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DISTRIBUTION
The Northern river otter's range is
Alaska and across Canada and the United States, avoiding the
arid regions of Texas, Arizona, Nevada and California. They
are aquatic (live in water), as well as terrestrrial (live
on land) and are found within 350 yards of rivers, lakes and
streams unless they are moving between rivers or lakes. They
can tolerate a wide variety of climates and environments including
very cold and hot areas, high elevations, and coastal waters
(rarely). The Lutra canadensis is found in the following
biomes - temperate forest & rainforest, temperate grassland,
mountains, temperate coastal, freshwater lakes, and freshwater
rivers. |
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DESCRIPTION
River otters are long, streamlined animals
with a thick tapered tail and short legs. They have a wide,
rounded head, small ears, and nostrils that can be closed
underwater. They also have long, thick whiskers. They are
dark brown to almost black above and a lighter color ventrally.
The throat and cheeks are usually a golden color. The feet
have claws and are completely webbed. |
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DIET
River otters eat mainly aquatic organisms
(water creatures) such as amphibians, fish, crayfish, and other
invertebrates. Birds and small terrestrial mammals are also eaten
on occasion. Prey is captured with the mouth, and mainly slow, non-game
fish species, such as suckers, are taken. The otter's long whiskers
are used to detect organisms in the river, lake or stream botton.
Prey is eaten immediately after capture. |
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LIFE CYCLE/SOCIAL BEHAVIOR
The Northern river otter is usually found
alone or in pairs, but will often socialize with other otters. The
basic social group consists of a mother and her pups, with the pups
leaving when the mother gives birth again. Males do not associate
in groups. They are very playful, and enjoy mud-sliding, snow burrowing
and sliding, and interacting with other otters. Many of the otters'
"play" activities actually serve a purpose. Some are used to strengthen
social bonds, to practice hunting techniques, and to scent mark.
River otters get their boundless energy from their very high metabolism,
which also requires them to eat a great deal during the day. |
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REPRODUCTION
Breeding season for the Northern
river otter is from March to April. The actual length of time
for the infant otter to develop is 60 days, but because of
delayed implantation the time from mating to birth takes 10
to 12 months. The cubs are born in a den near the water. The
male is driven away from the den shortly after the birth of
the young but is later allowed back to help care for them.
The pups open their eyes after 4 weeks, begin to swim at 2
months, nurse for 3-4 months, and leave the mother at one
year old. The pups are cared for exclusively by the female
until they are six months old; after which the male is allowed
to return and helps to care for the young as well. |
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COMMUNICATION
River otters communicate through a wide range
of activities. They chatter, chuckle, grunt, snort, and growl. They
also warn other otters of danger with a shrill whistle. They also
scent mark using paired scent glands near the base of their tails
or by urinating/defecating on vegetation within their home range.
These glands produce a very strong, musky odor. Listen to an otter
by clicking on the links below:
Upset Otter!Otter talk |
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SOME INTERESTING FACTS
1. River otters are VERY playful and love
to slide downhill in snow and mud, considered a favorite amusement.
When an otter slides down an embankment of snow or mud or across
the ice on a waterway, it holds its front feet back along its sides
with its hind feet out behind in a "streamline arrangement" (Murie,
1974).
2. River otters are very intelligent and very
curious. Scientists have found they have a remarkable memory!
3. The otter is very flexible. Some people
thought the otters didn't have bones, only cartilage. They can roll
up in a ball and have their nose touch their tail.
4. River otters have been hunted for their
fur. The Northern river otter has been virtually eliminated throughout
much of its range in the United States, especially in the midwestern
and eastern areas of the country. Today, the otter faces habitat
loss and chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides as threats
to its continued existence. |
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