3. See Gap Analysis Project Species Range Maps for more … Species: Neotropical Otter. 2. North American River Otters. This range map was created by attributing sub-watershed polygons with information of a species' presence, origin, seasonal and reproductive use. River Otter (Lutra canadensis) Description The otter is the largest member of the weasel family (Mustelidae) found in South Carolina. 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 playful river otter, common in lakes and streams throughout the United States and Canada, enjoys its new freedom. The North American river otter is a species of otter in the family Mustelidae. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. The otter has a long cylindrical body with a powerful tail, making it ideal for life in the water. What caused the decline of river otter populations in the early 1900s? 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. This dataset represents a species known range extent for North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) within the conterminous United States (CONUS) based on 2001 ground conditions. NARRATOR: As spring begins, snow and ice melt into flowing streams. There are 13 extant species of otter around the world, one of which is native to the UK. Other nonscientific names include Nearctic River Otter, Northern River Otter, Canadian Otter, Land Otter, and Fish Otter. All otters are declining due to habitat loss. Fun Facts. 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. Like other otter species, the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) has a long, sinuous, streamlined body, highly modified for aquatic life.The limbs are short and powerful, the clawed paws are fully-webbed, and the flattish head terminates in a broad muzzle equipped with numerous sensitive whickers used for detecting prey underwater. In the 1800s, otters swam in waterways across North America until fur-trappers hunting for pelts nearly obliterated the species. 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. Baby otters are called cubs, pups or kits. American River Otter Wildlife Profiles—North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Q&A 1. 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. Adults were river otters ≥ 2 years old and subadults were river otters < 2 years old. The North American River Otter is very streamlined, having a muscular body with short legs, webbed toes and a long muscular tail. North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) are an important part of the watershed ecosystem! Despite its common name, the North American river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats. 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. A new study from North Carolina State University detected evidence of otter diseases that may be spread by pets. The North American river otter occurs in much of Canada and the United States, except for portions of the Southwest, and in Mexico in the Rio Grande and Colorado River delta areas. PIERRE, S.D. A North American river otter is capable of breeding once it reaches about two years of age. They grow to one meter (3 to 4 ft) in length and weigh from five to 15 kilograms (10 to 30 lb). During the winter the otter could only fish through small ice holes. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. As the health of a stream, river or the Bay changes, so does the amount of the otters’ prey. As top predators, they consume many other animals, from insects and crayfish to rodents and birds. They are a top predator and their presence also reflects the health of the ecosystem around them. DNA work by Koepfli & Wayne (1998 & 2003) indicated that the Asian small-clawed otter is a sister species to the African clawless and Congo clawless otters. 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. It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. River otters eat a variety of fish and shellfish, as well as small land mammals and birds. River otters are able to hold their breath underwater for up to eight minutes. As an indicator species, their presence illustrates a healthy ecosystem. Threats: Destruction of habitat. Worldwide, there are 13 species of otters that can be found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. River otter populations declined significantly throughout the late 1800s due to over-harvesting and water pollution. Find river otters, and you will find healthy streams and rivers. 1 (2014): 502-517. 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