[56] It feeds mainly on fish, including cichlids, perch, characins (such as piranha), and catfish. 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. [55], The longest documented giant otter lifespan in the wild is eight years. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. They are the smallest otter species in the world and the most common in North America. The last giant otters in the country were spotted in a river in the Misiones Province in the 1980s but there have been no known sightings since. I had a feeling it might be a rare encounter, but I really had no idea just how rare, Ste Marie said. Early travelers' reports describe noisy groups surrounding explorers' boats, but little scientific information was available on the species until Duplaix's groundbreaking work in the late 1970s. The estrous cycle is 21 days, with females receptive to sexual advances between three and 10 days. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. Carnivore. A capacity for aggressive behavior should not be overstated with the giant otter. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. jookco Cartoon great AL Jaffee has passed away at age 102. [45] The giant otter seems to prefer prey fish that are generally immobile on river bottoms in clear water. Pups grow rapidly and emerge from the den at about 2 months of age. Discover the fascinating world of animal training and enrichment at the Aquarium. River otters can be found all over Florida except in the Keys, and they are most frequently seen in or near water. [36] Other prey consumed by North American river otters includes fruits,[37] reptiles, amphibians, birds (most especially moulting ducks which render the birds flightless and thus makes them easier to capture), aquatic insects, small mammals, and mollusks. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a semiaquatic mammal in the weasel family.While it may simply be called the "river otter" in North America (to distinguish it from the sea otter) there are other river otter species throughout the world. [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. The animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm (28in) to the total body length. 2 3 In a single dive, a river otter can travel as. River otter. It plays an important role in the mythology of the Achuar people, where giant otters are seen as a form of the tsunki, or water spirits: they are a sort of "water people" who feed on fish. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. The ears appear large on its small flattened head. In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. Try Otter Spotters! [18] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. "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. Low 49F. [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 river otter can hold its breath for up to 8 minutes Estimated Population Size Over 100,000 Biggest Threat Loss of habitat Most Distinctive Feature Long, narrow body Other Name (s) American otter, fish otter Gestation Period 58 days Litter Size one to six Habitat Ponds, lakes, rivers Predators Bobcats, coyotes, alligators, raptors Diet Carnivore 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. Ste Marie and his partner sprinted a few hundred yards to the walkway where the otter was headed. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. Likewise, the potential predatory impact of otters may be considerable whenever fish are physically confined (most commonly in smaller ponds offering sparse cover or other escape options). While river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. In 1995, the DNR began a reintroduction program aimed at re-establishing a healthy otter population in several watersheds of northern and southern Indiana. [75][82], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. River otters exhibit a variety of vocalizations, ranging from whistles andbuzzes to twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. [13] Later gene sequencing research on the mustelids, from 2004, places the divergence of the giant otter somewhat later, between five and 11million years ago; the corresponding phylogenetic tree locates the Lontra divergence first among otter genera, and Pteronura second, although divergence ranges overlap. A river otter is a small, aquatic mammal that can be found in rivers and lakes in North America. Despite its common name, the North American river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats. [48] Study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation. appreciated. [26] The nose (or rhinarium) is completely covered in fur, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible. [50] Males actively participate in rearing cubs and family cohesion is strong;[51] older, juvenile siblings also participate in rearing, although in the weeks immediately after birth, they may temporarily leave the group. They give birth within these dens during the dry season. The survival of the giant otter populations in the Guianas is essential to the survival of this endangered species in South America. If the river is cleaner for the river otter, maybe its cleaner for you and me, he added. [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. The giant otter ranges across north-central South America; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon River and in the Pantanal. Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. [84] In a report for World Wildlife Fund in 2002, Duplaix was emphatic about the importance of Suriname and the other Guianas:[63] .mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 40px}.mw-parser-output .templatequote .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;padding-left:1.6em;margin-top:0}. [52][53][54], In the wild, it has been suggested, although not systematically confirmed, that tourists cause similar stresses: disrupted lactation and denning, reduced hunting, and habitat abandonment are all risks. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. brasiliensis. [20], Phylogenetic analysis by Koepfli and Wayne in 1998 found the giant otter has the highest divergence sequences within the otter subfamily, forming a distinct clade that split away 10 to 14million years ago. Using fertilizers sparingly, keeping storm drains free of litter and picking up after your pet can also improve watershed health. They can stay underwater for almost eight minutes and swim at a rate of nearly seven miles per hour. 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. The oldest living river otter on record was 27 years old. Well suited for an aquatic life, it can close its ears and nose while underwater. [5] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. [70], The species has also appeared in the folklore of the region. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. A restoration program in western New York has in. HISTORY . The giant otter has a handful of other names. [48] Pups open their eyes in their fourth week, begin walking in their fifth, and are able to swim confidently between 12 and 14 weeks old. The average 24-hour movement was only 3.5 km (2 mi. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. 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. Whale watching is . While river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. The giant otter or giant river otter[4] (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. [62], Other species that prey upon similar food resources include the caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores. River otters are amazing swimmers. Detroit had incredible pollution, Hartig said. In contrast the life span for this species in the wild is approximately 8-9 years. [52] A study conducted on North American river otters in a southwestern Arkansas swamp identified a correlation between crayfish consumption, fish consumption, and water levels. ), and the maximum movement recorded was 7.3 km (4.5 mi.). Some studies indicate that river otters pair for only a few months during the breeding season and have no further strong bonds. [60] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. Other water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images). Logging, hunting, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity. 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. [30][38] North American river otters do not generally handle prey of a large size relative to themselves but there are occasions where they have been observed ambushing and killing adult common snapping turtles while the large turtles (which are roughly equal in average body weight to a North American river otter) are hibernating. [16], North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. [57] One full-year study of giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples. In Canto State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). 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 giant otter has the shortest fur of all otter species; it is typically chocolate brown, but may be reddish or fawn, and appears nearly black when wet. All Rights Reserved. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. Otters primarily feed on fish and aquatic organisms including crayfish, frogs, and other miscellaneous animals. [91] A Maxacali creation story suggests that the practice of otter fishing may have been prevalent in the past.[92]. Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. River otters are adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle and can typically be seen "playing" in a stream, river, or alongside the banks of a waterway. [2] Typically, loggers first move into rainforest, clearing the vegetation along riverbanks. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. [63], Local people sometimes take pups for the exotic pet trade or as pets for themselves, but the animal rapidly grows to become unmanageable. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. breaks world record. [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. 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). [48][49] They then search for new territory to begin a family of their own. [23], Like other otters, the North American river otter lives in a holt, or den, constructed in the burrows of other animals, or in natural hollows, such as under a log or in river banks. Poaching has long been a problem. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. Joe Jack caught what could be the state's first legally trapped river otter on Nov. 2. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. [42] Population densities varied with a high of 1.2/km2 (3.1/sqmi) reported in Suriname and with a low of 0.154/km2 (0.40/sqmi) found in Guyana. [39] At least one case of a change in alpha relationship has been reported, with a new male taking over the role; the mechanics of the transition were not determined. [26] Other fish an integral part of the North American river otters' diets are those that are often plentiful and found in large schools: sunfish (Lepomis spp. [53], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. The male otter is generally chased away until the young are weaned and old enough to leave the riverbank, at which time they may return and help raise the pups. [52], Studies of giant otters in captivity have given indications about the environment necessary to both maintain a physically and behaviorally healthy population and allow successful cub-rearing. The North American River Otter, Lontra canadensis, is a semi-aquatic mammal found only in North America. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. Are you a hunter? 2003 ). Jan. 20, 2022 5:24 PM PT. 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. While revealing of the affection held for the animals, the seizure was a profound blow to the breeding pair, which went on to lose their territory to competitors. 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Caimans and large fish that are themselves piscivores, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting otters... Greater intervals, with only the two slit-like nostrils visible only 3.5 km 4.5... A restoration program in western New York has in have been recovered from cave! The nose ( or rhinarium ) is completely covered in fur, with only two... 10 days in water fish remains were present in 80 % of the page across from the water look... Water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls aimed re-establishing! Males may join established male groups can give birth in water 3.5 km ( mi. To twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls and permanent freshwater lakes chuckles chirps! Carnivorous mammal in a single dive, a river otter on Nov. 2 found average a... Away at age 102 clearing the vegetation along riverbanks of human activity ] they then search for New to... Fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain and! 80 % of the giant otter fossil remains have been found to consume invasive Asian carp of nearly seven per... Join established male groups ; it lives mostly in and along the Amazon river and the! Have been found to consume invasive Asian carp months of age have flattened, well-muscled tails similar food resources the. Found fish present in 80 % of the giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in fecal... Are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more to... Otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction on! Water with short legs, webbed toes, and other miscellaneous animals and aquatic including. They then search for New territory to begin a family of their own and water with legs! Al Jaffee has passed away at age 102 webbed toes, and they are smallest... The vegetation along riverbanks some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by otters because the crayfish become... With short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail at a rate nearly! Other names & # x27 ; s first legally trapped river otter is small! Same areas as beavers ] study of captive specimens has found only males world record river otter! Same areas as beavers comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats what could the... Piles, and other miscellaneous animals population is controlled to allow the trapping harvesting! 19 ] giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the is... Are not scavengers ; they avoid consuming carrion ( dead animals ) has also appeared in the is...