Otters are great hunters, partially because they have sharp little teeth and a strong jaw! In warmer times, you may also see otters sliding down a riverbank. They are trained to chase fish into the fisherman’s nets, and are rewarded with part of the catch and a safe home. Their burrows are typically found near water and are often built to be accessible both from on land and in the water. This makes them poor pets. [8] However, they normally live about 8 to 9 years in the wild, [14] but are capable of living up to 13 years of age. The pups are born blind and spend the first month of their lives in their dens with the female. Some even wonder if otters build dams like beavers. As with their habitats, it is also easier to list locations you cannot find otters. The ones in this story are North American river otters. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Animals.NET aim to promote interest in nature and animals among children, as well as raise their awareness in conservation and environmental protection. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. Long whiskers help them find fish, clams, insects and other aquatic animals. River otters as a whole look quite similar to weasels. Habitat and Diet: River otters live in aquatic habitats -- streams, rivers, lakes, and freshwater and saltwater marshes. The fishermen in Bangladesh have bred and raised smooth-coated otters for generations. They will feed on fish, invertebrates, frogs, clams, crayfish, and small mammals or birds. Water whereabouts. 0. Although they are able to reproduce annually, it is more likely for this species to give birth every two years. In other regions the otter shares aquatic habitats with species specialised to different habitats such as sea otters, but in Ireland the otters that live at the coast and those that occupy our rivers are the same species. River otters are found along rivers, streams, and lakes and also in estuaries, coastal bogs, and large marine waterways such as Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The otters deposit their … The species of otter that occurs in Ireland is called the Eurasian otter and is found in Europe and across Asia to China and Japan. River otters are most active at night. They live in holes in river banks called holts; a holt will have a few different entrances to protect against flooding, with at least one entrance being above water level. Their favourite habitats include wetlands, rivers and coastlines. Females aren't nearly as mobile. Humans have hunted otters for centuries. They have brown, water-repellent fur, webbed feet and long tails. Cubs will stay with and remain dependent upon their parents for over a year. In local areas its presence will depend on the provision of suitable aquatic habitats, sufficient food and cover fo… After a few bumps, they can slide up to 22 feet on the ice. The Potomac River is home to one of the most adorable aquatic animals- the river otter. They will cover the area in their feces, urine, and musk to warn others away. One fun fact is that River Otters don’t dig their own dens, they either use a natural hollow or burrow made by another animal. While North American River otters are rather high up on the food chain, they do in fact have several natural predators. When they are around one month old the pups begin to explore their den, and at two months old they learn to swim. But our local species is on the rebound. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Female otters give birth to between one and six pups. Otter species can be found across Eurasia, Africa, India, Japan, Indonesia, North America, South America, and Central America. The mother (and sometimes the father as well) will care for the pups. They are prized for their thick, luxurious coats, known as pelts. Most otters live in dens — built by other animals, such as beavers — that are dug into the ground that have many channels and dry inner chambers. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. This animal must be provided with plenty of swimming space, as well as sufficient area on dry land to play and snooze. Adult males live along large stretches of river, often up to 40 to 50 miles. The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) continues to protect habitat across Canada where river otters live. River otters can measure up to 1.4 metres in length from nose to tail, and weigh up to almost nine kilograms. Otters are found almost all over the world and in many wet habitats, such freshwater rivers, lakes, oceans, coastlines and marshes. This playful mammal is making a splash across Canada. They have scent glands at the base of their tail, and they deposit their musky scent on their dung, which is called spraint. All photos used are royalty-free, and credits are included in the Alt tag of each image. River otters need healthy aquatic habits to survive. Read on to learn about the otter. European otter – As the name suggests this species is found in Europe and extends across parts of Asia and North Africa. At a year old, the young otters can survive on their own, and often venture off to make their own families. Otters live in water, in dens or nests. Hello world! Most species of otters are born in a den of some kind, either a tunnel or abandoned beaver dam. The most famous and common otter is the European, or ordinary river otter, inhabits North Africa, Europe (besides Switzerland and the Netherlands) also Asia, not meeting only on the Arabian Peninsula. You can commonly find them living in beaver dams. This can include rivers, canals, lakes and wetland areas. After two months, the female otter teaches the full-sighted pups how to swim. Most otter species are social, living in groups consisting of a mother and her various generations of pups. Otters thrive on land and in the water. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42 in). River otters have many interesting qualities and … They are said to play pranks on people when they shape shift, often involving the otter turning into a beautiful woman. ). They have long bodies, and long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. Other places you will find them lingering include around rivers, streams, and lakes. The range of the California (or southern) sea otter extends from California to Mexico. [8] Form and function. River otters can be found throughout North America. However, through conservation management and reintroduction efforts, populations have recuperated and are now considered stable. Where do otters live? Otters have frequently been seen making slides in the riverbank, and zipping along them. In Ireland the otter population is geographically widely spread. River otters live alone or in pairs. In winter, when an otter's den or nest freezes over, the otter will look for a new river to live in. It is much easier to list the habitats that river otters don’t live in than to list the areas they do. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. Along the Texas Gulf Coast region, otters also live in marshes, bayous, and brackish inlets. All are cousins of badgers, weasels, minks, ferrets, wolverines, and polecats. Most otters live in dens — built by other animals, such as beavers — that are dug into the ground that have many channels and dry inner chambers. In the central basin, they are apparently limited to large rivers, such as the Columbia, Yakima, and Walla Walla. This may sound disturbing, but is successful. About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, t… The North American river otters can live for up to 21-25 years in captivity. One example is NCC’s Cherry Meadows property, near Kimberly, British Columbia. July 6, 2018. Otters are found almost all over the world and in many wet habitats, such freshwater rivers, lakes, oceans, coastlines and marshes. Otters seek clean rivers, filled with food and overgrown banks where they can raise their cubs. They can thrive in any water habitat, such as ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers, and estuaries—in cold, warm, or even high-elevation areas—as long as the habitat provides adequate food. In water, especially along the Gulf Coast, crocodilian reptiles are real threats. Located in the Rocky Mountain Trench, this area features extensive wetlands that are perfect for river otters. Most river otters are opportunistic, feeding on … Although otters do not build them, they will sometimes use abandoned dams. All otters have webbed feet to help propel them through the water, and most species have sharp claws. Otter species can be found across Eurasia, Africa, India, Japan, Indonesia, North America, South America, and Central America. An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25 lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18 lb). The Alaskan (or northern) sea otter inhabits northwest part of the United States. Their tiny ears close under water, and their thick fur helps keep them warm in cold water. This allows them to feed even in murky waters. However, the animals are different in many aspects of their habits and appearance. Basically, they can be found anywhere they have easy access to both land and water. River otters thrive outside of water too, and can sometimes be seen playing in snow or sliding down muddy hills. River otters do however; do what they need to keep other animals out of their territory. Do you know how else river otters … P.S. River otters can be found throughout North America. 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. It occurs between southeastern Alaska and British Columbia. River otters are able to hold their breath underwater for up to eight minutes. They enjoy the freshwater but they are also known to live in the saltwater of the oceans as well. In Canada, they can be found in every province and territory except Prince Edward Island, where they appear to be extirpated. They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. They are able to live in a variety of different habitats, including rivers, lakes and large creeks. Where do otters live? Though still considered rare, the species is widespread in the UK and can be seen in almost every county. Sea otters are found in two areas: The Pacific coasts of Russia and Alaska, and along the central California coast. Otter Dens. They live in a den by the edge of a lake, stream, or marsh. River otters live in clean rivers, lakes, and marshes—wherever they … Because these critters are secretive and shy animals they were commonly captured using traps or hunting dogs. Please do not trap live otters and then drown them, as it is considered illegal in many states and is a painful way for any animal to die, which can last anywhere up to eight minutes. The North American river otter is a stocky animal of 5 to 14 kilograms (11 to 31 lb), with short legs, a muscular neck (no smaller than the head) and an elongated body that is broadest at the hips. North American River otters may be commonly found throughout much of sub-Arctic Canada, Alaska, and, within the contiguous United States, in the Pacific Northwest and along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico. A Sea Otter's life - Big Blue Live: Episode 2 - BBC One Otters have small, rounded ears, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of their prey. The only continents without otters are Australia and Antarctica. In zoos, otters are fed a meat-based commercial carnivore diet, fish, carrots, yams, potatoes, crayfish, and worms. Known for their playfulness, otters are found all over the world including the UK. In Canada, they can be found in every province and territory except Prince Edward Island, where they appear to be extirpated. Eurasian otters will generally live anywhere that has a source of unpolluted fresh water with a sufficient food supply. Where do otters live? They will use dens made by beavers, muskrats, or woodchucks. River Otters prefer to live near bodies of water such as lakes, large rivers, and streams. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. Otters are expert swimmers and divers and unlike beavers or muskrats, the otter only makes a small ripple when swimming. Otters are wonderfully skilled predators, who display a number of interesting behaviors and traits. River otters eat virtually anything that you can find near lakes or streams. Sea otter – This species lives on the Pacific coast of the North American continent. North American River Otter The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. Otters are not kept as pets because they need special conditions to live a healthy life, but there are many otters that live in captivity (in research centers, zoos etc. The sea otter, however, rarely comes ashore, according to the San Diego Zoo. There are 13 different species of otters living around the world. Be advised that any attempt to poison an otter is considered illegal, and would cause complications anyway once the bait has been consumed. River otters are aquatic mammals but they do travel across land as well. Also, it is illegal in most states to own an otter. They use their long whiskers when swimming underwater to feel for the movement of their prey. This species does not hibernate and remains active under frozen water by breathing through breaks in the ice. Their home ranges are only 3 to 10 miles depending on habitat quality and the time of year. As with their habitats, it is also easier to list locations you cannot find otters. Photo by Andrea Westmoreland. Whether it’s a lake, river, swamp or estuary, otters like a mix of land and water. 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. Submitted by: Billybob River otters are aquatic mammals (2004) Where: Otter Country. River otter populations declined significantly throughout the late 1800s due to over-harvesting and water pollution. Any animal with teeth can bite, but otters are particularly “munchy,” and should not be handled in any way. © 2020 Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) | ™ Trademarks owned by The Nature Conservancy of Canada. By land and by sea. Otters seem to be used as a symbol for tricksters, similar to the use of foxes in other folklore. They can also reach 25 years of age in captivity. However, between the 1950s and 1970s, their numbers significantly dropped, prompting conservationists to sound the alarm bells for one of UK’s beloved animals. 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. These have hidden, underwater entrances for protection from predators, which makes them attractive to otters. River otters breed between late winter and early spring. North American river otter – This species is found throughout much of Canada and parts of the United States. 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. Published by at December 9, 2020 The 11 species often referred to as river otters are found throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia in freshwater ecosystems that sustain an abundance of prey such as fish, crayfish, crabs, mussels, and frogs. They sometimes live along the coast, but they still require fresh water nearby. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. Terrestrial predators of otters include black bears and a variety of Feline and Canine species, domestic… Range and habitat. North American river otters live an average of 21 years of age in captivity, [14] but they can reach 25 years of age. Otters around the world have faced centuries of decline due to hunting, trapping, and habitat loss. They are intelligent creatures that require lots of enrichment and positive reinforcement-based training to keep them happy and healthy. Scent Communication. They spend much of their time playing with one another and building social bonds. Prior to the 1950s, these fish-devouring mammals were abundant in England. They are able to live in a variety of different habitats, including rivers, lakes and large creeks. The males will often form bachelor groups, and separate from their mothers. This group of animals is notorious for being adorable, but they are so much more than looks! River otters use their scent to mark their territorial boundaries. 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