world record river otterworld record river otter

A river otter is a small, aquatic mammal that can be found in rivers and lakes in North America. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much [26] Guard hairs trap water and keep the inner fur dry; the guard hairs are approximately 8millimetres (one-third of an inch) in length, about twice as long as the fur of the inner coat. [9] The mammal was identified as a species of otter and has a variety of common names, including North American river otter, northern river otter, common otter and, simply, river otter. SANDWICH, ENGLAND - JULY 20: An aerial view of the par 4, eighth hole looking back to the tee from the green as the sun rises at the host venue for the 2021 Open Championship at The Royal St. George's Golf Club on July 20, 2020 in Sandwich, England. A Eurasian river otter mother relaxes with with her two seven-month-old cubs on a shoreline in Shetland, U.K. . [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. Schoolchildren, however, had a more positive impression of the animal. 2. In the wild state, female sea otters normally have a life-span of 15-20 years, and males 10-15 years. Otters are the largest species of the weasel family measuring in at 3-4 feet long with a 12-18 inch tail. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. For instance, an Alberta, Canada study involved the collection and analysis of 1,191 samples of North American river otter scat (feces) collected during each season. Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. [88], In Suriname, the giant otter is not a traditional prey species for human hunters, which affords some protection. Two river dolphins, the tucuxi and boto, might potentially compete with the giant otter, but different spatial use and dietary preferences suggest minimal overlap. [62], Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. Hunting in shallow water has also been found to be more rewarding, with water depth less than 0.6 metres (2.0ft) having the highest success rate. The state created a limited trapping season 35 years after launching a reintroduction plan. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. [63] Duplaix identified two critical factors in habitat selection: food abundance, which appears to positively correlate to shallow water, and low sloping banks with good cover and easy access to preferred water types. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. River otters, semiaquatic mammals that can grow up to 30 lbs. [44][45] Within groups, the animals are extremely peaceful and cooperative. Otters have a high metabolism which requires them to consume 15% - 20% of their bodyweight in food each day. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. If you have seen the elusive river otter in the wild, you are one of the lucky few.At zoos, otters are among the most visited . The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. [35] An analysis published in 2014 cataloged 22 distinct types of vocalization in adults and 11 in neonates. The otter's ears and nostrils close underwater. However, sea otters are acclimated to salt water, and come to shore only for occasional rest periods and to give birth. Habitat degradation and loss is the greatest current threat. [55] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population. Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. [2] Populations in Bolivia were once widespread but the country became a "black spot" on distribution maps after poaching between the 1940s and 1970s; a relatively healthy, but still small, population of 350 was estimated in the country in 2002. Some studies indicate that river otters pair for only a few months during the breeding season and have no further strong bonds. The giant otter shows a variety of adaptations suitable to an amphibious lifestyle, including exceptionally dense fur, a wing-like tail, and webbed feet. They hunt singly or in pairsand although otters generally forage in water, they are equally at home on land, sometimes traveling between 10 and18 miles (16 and 29 kilometers) in search of food. Poaching has long been a problem. [16] Their main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. River otters, semiaquatic mammals that can grow up to 30 lbs. Their diet is primarily fish and crayfish, but they will also feast on frogs, snakes, birds, and rodents. [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. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8m (5ft 11in). Populations of river otters in the Delta had been greatly reduced by trapping, pollution and habitat destruction, but in recent years, their numbers have been increasing, and they've expanded. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. River otters generally live along rivers, as their name implies, but they're also found near streams and lakes. [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). Let's meet the 440-pound otter, the largest otter that ever lived. Make a donation to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today! Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". [64], Giant otters use areas beside rivers for building dens, campsites, and latrines. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). River otters stay in family groups during the summer and early fall. [25], Giant otter muzzles are short and sloping and give the head a ball-shaped appearance. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. [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. The U.S. is home to two species: the sea otter and the North American river otter. tree-bark mulch and soft pebble-free sand/soil). The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. 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. Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. 2 3 In a single dive, a river otter can travel as. A third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, protects the eye and allows the otter to see when swimming underwater. [48][49] Research over five years on a breeding pair at the Cali Zoo in Colombia found the average interval between litters was six to seven months, but as short as 77 days when the previous litter did not survive. The North American river otters may leave the den by eight weeks and are capable of sustaining themselves upon the arrival of fall, but they usually stay with their families, which sometimes include the father, until the following spring. By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. Organize or attend a stream, river, lake or other waterway cleanup in your area to preserve aquatic habitats for local species. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. [25] The fur is extremely dense, so much so that water cannot penetrate to the skin. North American river otters are very susceptible to the effects of environmental pollution, which is a likely factor in the continued decline of their numbers. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. [59] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. [30] North American river otters generally feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch. The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. Hartig said that in 2019, river otters were observed in Lake Erie National Park, having swum across Lake Erie. The European River Otter shares similar sleeping habits, spending most of the day sleeping in undergrowth or the holes which are their dens. appreciated. and over 3 feet long, are found across North America, although their range has been significantly damaged by hunting and habitat. It was Nov. 8, 2022, when a trio of anglers hit the St. Lawrence River out of Clayton in pursuit of the mighty muskellunge, the elusive fish of 10,000 casts. At this point, they eat solid food but are not completely weaned for another month or two. . Gymnotids, such as the electric eel, and the large silurid catfish are among aquatic competitors. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. Chasing is also a common game. They noted that the species may be the basal divergence among the otters or fall outside of them altogether, having split even before other mustelids, such as the ermine, polecat, and mink. While young otters swim naturally, the mother must coax them into the water for their first swim. River otters such as Lutra lutra are primarily nocturnal, being most active at dusk or night. Sliding is a thing. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. They weigh about 4to 6ounces (113 to 170 grams) at birth and measure 8 to 11 inches (20 to 28 centimeters).

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