world record river otterworld record river otter

An extremely adaptable animal, otters tolerate hot and cold climates, as well as high elevations and lowland coastal waters. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. They appear in a fish poisoning legend where they assist a man who has wasted his sexual energy, creating the anacondas of the world from his distressed and extended genitals. [30], At the time of Carter and Rosas' writing, vision had not been directly studied, but field observations show the animal primarily hunts by sight; above water, it is able to recognize observers at great distances. In comparison, river otters can be found in fresh, brackish, or salt water, and can travel overland for . 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. The three Guianas remain the last stronghold of giant otters in South America, with pristine giant otter habitat on some rivers and good giant otter densities overallstill, but for how long? 2. In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land and in water. [78] A number of restrictions on land use and human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations. [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. [18] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. River otters have long, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey. River otters eat mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. This means they likely arrived in the Americas at a similar time as humans,[17] meaning humans were an important part of their natural ecosystem from the moment otters arrived. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. [28] [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. [29][30], The diet of the North American river otter can be deduced by analyzing either stool obtained in the field,[31] or gut contents removed from trapped otters. The North American river otter, a member of the subfamily Lutrinae in the weasel family (Mustelidae), is equally versatile in the water and on land. Other research maintains that river otters mate for life. [53], During the winter and spring, when the water levels were higher, North American river otters had a greater tendency to prey upon crayfish (73% of scats had crayfish remains) rather than fish. The Maine Fish and Game Commissioner at the time, George J. Stoble, said that the critter, which Bolstridge trapped on the Fish River, was a world's record otter. [5] They are weaned by nine months and begin hunting successfully soon after. The first beavers to live wild in England for centuries are to be allowed to remain in their new home on the River Otter in east Devon after a five-year reintroduction trial. 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. On its face, the upper lip, mandible, and tip of the muzzle are silvery white to yellowish. Meaning: Lontra is the genus name of American otters, and weiri honors guitarist Bob Weir. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. What to Watch for Size: 3-4' long including the tail which is about one third of the total length. Free or royalty-free photos and images. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. For years, river otters have been hunted for their fur, and theirpelts are still an important source of income for many people in Canada. Newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate in group activities. . 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. 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. That home range shrinks drastically during breeding and rearing season. Trapping, loss or degradation of aquatic habitats through filling of wetlands, and development of coal, oil, gas, tanning, timber, and other industries, resulted in local extinctions or population declines in North American river otter populations in many areas. In 2004, Peru created one of the largest conservation areas in the world, Alto Purs National Park, with an area similar in size to Belgium. The oldest living river otter on record was 27 years old. Josh Salmon,. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. Females are roughly one-third the size of males. Make a donation to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today! [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). Different studies have placed the breeding season in winter, late springand summer. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers the species' presence in Argentina and Uruguay uncertain. An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. [24] Footpaths connect and weave down through the river valley. Giant otters catch their own food and consume it immediately; they grasp the fish firmly between the forepaws and begin eating noisily at the head. Despite its common name, the North American river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. . Regionally extinct throughout the Midwest and heavily populated areas in the east, several states have recently begun reintroduction programs. Otters have a high metabolism which requires them to consume 15% - 20% of their bodyweight in food each day. [89] A Ticuna legend has it that the giant otter exchanged places with the jaguar: the story says jaguar formerly lived in the water and the giant otter came to the land only to eat. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. A third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, protects the eye and allows the otter to see when swimming underwater. [69] Pups are more vulnerable, and may be taken by caiman and other large predators,[52] although adults are constantly mindful of stray young, and will harass and fight off possible predators. All this information combined tells scientists a lot of information about where otters live. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). Observe a sea otter . All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. Their diet is primarily fish and crayfish, but they will also feast on frogs, snakes, birds, and rodents. [5] At Tierpark Hagenbeck in Germany, long-term pair bonding and individualized mate selection were seen, with copulation most frequently taking place in water. River otters leave scent marks on vegetation within their home range. Defence against intruding animals appears to be cooperative: while adult males typically lead in aggressive encounters, cases of alpha females guarding groups have been reported. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. Sliding is a thing. Their fur is brown, slick, and acts as a. Howdyshell said he was able to take video of the river otter to prove he and Molly weren't hallucinating. Pups grow rapidly and emerge from the den at about 2 months of age. Other water habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. Unlike most otter habitats around the world, it is thought that the Pacific north coast still supports a thriving otter population. The entire group, including nonreproductive adults, which are usually older siblings to that year's pups, collaborates to catch enough fish for the young. It lives only in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon, Orinoco, and La Plata river systems. [78] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their parents. Otter pups aren't born with swimming skills, they learn from their mothers. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. It is currently known principally from a single fossilised partial skull (including its snout, orbits and all upper teeth except for the first and second incisors, plus parts of its lower jaw and teeth), which was discovered in the Hadar Formation of Dikika, in Ethiopia's Afar Valley, and dates back to the Pliocene epoch, approximately 5.3-3.6 After a few bumps, they can slide up to 22 feet on the ice. Members are our strongest champions of animal conservation and wildlife research. The North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis), also called the Canadian otter, is the most abundant species of otter. [70], Even if without direct predation, the giant otter must still compete with other predators for food resources. In 1995, the DNR began a reintroduction program aimed at re-establishing a healthy otter population in several watersheds of northern and southern Indiana. River otters will eat just about any living creature they can catch. The otters typically capture prey in their mouths but occasionally use their thumbs and forepaws to grasp and manipulate prey. 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. [75][82], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. 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. North American river otters are very susceptible to the effects of environmental pollution, which is a likely factor in the continued decline of their numbers. In Canto State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. The ears appear large on its small flattened head. The den is usually dug into the bank of a stream but can be an old beaver's lodge, muskrat house or hollow tree. [5] Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested for otters in the wild. River otter poop also contains lots of DNA, from what the otters have eaten and from the otters themselves. The implementation of CITES in 1973 finally brought about significant hunting reductions,[14] although demand did not disappear entirely: in the 1980s, pelt prices were as high as US$250 on the European market. [63] It occurs in freshwater rivers and streams, which generally flood seasonally. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. The North American river otter used to be abundant throughout New York State, but its numbers have declined. There was so much oil in the river that not only river otters but beavers could not live there. [57][58][37][59], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. [46] In late 2012, a river otter nicknamed Sutro Sam took up residence around the former site of the Sutro Baths in San Francisco, the first river otter sighting in that city in more than half a century. Two male otters, a father and son pair named Emmett and Potomac, live on American Trail. [53], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. Otter fur is dark brown, short, and dense (hundreds of hairs/square inch) creating a smooth, sleek body and tail. The giant river otter can weigh up to 99 pounds. [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. Information about river otter breeding and reproductive and social behavior is varied due to the difficulty of studying these animals in the wild. There are 13 species of otters around the world, according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. 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. In contrast the life span for this species in the wild is approximately 8-9 years. It is one of the most endangered mammal species in the Neotropics. [34] A 1994 river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed. I didnt even know it was possible to see river otters here, he said. ), and the maximum movement recorded was 7.3 km (4.5 mi.). [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. "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. All group members may aggressively charge intruders, including boats with humans in them. Otters reach sexual maturity at 2 to 3 years of age. Diet of the River Otter River otters eat virtually anything that you can find near lakes or streams. The otters and their environment still face challenges, including climate change, urban runoff, and the continued legacy of the industrial revolution in the form of contaminated sediments in these rivers and harbors, Hartig said. Before the giant river otter, there was an otter that weighed more than four times the largest living otter species. They also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. You can be an incredible ally for conservation! April . Hahn is a graduate student at Ohio State University, which is one of the institutional partners in the otter research project, along with the forest preserve district, the Cook County Department of Animal and . Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. [43] While not rare among large predators in general, intraspecific aggression is uncommon among otter species; Ribas and Mouro suggest a correlation to the animal's sociability, which is also rare among other otters. The North American River Otter, for instance, is nocturnal three seasons and more diurnal only in the winter. River otters keep their young safe by their side and in dens that . [71] While the two species are sympatric (with overlapping ranges) during certain seasons, there appeared to be no serious conflict. When in the water, the giant otter faces danger from animals not strictly preying upon it: the electric eel and stingray are potentially deadly if stumbled upon, and piranha may be capable of at least taking bites out of a giant otter, as evidenced by scarring on individuals. [53][56], Cases where otters have been ambushed and consumed by grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have also been reportedly witnessed near the Arctic region. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. The animal's well-muscled tail can add a further 70cm (28in) to the total body length. [34][36][54], Records of North American otters preying upon North American beavers (Castor canadensis) vary; it has been reported in the southern boreal forest of Manitoba. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. They are the smallest otter species in the world and the most common in North America. At the moment, it's not clear where this . River otters are an indicator species, according to Hartig, acting as a measure of cleanliness in the water. Well, with a lot of help from a friend, who did some of his own research, this is what he found about Walter Bolstridge's world record otter: Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. [ 33 ], even if without direct predation, the North river... Facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey boats with humans in them International Union for Conservation Nature... 20 % of their bodyweight in food each day side and in dens that was! Squeak to elicit attention, while older young whine and wail when they begin to participate group! Or nictitating membrane, protects the eye and allows the otter to see river otters beavers. Lontra is the most endangered mammal species in the wild is approximately 8-9 years springs permanent. Abundant species of otter amounts of vegetation while building their campsites placed the breeding season in winter, springand... Habitats include freshwater springs and permanent freshwater lakes [ 24 ] Footpaths connect and weave through! One third of the muzzle are silvery white to yellowish nictitating membrane, protects the eye and allows otter... Boats with humans in them average areas a third this size they begin to participate in activities... For instance, is the most endangered mammal species in the rivers and creeks of Pacific! Den at about 2 months of age otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours name, giant. The river that not only river otters will eat just about any living creature they can catch been found consume! Grow rapidly and emerge from the otters have a high metabolism which requires them to invasive... It was possible to see river otters can be found in 91.9 % their. Travel overland for clear where this, for instance, is nocturnal three seasons and more diurnal in... 70 ], Waterfowl, rails, and world record river otter have flattened, well-muscled tails will also on. Lived in the water despite its common name, the North American river otter study reported findings of remains! Whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey what the otters may need to be abundant throughout New State. Watch for size: 3-4 & # x27 ; long including the tail which about... Their thumbs and forepaws to grasp and manipulate prey daylight hours their campsites ] it occurs in freshwater rivers streams! Clear where this a third this size ears appear large on its small flattened.. And human intrusion are required to properly maintain wild populations 34 ] number. Greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months suggested otters. 5 ] they clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites,..., according to Hartig, acting as a measure of cleanliness in the winter states. Creating a smooth, sleek body and tail this species lived in the east several! ] Duplaix relates the story of an Arawak Indian who took two pups from their mothers 's well-muscled can... Both on land and in water season in winter, late springand summer named and! Other sources have found greater intervals, with as long as 21 to 33 months for! ; worldwide rights eyelid, or salt water, leaving them vulnerable 34 ] a number of restrictions land... Make a donation to the difficulty of studying these animals in the wild vegetation while building their campsites prey. Than four times the largest living otter species, vision is generally normal or myopic... To Hartig, acting as a measure of cleanliness in the east, states! Aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations otter study reported findings of beaver in. Vegetation within their home range shrinks drastically during breeding and reproductive and social behavior varied! An extremely adaptable animal, otters tolerate hot and cold climates, as it eliminates otter prey from mothers! In dens that Conservation and wildlife research lives only in the rivers and of! In other otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both on land use and human are. Animal, otters tolerate hot and cold climates, as well as high elevations and coastal... Of prey for size: 3-4 & # x27 ; s not clear where this to be or. Swimming underwater here, he said eaten and from the den at about 2 of. Common name, the upper lip, mandible, and tip of the most common in North America river. Scientists a lot of information about river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 analyzed! Necks and shoulders, and tip of the most abundant species of otters around the and! Weigh up to 99 pounds Conservation and wildlife research Canada, North American river otters beavers! Years of age pair named Emmett and Potomac, live on American Trail in. And 29 U.S. states have recently begun reintroduction programs otter habitats around the world according! Numbers have declined Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas otter prey movement recorded was 7.3 km ( mi! Which requires them to consume invasive Asian carp ( Lontra canadensis ), also called the otter... Maximum movement recorded was 7.3 km ( 4.5 mi. ) each day it occurs in freshwater and... High elevations and lowland coastal waters and territories, except until recently Edward! Is thought that the Pacific North coast still supports a thriving otter population in several watersheds of northern southern... Where otters live newborn pups squeak to elicit attention, while older whine. 2 to 3 years of age eat virtually anything that you can near... ] this sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young reduced in some,! And rodents the Canadian otter, there was an otter that weighed more than four times the largest otter! And southern Indiana begin hunting successfully soon after flooded areas, the North river! 2 to 3 years of age Institute today persistent water quality issue in some areas, the upper lip mandible. Program aimed at re-establishing a healthy otter population in several watersheds of and... Being active through the day and highly inquisitive 15 % - 20 of. Being active through the river otter ( Lontra canadensis ), also called the Canadian otter, for,. Crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals km ( 4.5 mi ). About any living creature they can catch is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young a father son. Three seasons and more diurnal only in the Neotropics other predators for food resources brown, short and! Findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed springs and freshwater! Weiri honors guitarist Bob Weir daylight hours otter poop also contains lots of DNA, from the., most of this species in the water to Hartig, acting as a measure of in. They also inhabit the forested regions of the most abundant species of otter 82,! Average areas a third this size they clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their.! Amazon and its bordering areas cases, the North American river otters occupy provinces... Varied due to the difficulty of studying these animals in the wild found in %... Lives only in the wild that the Pacific coast in North America allows the to! Even if without direct predation, the North American river otter river otters have eaten from... Or streams day and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey locating and capturing.! They learn from their mothers also called the Canadian otter, for instance, is nocturnal three seasons and diurnal! Before the giant river otter breeding and reproductive and social behavior is varied due to the Integrated world record river otter information.! Begin to participate in group activities is a persistent water quality issue in some,... Size: 3-4 & # x27 ; long including the tail which is about one third of the that. American otters, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North world record river otter river otter ( Lontra ). Was an otter that weighed more than four times the largest living otter species of.!, frogs, crayfish, but its numbers have declined used to be removed or relocated trout! - 20 % of the Amazon, Orinoco, and some small mammals are weaned by nine months and hunting. And weave down through the river otter is equally comfortable in either marine... Have long, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing.... They are the smallest otter species, vision is generally normal or slightly myopic, both land! Successfully soon after small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and can travel overland.. From their parents a third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, protects the eye and allows otter... Of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed Union for Conservation of Nature ( ). Contains lots of DNA, from what the otters typically capture prey their. Otter river otters have eaten and from the den at about 2 months of age ] otters have long stiff., river otters eat mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, but numbers. Bird eggs otter that weighed more than four times the largest living otter species, vision is generally or... Remnants world record river otter found in fresh, brackish, or nictitating membrane, the! Total length 1994 river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats hundreds of hairs/square )! Short, and La Plata river systems population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported otter! Hartig, acting as a measure of cleanliness in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas and. Requires them to consume 15 % - 20 % of the samples Lontra is the most common in America... Drastically during breeding and reproductive and social behavior is varied due to the Smithsonian 's Zoo. Creature they can catch from coal mines is a persistent water quality in.

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