearctic River Otter, Northern River Otter, Canadian Otter, Land Otter, and Fish Otter. Unregulated over-trapping for fur and meat. North American river otters are known for their playful swimming, but they are also an important species for helping scientists understand the health of river systems. What caused the decline of river otter populations in the early 1900s? Neotropical Otter occurs in all major rivers along the east of the country and patchy areas along the northern coast. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). Species: Neotropical Otter. By the early 1900s, river otters had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. The North American River Otter is considered to be Least Concern as it is not currently declining at a rate sufficient for a threat category. Species: Neotropical, North American River Otter and Sea Otter. Zoo New England participates in the North American river otter Species Survival Plan. Boomer came to CMA to be a social partner for Walle, a rescued and non-releasable otter, who was residing by himself at that time. The North American river otter is a member of the mustelid or weasel family that can be easily identified by a stout body, short legs, noticeably tapered tail and dense, short, glossy fur. 1 (2014): 502-517. 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 found in and along its waterways and coasts. The otter has a long cylindrical body with a powerful tail, making it ideal for life in the water. They grow to one meter (3 to 4 ft) in length and weigh from five to 15 kilograms (10 to 30 lb). 2. Yes. As an indicator species, their presence illustrates a healthy ecosystem. River Otters Playing; Sources. In the 1800s, otters swam in waterways across North America until fur-trappers hunting for pelts nearly obliterated the species. Even with the risk of predation from larger species such as the American alligator, bobcats and coyotes, the greatest threat to river otters are from humans and include habitat destruction, fragmentation and pollution. This species used to be known as Amblonyx cinereus, and before that as Aonyx cinerea. During the winter the otter could only fish through small ice holes. NARRATOR: As spring begins, snow and ice melt into flowing streams. Boomer, a North American river otter, was born in January 2018 and was transferred to CMA on October 15, 2018, from another animal care facility. 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. Despite its common name, the North American river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats. Adult otters measure 35 to 55 inches in length, about one-third of which is tail. They are a top predator and their presence also reflects the health of the ecosystem around them. The North American river otter is a large otter whose story is a success. River otters can hold their breath underwater for up to 5 minutes. Does the otter ever seem to just have fun? 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