The giant otter is large, gregarious, and diurnal. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. Air trapped within the dense fur provides superb insulation in icy waters. All Rights Reserved. Staff and visitors at the Toronto Zoo are mourning the death of an otter who had recently become ill. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). [30] North American river otters generally feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch. [5] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. Watch our Sea Otter Cam and see animated sea otters live now on exhibit as they swim, play with toys, lounge in ice buckets and eat during our daily feeding shows at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Different studies have placed the breeding season in winter, late springand summer. Giant otters adopt communal latrines beside campsites, and dig dens with a handful of entrances, typically under root systems or fallen trees. [29] The legs are short and stubby and end in large webbed feet tipped with sharp claws. 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. [5][6][7], The range of the North American river otter has been significantly reduced by habitat loss, beginning with the European colonization of the Americas. Otter births occur most frequently in March or April. [60] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. Although no studies have been conducted on the total number of Eurasian otters left in the world . [7] All four names are in use in South America, with a number of regional variations. Otter pups aren't born with swimming skills, they learn from their mothers. [43] While not rare among large predators in general, intraspecific aggression is uncommon among otter species; Ribas and Mouro suggest a correlation to the animal's sociability, which is also rare among other otters. [5] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. The giant otter is also rare in captivity; in 2003, only 60 animals were being held.[5]. [48] Study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation. However, waterpollution, uncontrolled trapping and severe habitat loss have reduced the number of river otters. We are thrilled that they are back, he told CNN. 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. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. "Giant otter" translates literally as nutria gigante and lontra gigante in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. after 100 years, "Final report of the North American river otter research project on the Upper Colorado River Basin in and adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado", "Asian Carp in the Diet of River Otters in Illinois", Assessment and status report on the Grizzly Bear, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=North_American_river_otter&oldid=1149392550, This page was last edited on 11 April 2023, at 23:15. The species was listed as endangered in 1999 and wild population estimates are typically below 5,000. Farmers follow, creating depleted soil and disrupted habitats. Sea otters weigh more around 45-90 pounds with large, furry faces. 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). The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. Before the giant river otter, there was an otter that weighed more than four times the largest living otter species. 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. and over 3 feet long, are found across North America, although their range has been significantly damaged by hunting and habitat. Derek Balmas of Franklinville was. Chasing is also a common game. Fish from the order Perciformes, particularly cichlids and perch, were seen in 97% of scats, and Characiformes, such as characins, in 86%. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. Tracks: 3' wide and round in shape. River otters are much smaller averaging 10-30 pounds with a cylindrical body and small head. In the winter, otters have found the easiest and perhaps most fun way to get around is by sliding. Usually when I see something like that, its a muskrat or a mink, which are much more common in this area., How otters and beavers returned to one of the world's greatest golf courses. Massachusetts' largest member of the weasel family, otters weigh 11-30 pounds and are 35-50 inches long. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. River otters have been blamed for decimating game fish populations and are seen as a pest to eradicate by many game fishermen. River otters will eat just about any living creature they can catch. On average, male otters weigh 25lbs and are about 48in in length . [37], The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. [53][56], Cases where otters have been ambushed and consumed by grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have also been reportedly witnessed near the Arctic region. The river otter (Lutra canadensis) is a member of the Mustelidae or weasel family. ), and other game fish during spawning. Females are roughly one-third the size of males. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. River otters, semiaquatic mammals that can grow up to 30 lbs. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. Otters prefer water bordered by woods and with wetlands, such as marshes, nearby. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. [23], Although commonly called a "river otter", the North American river otter is found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats, both freshwater and coastal marine, including lakes, rivers, inland wetlands, coastal shorelines, marshes, and estuaries. 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. A river otter caught on camera taking a swim in the Detroit River is the first of its species to be documented in the body of water in over 100 years, experts said. They are the smallest otter species in the world and the most common in North America. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. The largest river otter is the North American river otter, ranging from 100 to 153 cm (39-60 in.). [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. [56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. HISTORY . [34][50] Invertebrates discovered within scats or digestive tracts could most likely be a secondary food item, first being consumed by the fish that are subsequently preyed upon by the North American river otters. This ancient otter weighed as much as an adult lion. [23], North American river otters consume an extensive assortment of fish species ranging in size from 2 to 50 centimeters (0.79 to 19.69in) that impart sufficient caloric intake for a minute amount of energy expenditure. In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. . When you become a member, you also receive exclusive benefits, like special opportunities to meet animals, discounts at Zoo stores and more. The implementation of CITES in 1973 finally brought about significant hunting reductions,[14] although demand did not disappear entirely: in the 1980s, pelt prices were as high as US$250 on the European market. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. 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. Parasites, such as the larvae of flies and a variety of intestinal worms, also afflict the giant otter. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. Their fur is brown, slick, and acts as a. North American river otters ( Lontra canadensis) can grow up to four feet from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail and weigh up to 30 pounds. The river otter is a remarkable animal to watch on the move, either in the water or on the shore. North Andover, MA (01845) Today. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). Weight: 11 to 30 pounds. Although it holds the title of being the world's longest weasel, it's classified as endangered. Whale watching is . 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. 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. River otters, semiaquatic mammals that can grow up to 30 lbs. Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. [33] Every study done on the food habits of the North American river otter has identified varying fish species as being the primary component of its diet. [87], Throughout its range, the giant otter interacts with indigenous groups, who often practice traditional hunting and fishing. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW [12], Molecular biological techniques have been used to determine when the river otter and the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) of South America diverged. Otters have a high metabolism which requires them to consume 15% - 20% of their bodyweight in food each day. Females appear to give birth year round, although in the wild, births may peak during the dry season. [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. River otters have long, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey. Prey chase is rapid and tumultuous, with lunges and twists through the shallows and few missed targets. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images). [59] If fish are unavailable, it will also take crabs, snakes, and even small caimans and anacondas. Robin ( 1987) reported that in 1985, 50% of Eurasian otters were captive born and in 2015 approximately 77% were captive born (Rey . River otters can be found all over Florida except in the Keys, and they are most frequently seen in or near 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. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the Eurasian otter, which does not do this. It has the greatest body length of any species in the mustelid family, although the sea otter may be heavier. The oldest living river otter on record was 27 years old. Sliding is a thing. They also receive mice, carrots, hard-boiled eggs, clams, crayfish, dry kibble, crickets and live fish for variety and enrichment. River otters such as Lutra lutra are primarily nocturnal, being most active at dusk or night. The first beavers to live wild in England for centuries are to be allowed to remain in their new home on the River Otter in east Devon after a five-year reintroduction trial. Life has been unfair to the giant river otter. Other water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes. Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. Water pollution and other diminution of aquatic and wetland habitats may limit distribution and pose long-term threats if the enforcement of water quality standards is not upheld. )[38], Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair. Scent marking is done by either urinating/defecating or by emitting a strong, musky odor from the paired scent glands near the base of thetail. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. These include providing at least the minimum recommended land-to-water area ratio, and that all enclosure land surfaces (both artificial and natural) are nearly entirely covered with the recommended substrate conditions (e.g. The otters and their environment still face challenges, including climate change, urban runoff, and the continued legacy of the industrial revolution in the form of contaminated sediments in these rivers and harbors, Hartig said. Other researchers suggest approximately 7 square kilometres (2.7sqmi) and note a strong inverse correlation between sociality and home range size; the highly social giant otter has smaller home range sizes than would be expected for a species of its mass. River otters keep their young safe by their side and in dens that . The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus. The otters typically capture prey in their mouths but occasionally use their thumbs and forepaws to grasp and manipulate prey. [15][16] The New World river otters originated from the Old World river otters following a migration across the Bering Land Bridge, which existed off and on between 1.8million and 10,000 years ago. and over 3 feet long, are found across North America, although their range has been significantly damaged by hunting and habitat loss. "Dry and Rainy Season Estimations of Giant Otter, "Giant River Otter Believed to be Extinct Has Been Spotted in Argentina", "How a social lifestyle helped drive a river otter species to near extinction", "Differential resilience of Amazonian otters along the Rio Negro in the aftermath of the 20th century international fur trade", "Mercury levels in tissues of Giant otters (, "Giant Otter Project In Peru: Field Trip And Activity Report, 1998", "A Survey of Kaburi Creek, West Suriname, and its Conservation Implications", "WWF welcomes Latin America's largest freshwater protected area", "Estudio preliminar sobre el estado de conservacin de la nutria gigante (Pteronura brasiliensis) en la zona de influencia de Inrida (Bajo ro Inrida) Guaina, Colombia", "PER-I38: El mundo del agua temido y poco conocido", "Biology and conservation of Giant Otter (, "Observations on the ecology and behavior of the giant river otter, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Giant_otter&oldid=1150316722, Articles with Spanish-language sources (es), Wikipedia indefinitely move-protected pages, Articles containing Portuguese-language text, Articles containing Spanish-language text, Articles containing Ancient Greek (to 1453)-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 17 April 2023, at 12:48. 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. In 2004, Peru created one of the largest conservation areas in the world, Alto Purs National Park, with an area similar in size to Belgium. [70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. [36] A study conducted on captive otters revealed they preferred larger fish, ranging from 15 to 17 centimeters (5.9 to 6.7in), more than smaller fish, ranging from 8 to 10 centimeters (3.1 to 3.9in), and they had difficulty catching fish species less than 10 centimeters (3.9in) or larger than 17 centimeters (6.7in). Characins ( such as the larvae of flies and a strong protectiveness towards the young dens that small.... And they are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon.! 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