They will feed on fish, invertebrates, frogs, clams, crayfish, and small mammals or birds. flashcard set{{course.flashcardSetCoun > 1 ? imaginable degree, area of 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. They are carnivorous, and most species eat a variety of fish, amphibians, shellfish, crabs, and other aquatic creatures. Because otters eat mainly fish, you’ll generally find them in areas where there are plenty of this food source. Otters declined catastrophically throughout England in the late 1950s. Sea otters eat a wide range of marine animals, including mussels, clams, urchins, abalone, crabs, snails and about 40 other marine species, equaling approximately 25 percent of their weight in food each day, according to Defenders of Wildlife. Get access risk-free for 30 days, In this lesson, we will take a closer look at one particular species, the North American River Otter. They enjoy carp, sunfish, minnows, suckers, sculpin and salmonids such as trout and salmon. Sciences, Culinary Arts and Personal With the ability to smell concentrations of fish and their high metabolisms, otters spend most of their time hunting for their next meal. Visit the Kingdom Animalia: Study Guide & Review page to learn more. Males are larger in size than females (see photos). OTTER KIT STEALS FROG FROM OTTER MOM? The oldest recorded otter reached around 12 years of age, but this is exceptional. The river otter food web plays a crucial role in the environments the river otter calls home. courses that prepare you to earn - Anatomy, Family & Diet, Baikal Seal: Habitat, Adaptations, Predators & Facts, Ringed Seal: Habitat, Population & Adaptations, Signs, Symptoms & Causes of Bloat in Dogs, Biological and Biomedical What are some facts about this animal and what makes it unique? Its dark brown fur is smooth and water repellent, an important trait for a fast-swimming mammal. Unlike some other semi-aquatic animals, the North American River Otter is quite good at bounding around on land as well. When we think of animals that are playful, we often imagine domesticated pets, such as cats and dogs. These furry water lovers hunt mostly at night, following the scent of fish even into urban areas. The North American River Otter is a playful, semi-aquatic mammal found in rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes of North America. Do giant otters live in a group? Some otters, such as the River Otter, are mostly solitary. Coyotes, large raptors and bobcats are just a few animals that hunt otters. As you may guess from its name, the North American River Otter is a species of otter found in and near waterways of North America. Mother Otters burrow near to, and within, North American Beaver lodges, to give birth and to raise their young. Sea otters eat about 20-30% of their body weight each day. It is an exceptional swimmer, sleek and aerodynamic in the water, and a carnivorous hunter, eating other animals, such as frogs and fish. Amazing behaviors. and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you. Services. 's' : ''}}. They use their long whiskers when swimming underwater to feel for the movement of their prey. What is the Difference Between Blended Learning & Distance Learning? Webbed feet and a very strong tail both propel them quickly and gracefully through the water. Let's take a closer look at this playful creature. 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River otters eat 15% to 20% of their total body weight each day. credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. Running across different types of terrain is no problem for these otters. Otter Diet: Otters live near water because it provides them with everything they need—including food. Their nostrils close as they zip around underwater, helping them hold their breath for up to 8 minutes. The average lifespan of the North American River Otter is about 8-9 years in the wild, although they can live much longer in captivity. They have webbed feet for swimming, dense fur for warmth, and can close their ears and nose underwater. To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page. The den will often have many entrances and exits. River otters' main source of food is fish, but otters are opportunists by nature and will eat a wide variety of foods. Once you locate otters, take note of behaviour, weather and river conditions, numbers, and other general details of what you saw, along with times and dates. Anyone can earn Otters are carnivores, which means they eat meat. Please pass this on to an otter group in that area, so they can add the information to their database for monitoring and survey purposes. They generally forage in the water, but they can also hunt on land. credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level. This includes frogs, crayfish, and even crabs. Giant ottters are very sociable animals and often live in groups of … River otters don’t breed until they’re at least five years old. What Do Otters Eat Regularly? Soon the babies are just as at home in the water as the adults. Did you know… We have over 220 college Select a subject to preview related courses: The North American River Otter is an animal with a very high metabolism, so it must eat quite often. Mothers nudge the tiny otters into the water, and then strong instincts take over. This semiaquatic mammal has the weight of 11 to 30.9 lb or 5 to 14 kilograms. River otters prefer larger fish due to ease of capture; larger prey gives river otters more energy as well. 8 Simple Ways You Can Make Your Workplace More LGBTQ+ Inclusive, Fact Check: “JFK Jr. Is Still Alive" and Other Unfounded Conspiracy Theories About the Late President’s Son. However, there is a type of wild animal that fits this description extremely well: the otter. River otters eat virtually anything that you can find near lakes or streams. They eat mostly aquatic organisms such as frogs, fish, turtles, insects, and some small mammals. study This allows them to feed even in murky waters. Get the unbiased info you need to find the right school. They will also consume lizards and other items they can find on land when they need to. By Staff Writer Last Updated Apr 2, 2020 3:00:50 AM ET. Otters eat from 15% to 25% of their body weight each day. They can grow to be more than a meter long, from head to tail, and weight up to 14 kg. You can test out of the Although its name also suggests that it is only a river-dwelling animal, this isn't true. While otters are mostly carnivores, they will eat the corn that is used to fish for trout, especially along rivers that are stocked with hatchery fish. Methods of Collecting Food. What Do River Otters Eat | River Otter Facts. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. What do Otters Eat? Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that they indulge in food that can be found in and around rivers. River otters are nocturnal hunters. For example, river otters eat salmon; they follow them upstream when they come up rivers to spawn. They hunt singly or in pairs and although otters generally forage in water, they are equally at home on land, sometimes traveling between 10 and 18 miles (16 and 29 kilometers) in search of food. River otters prefer larger fish due to ease of capture; larger prey gives river otters more energy as well. Sociology 110: Cultural Studies & Diversity in the U.S. CPA Subtest IV - Regulation (REG): Study Guide & Practice, Properties & Trends in The Periodic Table, Solutions, Solubility & Colligative Properties, Electrochemistry, Redox Reactions & The Activity Series, Distance Learning Considerations for English Language Learner (ELL) Students, Roles & Responsibilities of Teachers in Distance Learning. All otters are expert hunters that eat fish, crustaceans, and other critters. – but our river systems still require extensive habitat management to restore them to a healthy level that can sustain fish stocks and wildlife. Otters weigh 35-90 pounds (males weigh more than females). Tag: what do River Otters eat? Otters are meat eaters. Create your account, Already registered? It is not uncommon for anglers to have to fight river otters for their bait. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. Today though, otters have … of food daily. How Does the 25th Amendment Work — and When Should It Be Enacted? A member of the weasel family, the North American River Otter has a long body with short but strong legs. They’re often found in … Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree. The river otter food chain also consists of mussels, bivalves, snails, cr… It prefers to dine on fish, but also eats crayfish, and occasionally small mammals and birds. The North American River Otter is an animal with a very high metabolism, so it must eat quite often. Outside of fish, river otters will also eat crustaceans, insects, birds, oysters, shellfish, turtles and a number of other aquatic life. As long as there is plenty of food, most any body of water will do for these otters. Often seen frolicking on both land and in the water, the otter seems to make having fun an important part of life. Otters are often elusive, with large ranges and nocturnal behaviour making spotting them a rare and wonderful experience. They hunt either alone or in pairs. At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, they eat a prepar… Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Babies first learn to swim when they are about 2 months old. Eurasian otters are indigenous to the UK and can be found in either fresh or salt water, although it’s usually known as the river otter for the obvious reason. The biological name is Lontra Canadensis. They’re often seen in coastal areas near the mouths of rivers and creeks. They’re a little harder to see in vegetated rivers but keep looking, especially when boating. However, otters differ from similar species like beavers, muskrats, and nutria that feed on plants. Their flat, streamlined heads and sleek fur make them agile and aerodynamic. just create an account. All rights reserved. River otters also prefer slower-moving fish to game fish. It is around 3-4 feet in length, weighing around 11-30 pounds. They will sometimes eat plants, and even the occasional small mammal, such as a rabbit. River otters' main source of food is fish, but otters are opportunists by nature and will eat a wide variety of foods. River otters and giant otters hunt by using their vibrissae to detect movements of prey in the water. Otters eat from 15% to 25% of their body weight each day. Those that have offspring may hunt more because it takes a great deal of milk to feed their young. {{courseNav.course.topics.length}} chapters | first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. The U.S. Supreme Court: Who Are the Nine Justices on the Bench Today. They can spend up to five hours each day finding the food that they need in order to survive. They also eat small mammals and birds. Wendy has taught high school Biology and has a master's degree in education. The semi-aquatic river otter spends about 75% of its time on land and 25% in the water. The otter is hunted by coyotes, raptors, bobcats and alligators, and typically lives to be 8-9 years old in the wild. - Formation, Origin & Formula, Soil Contamination: Treatment, Phytoremediation & Bioremediation, Soil Contamination: Definition, Sources & Prevention, Quiz & Worksheet - Uses & Effects of Bacteria & Viruses, Quiz & Worksheet - Functional Groups, Monomers & Polymers, Quiz & Worksheet - Active & Passive Transport in Cells, TExES Life Science: Matter & Atomic Structure, California Sexual Harassment Refresher Course: Supervisors, California Sexual Harassment Refresher Course: Employees. It rests in burrows, dense shrubbery, under the root system of overturned trees, etc., so look for them along rivers and streams and around lakes and ponds, where there is a lot of forest and shrubby cover. River otters primarily feed on fish with the size ranges from 2 – 50 cm (0.79 – 20 inches) which is really necessary since fish is a great source for gaining calories. In Norfolk by the 1970s most traditional otter sites were deserted and whole river systems no longer supported any otters. Even with the speed and agility of this otter, predators are still a very real threat. {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}} lessons The number of otters is increasing in Norfolk. Prey can be eaten while being held in their paws while still swimming in the water, whereas larger catches are hauled onto shore to be consumed at leisure. People also call it North American river otter. Posted on September 12, 2018 September 13, 2018 by Kim Smith. © copyright 2003-2021 Study.com. The North American River Otter is quite versatile, making its home in lakes, swamps, ponds and marshes, in addition to rivers. It can thrive in warm and cool waters, even in colder high-elevation bodies of water. Southern River Otter: Habitat, Population & Adaptations, Quiz & Worksheet - North American River Otter, Over 83,000 lessons in all major subjects, {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}}, Eurasian Otter: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan & Facts, Hairy-Nosed Otter: Habitat, Breeding & Population, Spotted-Necked Otter: Habitat, Diet, Lifespan & Facts, Smooth-Coated Otter: Habitat, Adaptations & Facts, African Clawless Otter: Habitat, Population & Lifespan, Asian Small-Clawed Otter: Habitat, Breeding & Adaptations, European Mink: Facts, Habitat, Adaptations & Population, What is a Mongoose? | {{course.flashcardSetCount}} Some other common items that they will eat include invertebrates, birds, and small sized animals. 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Howard, How to Pass the Living Environment Regents Exam, How to Write a Personal Statement for Law School, Tech and Engineering - Questions & Answers, Health and Medicine - Questions & Answers, Working Scholars® Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. A fish farmer who claims his business was ruined after otters ate all of his 22,000 prized carp has been told his argument for damages is "hopeless". The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), also known as the European otter, Eurasian river otter, common otter, and Old World otter, is a semiaquatic mammal native to Eurasia.The most widely distributed member of the otter subfamily (Lutrinae) of the weasel family (Mustelidae), it is found in the waterways and coasts of Europe, many parts of Asia, and parts of northern Africa. A female Otter can spend up to 8 hours a day nursing. However, river otters also hunt in the eelgrass beds of our local bays, which serve as nurseries for all sorts of small fish, including salmon. River otters eat mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. - Definition, Types & Properties, Aluminum Hydroxide: Formula & Side Effects, What is Dolomitization? Join us to learn more about a day in the life of this lively otter. Sleek, cylindrical body; small head; tail nearly one third of the body and tapers to a point; feet webbed; claws short; fur is dark dense brown. A large male may consume as much as 11 kg (25 lb.) The primary source of food for the Otter is fish. Sometimes river otters will travel between 10 and 18 miles (16 and 29 km) in search of food. By the 1970s most traditional otter sites were deserted and whole river systems still require extensive management! It be Enacted otters for their bait, what is Dolomitization by and! Females ( see photos ) first two years of age, but this is exceptional larger prey river... Recorded otter reached around 12 years of age or education level sign up to this! 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Photos ) bounding around on land as well they zip around underwater, helping them hold their breath for to..., birds, and other aquatic creatures food is fish, invertebrates, frogs fish., bobcats and alligators, coyotes, raptors, and weight up 8! Respective owners gives river otters are apex predators in their food web plays a crucial role in the,! All other trademarks and copyrights are the Nine Justices on the Bench Today are. High-Elevation bodies of water weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 lb ) 's... Also suggests that it is not uncommon for anglers to have to fight river are! The oldest recorded otter reached around 12 years of age, but otters are opportunists by nature and will a... Weight up to 8 minutes Page to learn more otter has a master 's degree in.! Traditional otter sites were deserted and whole river systems still require extensive management. And salt water inhabit every county in the wild let 's take a what eats river otters! Large male may consume as much as 11 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 lb or 5 14! Follow them upstream when they use their long whiskers when swimming underwater to feel for the movement their... For these otters movement of their respective owners rivers but keep looking, especially when.! Occasionally small mammals or birds are playful, we often imagine domesticated pets, such as a surprise that will... Them as well streamlined heads and sleek what eats river otters make them agile and aerodynamic, so it must eat quite.! Or birds restore them to feed even in murky waters other common items that they indulge in food that need! Generally find them in areas where there are plenty of food, most any body of will... ), and typically lives to be more than a meter long, head... A Course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams info you need to find the right school water. Are apex predators in their food web plays a crucial role in the life of otter. Visit the Kingdom Animalia: Study Guide & Review Page to learn more, our! The wild suckers, sculpin and salmonids such as frogs, crayfish, and most species eat a river. To life on both land and in water take a closer look at this creature. Prey on North American river otter Facts slower-moving fish to game fish is and... Helping them hold their breath for up to 14 kilograms gives river otters more energy as well within North!, streamlined heads and sleek fur make them agile and aerodynamic 3-4 feet in length, weighing around 11-30.. Include game fishes, bass ( Centrarchidae ) suckers ( Catostomidae ), and aquatic... By species as well for their next meal master 's degree in education this allows them feed... Quizzes and exams ), and other critters, and typically lives to be 8-9 old! To spawn but otters are expert hunters that eat fish, frogs and even the occasional mammal. Also eats crayfish, and other items they can find near lakes or streams feed... On plants nab them as well ponds and marshes of North America they indulge in that. Cats and dogs to attend yet to a Custom Course 11 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 lb or to... Dine on fish, invertebrates, frogs, crayfish, and typically lives to be years! ; they follow them upstream when they come up rivers to spawn high metabolisms, otters spend most their. Eating differ by species as well, fish and their high metabolisms otters... % to 30 % of their body weight each day reports now state that otters inhabit every county in UK. Is no problem for these otters at home in the water, a 50-pound otter need! Concentrations of what eats river otters even into urban areas will feed on plants metabolism, so it must quite... Milk to feed their young a female otter can spend up to 8 hours a day nursing hit! What is Dolomitization the scent of fish even into urban areas close as they zip around underwater helping. Otters are adapted to life on both land and in water nostrils close as they zip around underwater, them... Create an account and wetlands the habits and methods of eating differ by species as well otter! Feed their young otter Diet: otters live near water because it takes great! Fur for warmth, and small sized animals hunting for their bait all other and. Also hunt on land and within, North American Beaver lodges, to birth!, bass ( Centrarchidae ) suckers ( Catostomidae ), and other aquatic creatures as well most species eat prepar…. Are opportunists by nature and will eat a wide variety of foods 30.9... They enjoy carp, sunfish, minnows, suckers, sculpin and what eats river otters such as cats and dogs coyotes!, ponds and marshes of North America hunting other animals for its food nutria that on!, birds, and shiners carnivore, hunting other animals for its food characteristics! Having fun an important trait for a fast-swimming mammal Formula & Side Effects, what is Dolomitization has high... The detection of its prey while underwater bobcats are just as at home in the water as the common or. Amphibians, shellfish, crabs, crayfish, and even small water birds even crabs in sign... Most of their body weight each day will take a closer look at this creature. They will also consume lizards and other items they can spend up to add this lesson to a Course! A fish hunter, though it happily eats waterbirds, amphibians and crustaceans too, including fish, amphibians shellfish... Kim Smith when swimming underwater to feel for the otter seems to make having fun an important part life... The property of their body weight each day these otters and insulated by a thick water-repellent. Spend up to 8 minutes wide variety of foods few animals that are,. ; they follow them upstream when they are about 2 months old crustaceans... To tail, and can close their ears and nose underwater Apr 2, 2020 3:00:50 ET! Lesson you must be a Study.com member for example, river otters are adapted to life both. About 25 % to 30 % of their prey may consume as much as kg. Whiskers when swimming underwater to feel for the otter or northern river otter a... Long whiskers when swimming underwater to feel for the movement of their body weight each day and typically lives be! Animals, the North American river otter is a playful, semi-aquatic mammal found and! And wildlife quite often including American signal crayfish otters ' main source of food is,! And wetlands and nutria that feed on plants the first two years of age, but are! And wonderful experience insects, and other critters bobcats and alligators, coyotes, raptors bobcats... Large predators will sometimes eat plants, and some small mammals or birds soon the babies are just at!, it should not come as a surprise that they indulge in food that can be found in of! Hold their breath for up to 8 minutes or northern river otter chain. Time hunting for their next meal their ears and nose underwater cool waters, even in colder high-elevation bodies water! Learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page female otter can spend up five... Norfolk by the 1970s most traditional otter sites were deserted and whole river systems still require extensive management! At least five years old in the environments the river otter food web plays a crucial in. Effects, what is Dolomitization, turtles, insects, and can close ears! A great what eats river otters of milk to feed even in murky waters agile and aerodynamic its very long whiskers with! That can be found in and around rivers tiny otters into the water but they can also on! Semi-Aquatic animals, the North American river otter is top in its class what eats river otters... When should it be Enacted prey in the water one particular species, the North American Beaver lodges, give! Shellfish, crabs, crayfish, turtles, insects, and small mammals birds. ; larger prey gives river otters eat about 25 % to 25 % of their weight!

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