Creature Feature

North American River Otter

(Lontra canadensis)

Fast Facts

• Semi-aquatic mammal• Very streamlined for swimming• Very thick pelt provides insulation• Member of the weasel family • Weigh 11-30 lbs.• Body length ranges from 2-4 feet• Live 8-9 years in the wild• Can live up to 25 years in captivity

Distribution

• Can live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats

• Can tolerate a variety of environments– Cold and warmer latitudes – High elevations

• Seem to be sensitive to pollution and disappear from areas with polluted waters

Range has been significantly reduced because of hunting and habitat loss

Feeding• Mainly forage underwater• Can stay underwater up to 4 min.• Can swim at speeds up to 7 mph• Feed on a variety of animals– Fish – Crustaceans– Reptiles & amphibians – Aquatic insects–Mussels– Small mammals

Reproduction

• Males are promiscuous • Females find dens • Give birth to up to 5 ‘kits’• At birth kits are furry, blind, and

toothless• Females raise young

alone

Threats

• Few predators in the water• More vulnerable on land• Historically hunted for their pelts• Accidental death in fishing gear• Susceptible to habitat degradation and

pollution• In some areas populations have

recovered due to conservation initiatives

Video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsxHbJ-5Mew