Otters reach sexual maturity at 2 to 3 years of age. Provided it survives its first year of life, a typical North American river otter will live to the age of 12, with some surviving longer. The oldest living river otter on record was 27 years old. North American river otters are likely the most numerous of the otter species.
Because they are at the top of their food chain, they have few predators. However, water pollution, uncontrolled trapping and severe habitat loss have reduced the number of river otters.
For years, river otters have been hunted for their fur, and their pelts are still an important source of income for many people in Canada.
As recently as the mids, more than 30, pelts were harvested annually. Today, accidental trappings in beaver traps constitute the most otter fatalities. Regionally extinct throughout the Midwest and heavily populated areas in the east, several states have recently begun reintroduction programs. It is encouraging to note that with these conservation programs, regulations on trapping and the improvement of water quality, the river otters are finally making a comeback in certain wetland areas.
Because they have a low tolerance for polluted water, river otters are considered by some naturalists to be a good indicator, or "keystone," species of the quality of aquatic habitats. They are found at the top of the food chain, and there is some evidence that their birth rates are reduced when pollution levels—including toxic chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides and agricultural wastes—build up.
River otters have been blamed for decimating game fish populations and are seen as a pest to eradicate by many game fishermen. Recent research, however, indicates that otters prefer slower moving, easier to catch fish, such as suckers and catfish found along river bottoms, and pose no threat to game fish. Skip to main content.
Entry passes are required for all guests, including infants. All visitors ages 2 and older are required to wear a mask in all indoor spaces at the Zoo, regardless of their vaccination status. Fully vaccinated visitors do not need to wear a mask in outdoor areas. American Trail. North American river otter. Share this page:. Fact sheet Conservation Physical Description North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws.
Size Adult river otters weigh 10 to 33 pounds 4. Communication River otters exhibit a variety of vocalizations, ranging from whistles and buzzes to twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls. Social Structure 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. Reproduction and Development Information about river otter breeding and reproductive and social behavior is varied due to the difficulty of studying these animals in the wild.
Lifespan Provided it survives its first year of life, a typical North American river otter will live to the age of 12, with some surviving longer.
Help this Species Organize or attend a stream, river, lake or other waterway cleanup in your area to preserve aquatic habitats for local species. Sea otters live along the Pacific coast, from Alaska to Southern California.
Both sea otters and river otters are water creatures. In spite of their name, river otters settle around rivers, lakes, streams, marshes and back waterways. As long as the water is fresh or brackish -- just slightly salty -- river otters will consider settling along it.
Sea otters actually live most of their lives in the water. They inhabit the shallower waters -- less than feet deep -- and can be seen foraging for food along the shores, though they also will dive feet down for food. Although river otters spend a lot of time swimming, playing and hunting for food in the water, they establish their homes on land, typically within yards of the water.
The land must have places they can hide in -- such as tall vegetation, hills or piles of rocks -- and plentiful sources of fish and other food. Sea otters are rather clumsy on land, having adapted so well to their life in the water. They do come out of the water, however, to the delight of onlookers who happen to see them lounging on a pier or scrambling along the shore. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city.
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