Scent marking is done by either urinating/defecating or by emitting a strong, musky odor from the paired scent glands near the base of thetail. As it dove, it didnt have the flattened tail like a beaver, which leaves otter as the only possibility, he explained. [13], The otters form the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelids and the giant otter is the only member of the genus Pteronura. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. At this point, they eat solid food but are not completely weaned for another month or two. In Canto State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. [33] Crustaceans (crayfish), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters. [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. [61] Carter and Rosas have found captive adult animals consume around 10% of their body weight dailyabout 3 kilograms (7lb), in keeping with findings in the wild. The giant otter seems to choose clear, black waters with rocky or sandy bottoms over silty, saline, and white waters. [52] This sensitivity is matched by a strong protectiveness towards the young. 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. North Andover, MA (01845) Today. Death / Obituaries. Two male otters, a father and son pair named Emmett and Potomac, live on American Trail. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. [84] (One researcher has suggested the giant otter is hunted only in desperation due to its horrible taste. In many places, the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives. [81], The giant otter has lost as much as 80% of its South American range. Whale watching is . Logging, hunting, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. Solon doesn't even seem to mind that in the 2019-2020 season, 256 otters were harvested in 38 counties of Ohio, the highest modern-day harvest on record. It was the first time the otters had been seen there in 100 years. Ecotourism also presents challenges: while it raises money and awareness for the animals, by its nature it also increases human effect on the species, both through associated development and direct disturbances in the field. [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. The groups are centered on a dominant breeding pair and are extremely cohesive and cooperative. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). Sliding is a thing. [36] Each family of otters was shown to have its own unique audio signature. 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. [2] It has no serious natural predators other than humans, although it must compete with other predators, such as the Neotropical otter, jaguar, and various crocodilian species, for food resources. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. [52] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. [38] The species has likely been extirpated from southern Brazil, but in the west of the country, decreased hunting pressure in the critical Pantanal has led to very successful recolonization; an estimate suggests 1,000 or more animals in the region. Watch our Sea Otter Cam and see animated sea otters live now on exhibit as they swim, play with toys, lounge in ice buckets and eat during our daily feeding shows at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. [37], The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. [62] The spectacled caiman is another potential competitor, but Duplaix found no conflict with the species in Suriname. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) of Asia may be its closest extant relative; similar behaviour, vocalizations, and skull morphology have been noted. Fish is a favored food among the otters, but they also consume various amphibians (such as salamanders and frogs[3]), freshwater clams, mussels, snails, small turtles and crayfish. Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. The giant otter is diurnal, being active exclusively during daylight hours. ), with a maximum recorded length of 240 cm (94 in. Regionally extinct throughout the Midwest and heavily populated areas in the east, several states have recently begun reintroduction programs. The otter is a swift and agile swimmer, using its muscular tail to make sharp turns and steering with its neck and webbed feet. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. Whistles may be used as advance warning of nonhostile intent between groups, although evidence is limited. The giant otter's hearing is acute and its sense of smell is excellent. [57] One full-year study of giant otter scats in Amazonian Brazil found fish present in all fecal samples. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. The North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis ), also known as the northern river otter and river otter, is a semiaquatic mammal that only lives on the North American continent, along its waterways and coasts. [73], The IUCN listed the giant otter as "endangered" in 1999; it had been considered "vulnerable" under all previous listings from 1982 when sufficient data had first become available. [34] Duplaix identified nine distinct sounds, with further subdivisions possible, depending on context. Make a donation to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today! [72] Its smaller prey, different denning habits, and different preferred water types also reduce interaction. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. River otters stay in family groups during the summer and early fall. 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. River otters have long, stiff and highly sensitive facial whiskers that aid in locating and capturing prey. . [28] This availability is influenced by the following factors: detectability and mobility of the prey, habitat availability for the various prey species, environmental factors, such as water depth and temperature, and seasonal changes in prey supply and distribution in correspondence with otter foraging habitat. [61] In some cases, supposed cooperative hunting may be incidental, a result of group members fishing individually in close proximity; truly coordinated hunting may only occur where the prey cannot be taken by a single giant otter, such as with small anacondas and juvenile black caiman. Insufficient land area proportions and unsuitable substrate conditions in zoos have historically been the primary cause of high cub mortality and physical and behavioral health problems among giant otters. [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. Information about river otter breeding and reproductive and social behavior is varied due to the difficulty of studying these animals in the wild. 2003 ). [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. [14][76][77], More recently, habitat destruction and degradation have become the principal dangers, and a further reduction of 50% is expected in giant otter numbers within the 20 years after 2004 (about the span of three generations of giant otters). [61], The North American river otter is considered a species of least concern according to the IUCN Red List, as it is not currently declining at a rate sufficient for a threat category. A study of five indigenous communities in Colombia suggests native attitudes toward the animal are a threat: the otters are often viewed as a nuisance that interferes with fishing, and are sometimes killed. They also receive mice, carrots, hard-boiled eggs, clams, crayfish, dry kibble, crickets and live fish for variety and enrichment. For instance, an Alberta, Canada study involved the collection and analysis of 1,191 samples of North American river otter scat (feces) collected during each season. If you have seen an otter, fisher, bobcat, weasel, marten, or snowshoe hare in Upstate New York (or otter, beaver, gray fox, weasel, mink, coyote, or skunk in Long Island/NYC), we encourage you to report your sighting. The giant otter seems to have evolved independently of Lontra in South America, despite the overlap. [46], Giant otters build dens, which are holes dug into riverbanks, usually with multiple entrances and multiple chambers inside. Quick hah barks or explosive snorts suggest immediate interest and possible danger. These can become quite extensive, including "backdoor" exits into forests and swamps, away from the water. )[78] The animal sometimes drowns in nets set across rivers and machete attacks by fishermen have been noted, according to Duplaix, but "tolerance is the rule" in Suriname. Its pretty crazy to be lucky enough to see one.. In warmer times, you may also see otters sliding down a riverbank. jookco Cartoon great AL Jaffee has passed away at age 102. [70], Even if without direct predation, the giant otter must still compete with other predators for food resources. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. A wavering scream may be used in bluff charges against intruders, while a low growl is used for aggressive warning. International Union for Conservation of Nature, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, "Searching for the Giant Otter in Northeastern Argentina", "Otters: An Action Plan for their Conservation", "Otters: A SeaWorld Education Department Publication", "The Vocal Repertoire of Adult and Neonate Giant Otters (, "Territorial choruses of giant otter groups (, "Distribution and Population Status of the Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis in Bolivia", "Intraspecific Agonism between Giant Otter Groups", "Change of Partners in a Giant Otter Alpha Couple", "An analysis and review of the sociobiology of the Mustelidae", Guianas Rapid River Bio-assessments and Giant Otter Conservation Project. Discovery Company. Staff and visitors at the Toronto Zoo are mourning the death of an otter who had recently become ill. Their body is long and narrow, with dark brown skin that weighs 15-30 pounds. There is evidence that river otters' play activities strengthensocial bonds, improvehunting techniquesand scent markterritories. The giant otter or giant river otter[4] (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. Freshwater otters generally rest and sleep on land, which can be either in their dens or above . The giant otter is an especially noisy animal, with a complex repertoire of vocalizations. About the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Your Go-to Guide for a Winter Day at the Zoo, What's New at the Smithsonians National Zoo This Summer. Sea otters weigh more around 45-90 pounds with large, furry faces. 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. [75][82], In 2006, most of this species lived in the Brazilian Amazon and its bordering areas. 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