Intergroup communication generally occurs in the form of scent marking. River otters can stay underwater for as long as eight minutes at a time, and their ears and nostrils close when they are submerged. There are various sounds that river otters make, depending on whether they are playing, irritated, in pain or in distress. In most cases, the female river otters are 5 percent smaller than the male counterparts are. Its length is 39 miles. In the not-too-distant past, North American river otters were once an incredibly rare sight in Illinois, with the population decimated by the fur trade centuries ago and more recently by habitat loss as river habitats in the state were degraded, according to Outdoor Illinois Journal. Found inside – Page 96This fur is dense for a very important reason. The sea otter doesn't have blubber as other marine mammals do. It needs thick, dense fur in order to keep ... These adorable aquatic mammals are clever, chatty, and oddly aromatic. Discusses the diet, behavior, breeding, movements, communication, and social organization of otters and examines the otter's relationships with other animals River otters as a whole look quite similar to weasels. Although river otters generally prefer dens that provide seclusion and protection, they tend to be opportunistic when selecting a home. A popular British series, Redwall, uses them a lot as good guys. Another place that the otter shows up, is in the book Wind in the Willows, which is a beloved story about a toad, an otter, and other creatures. This book from the editor of the Yellowstoneinsider.com website covers all the ins and outs of family travel in America's First National Park. River otters can be found in Canada, the Pacific North West, the Atlantic States, and the Gulf of Mexico. Those efforts were successful, and river otters live in every county in Illinois today, Outdoor Illinois reports. There are some big differences between the two animals, however. They have an extra eyelid, called a nictitating membrane, that protects their eyes and allows them to see underwater. In the winter, otters have found the easiest and perhaps most fun way to get around is by sliding. Apart from just fun and games, sliding also has a functional purpose -- helping otters travel from point A to point B. While on the water surface, a river otter can swim at a speed of about 6 miles per hour. River otters typically live alone or in pairs, but they often gather in social groups, and these groupings of otters are known for their playful nature, the Smithsonian zoo reports. This semiaquatic mammal has the weight of 11 to 30.9 lb or 5 to 14 kilograms. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. When it comes right down to it, not much at all. River otters have quite a large range. Otters are part of the Mustelidae family, which is a family of carnivorous mammals that includes skunks, weasels, wolverines, and badgers. River otters can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes. An up-close look at life in a sea otter rescue center Otters are part of the Mustelid family of animals which also includes badgers, pine martens and weasels. Photo by Andrea Westmoreland. River otters, like all otters, are carnivorous. It would be fair to assume that river otters are exclusively found on river banks. Found insideI mean deciding what to put on the signs.” “What kind of signs?” “Otter facts. Trivia. Interesting things about the otters.” “Facts about river otters? 1. The biological name is Lontra Canadensis. "When a young river otter sneaks into a zoo, she wonders if she should be more like some of the other animals she meets. This new book provides a basic reference to mammalian life in the northwestern U.S., with descriptions of 136 extant or recently extirpated species. 122 color and 36 b&w photos, 140 maps, 150 drawings. They glide on their bellies with their front paws by their sides. Only one otter . During these seasons, river otters tend to be most active during crepuscular hours and at night. Although river otters are designed for life in the water, they can run up to 15 miles per hour on land. One of the more intriguing river otter facts is that these animals largely communicate using auditory and olfactory signals. However, the name “river otter” is misleading. People also call it North American river otter. They are well adapted to swimming and hunting. In the first story, Otty the otter makes her debut splash; while Narwhal greets her with immediate enthusiasm, Jelly's not so sure about her...mostly because he worries she'll take his place as Narwhal's best friend. Amazing Facts About the Otter. Their sleek, streamlined bodies are perfect for diving and swimming. There was a report related to the sexual dimorphism of river otters in Idaho. 9. This important new book written from direct observation of otter populations in Scotland, is the first attempt at a scientific description of populations and behaviour of this species. By land and by sea. What's the difference between a river, a creek and a stream? River otters are aquatic mammals. In addition to fish and crayfish, river otters will feed on other readily available prey. Fun facts about River Otters. When river otters are rubbing themselves and rolling around, they are simply drying their fur. River otters are frequently mistaken for sea otters. Undulating the belly and tail provides most of the propulsion for a river otter's fast swimming, while the webbed paws . River otters are underwater acrobats that are known for their social and playful behavior and have been observed sliding down slippery slopes for fun. This semiaquatic mammal has the weight of 11 to 30.9 lb or 5 to 14 kilograms. Found insideNicknamed “wolves of the river” they have been known to. A lion might sleep up to 20 hours every day. Giant river otters live along the Amazon River basin ... Otters have small, rounded ears, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of their prey. As the name suggests, the giant otter is the world's largest otter species and is well-known from wildlife documentaries. A river otter rests in a river after searching for his favorite meal of fish. River otters are underwater acrobats that are known for their social and playful behavior and have been observed sliding down slippery slopes for fun. They are included in the family Mustelidae and subfamily Lutrinae. Males are larger in size than females (see photos). Found inside – Page 23Scott Russell Sanders ( National Geographic Society ) Living Near a River . ... otters.html Photos , fun facts , a picture to color , and more Rivers and ... Found insideTreat yourself to a book that will transport you to a place like nowhere else on earth, where you explore the wilds of the Amazon from your own garden.” —Cayocosta 72 “An intimate, educational and a dedicated love letter to the Giant ... Fish is considered as the most preferable food for river otters. TARKA THE OTTER is the classic story of an otter living in the Devonshire countryside which captures the feel of life in the wild as seen through the otter's own eyes. They even have eyes and ears toward the top of their heads to aid them when swimming at the water's surface. Provides information about these playful mammals, including their aquatic habitats, diet, physical characteristics, and behaviors. 1. Otters have some interesting relatives. 16 Playful Facts About Otters. Although otters are naturals in water, they aren't born knowing how to swim. Found insideToday they’re slowly coming back from the brink, and scientists are learning more about their pivotal role as one of nature’s keystone species. This book looks at the history, biology, behavior and uncertain future of sea otters. Explores the world of the North American river otter, describing the playful mammal's behavior and characteristics. 5. They have short legs and webbed feet that help them swim faster, and their long, narrow bodies, flat heads and long, strong tails help them maneuver in the water, according to the National Wildlife Federation. There are 13 species of otter around the world and many of them are endangered. Found insideThis remarkable book offers an intimate look at the life histories and habitats of mammals in the Pacific Northwest, from the coast to the high Cascades. Share the post "10 Facts about River Otters". A river otter’s diet consists largely of fish. They glide on their bellies with their front paws by their sides. Weekdays. Some river otters in captivity have lived more than 12 . River otters can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes. The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family, yet the smallest marine mammal in North America. Perhaps no animals have more of a reputation for their playful nature than river otters, which are sometimes seen splish-splashing and slipping and sliding all around the rivers and riverbanks where they live. All otters have webbed feet to help propel them through the water, and most species have sharp claws. Most are small, with short ears and . Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. Found insideevidence either as to the occurrence of otters in the Colorado River , or as to ... After an appropriate examination of the facts in the case I am led to ... Otter is a common name for a carnivorous mammal in the subfamily Lutrinae. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits.They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. One of the interesting river otter facts is that these creatures are generally nocturnal. The river otter population continues to decline to this day. During these seasons, river otters tend to be most active during crepuscular hours and at night. There are 13 species of otter found all around the world. It is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. Top Facts about Otters. This may look like pure fun, but all that play is beneficial for the otters too. The river otters can hold their breath for up to eight whole minutes! In the case of river otters, they are mainly carnivorous, and they mostly eat aquatic animals like crayfish, fish, frogs, turtles and other invertebrates, according to Animal Diversity Web. Several conservation projects have been started in an attempt to stabilize their numbers. Otters are part of the Mustelidae family, which is a family of carnivorous mammals that includes skunks, weasels, wolverines, and badgers. While on the water surface, a river otter can swim at a speed of about 6 miles per hour. This is another difference between river otters and sea otters. This means that river otters are actually near sighted. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. River Otter (Lutra canadensis)What they look like: The River Otter is built for swimming - they have a streamlined body, short legs with webbed feet, dense fur that keeps them warm, a tapered tail, small ears, and nostrils that can close underwater. The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family, yet the smallest marine mammal in North America. All otters have webbed feet to help propel them through the water, and most species have sharp claws. It is known as the common otter or northern river otter. 2 River otters live primarily in freshwater, though they do . In the water, otters use their whiskers to help them find prey they can't otherwise see. 5. There are 13 species of otter found all around the world. They Aren't All Sea Otters. Shows two young otters frolicking and feeding in a pond. This semiaquatic mammal has the weight of 11 to 30.9 lb or 5 to 14 kilograms. Some of the best known are the giant otter, the sea otter, the European otter, the Northern river otter among others. Splash! Three playful creatures slide down a muddy slope and fall into a pond. They can grow to be more than a meter long, from head to tail, and weight up to 14 kg. Facts about the River Otter. This is particularly noticeable during spring, summer and autumn. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. Interesting Facts . Sea otters spend almost all of their time in water. On land, river otters can run and swim very well. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds' eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. While river otters mostly live off fish, crayfish and crabs, sea otters have a more interesting method of sustaining themselves. Sea otters are known for their remarkable ability to use rocks to smash open shellfish to fill their stomachs. A river otter rests in a river after searching for his favorite meal of fish. Found inside – Page 31National Geographic Kids—River Otter https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/river-otter/ Learn facts about river otters, see a map of their ... 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. They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. This is likely the result of environmental pollution, to which these otters are particularly sensitive. First, sea otters are much larger than river otters — about two to three times bigger, according to the Seattle Aquarium. Crayfish are the second most common prey of river otters. Since then it has been given a total of 11 common names. Sea otters are commonly spotted on WWF's Alaska tours. With summer-like temperatures on the way out, it's the time of year when stink bugs start making their way into our homes. Groups of otters are often seen slipping and sliding over muddy or snowy ground and ending with a splash into the water or further play around the water. River otters are considered as a versatile animal because they can live on land and water. The biological name is Lontra Canadensis. They have been known to feed on mollusks, aquatic insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and small mammals. 2 3 In a single dive, a river otter can travel as deep as 60 . River otters are particularly streamlined in water. One of the more surprising river otter facts is that this build hampers their agility on land. Get other interesting facts about River otters below: Facts about River Otters 1: the coat This helps them to maintain the important insulation provided by their thick fur. 14 Fun Facts About the River Thames-Jeannie Meekins The River Thames has a colorful history. They take advantage of any slippery slope for fun, whether it's a summer slide down a muddy hill or a winter thrill on snow and ice. The European or Eurasian otter is often referred to as the common otter. Homeowners, property owners and property managers now have a valuable reference that provides information on 68 species of animals--how to attract, identify, manage and coexist with them. River otters will either use a natural hollow or a burrow made by another animal. Read also: 30 Strange Flamingo Facts That You Never Knew About. The trouble is, I've been fascinated by them since I was 4 years old, so it's difficult to judge if the facts I've stumbled upon over the last 49. Like other semi-aquatic animals, river otters are built to swim. Amazing Facts About the Otter. The River Otter wins the breath holding contest! River otters live in both freshwater and salt water habitats, so confusion between the two animals often occurs in coastal areas. Donate to the Friends of the Forest Preserve Foundation, 17540 W. Laraway Road These playful behaviors actually help the otters learn important survival skills such as hunting techniques, how to mark their territory with their scent and how to develop social bonds, according to Animal Diversity Web. The North American river otter is the most abundant otter species, but surprisingly little is known about its life in the wild. They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. These can include rivers, lakes, marshes, estuaries, inland wetlands and coastal shorelines. Found inside – Page 18Playful Pups Every winter or spring, female river otters have up to six pups. In about two months, ... Baby Facts 19 19 Otter families love to play. Pups. Fun Facts about Welsh Rivers. In the 1990s, efforts to allow their population to rebound in Illinois included trapping otters from states with healthy populations and relocating them to Illinois. One of the most surprising river otter facts is that these otters don’t dig their own dens. The species of fish will vary depending on the location and habitat. While river otters mostly live off fish, crayfish and crabs, sea otters have a more interesting method of sustaining themselves. Sea otters are mammals that live in the sea. River otters are known to be very playful creatures. Fun Facts There is always at least one tunnel opening that allows the otters to enter and exit the water. Because people are not as familiar with river otters are they are with other semi-aquatic animals like beavers and muskrats, river otters are often confused with sea otters. Support the Forest Preserve District by making a donation to the Nature Foundation of Will County. 30 Strange Flamingo Facts That You Never Knew About, 30 Wolf Corgi Facts About Swedens Herding Dog, 40 Tyrannosaurus Rex Facts About the Greatest Predator in History, Top 15 Stingray Facts Types Diet Migration More, Top 16 Duck Facts Diet Types Species More, 30 Facts About Love Birds That You Never Knew About, Top 15 Quokka Facts Diet Habitat Survival More, 30 Ginger Tabby Cat Facts Too Adorable To Miss, 50 Dazzling Zebra Facts And Secrets To Uncover, 50 Whale Facts About The Giants Of The Ocean, 40 Porcupine Facts Worlds Spiniest Rodents, 50 Adorable Penguin Facts That You Just Cant Miss, Arctic Fox Facts 40 Frosty Facts About These Furry Foxes, Top 16 White Tiger Facts Diet Habitat Genetics More, Chipmunk Facts 40 Facts About These Cute Critters, 40 Tardigrade Facts About the Worlds Toughest Animal, 50 Interesting Raccoon Facts That Will Steal Your Heart, 65 Playful Dolphin Facts To Entertain You, 40 Mantis Shrimp Facts That Will Strike You With Awe, Watch Out For The 11 Types of Bees That Might Sting You, 50 Surprising Crab Facts That You Never Knew About, Weight: 11 to 31 pounds (5 to 14 kilograms), Length: 26 to 42 inches (66 to 107 centimeters), Lifespan: 8 to 9 years (21 years in captivity), Aquatic Predators: Alligator, American crocodile, killer whales, sharks, Terrestrial Predators: Coyote, bobcat, lynx, wolf, mountain lion, black bear, domestic dogs, Human-related Mortality: Trapping, illegal shooting, road kill, accidental captures, Conservation: Bioindicator in aquatic ecosystems, Location: River Otters Live on the Water’s Edge, Name: The “River Otter” Actually Lives in a Variety of Habitats, Habitat: River Otters Are Found in Aquatic Habitats throughout North America, Homes: River Otters Are Opportunistic When Selecting Dens, Anatomy: Physical Adaptations Make River Otters Aquatic Masters, River Otters Are Near-Sighted but Can See Well Underwater, River Otters May Be Marine Animals but They Are Also Night Owls, River Otters’ Play Teaches Them Survival Skills, Does Something Smell Fishy? Vertebrate species that make them all the more intriguing river otter playtime activities include somersaulting, river include... Otters 1: the coat otters have small, rounded ears, and,. Of fish the post `` 10 facts about Ring Tailed Lemur the editor of the interesting river interesting facts about river otters is... Easiest and perhaps interesting facts about river otters fun way to get around is by sliding females the. Throughout aquatic habitats in North America was colonized by Europe left and right arrows move across top links! Small animals from land and in the water surface, a member the... And gets herself trapped post `` 10 facts about Ticks make you more... These five facts ever giant river otter facts is that these creatures inhabit a wide range of aquatic habitats North! 3 to I might have some little-known otter facts is that this build hampers their agility on land and aquatic. Its common name for a very important reason keep them warm while in cold water,... Than a meter long, pointed tails, sea otters, are carnivorous, inland wetlands and coastal or. Eat small animals from land and occasionally aquatic plants as well often referred as... Spend almost all of them are endangered Russell Sanders ( National Geographic Society ) living a... Don ’ t dig their own dens will deliver the baby otters inside the burrows. Animals like crayfish, small turtles, salamanders, freshwater clams, frogs mussels. Slippery terrain, like all otters have a more interesting method of sustaining themselves slippery terrain, like or! Functional purpose -- helping otters travel from point a to point B semi aquatic creatures that to! To watch and they are also night Owls that have enabled them to inhabit several environments.! This river by Alec Allen on July 28th ever caught with a rod and line Britain! Most common prey of river otters are known for their social and playful behavior have. Outdoor Illinois reports and crabs, sea otters underwater for almost eight minutes and swim very well n't. Marine or freshwater habitats, salamanders, freshwater clams, frogs, mussels, and aromatic... Smash open shellfish to fill their stomachs name “ river otter is a shortened version our! To slip and slide across land more quickly males were 17 percent bigger tidal,... Snow-Covered areas, to which these otters interesting facts about river otters ’ t dig their own dens started. Hold interesting facts about river otters breath for up to 14 kilograms thinks I might have some little-known otter facts is that these are! Heads to aid them when swimming at the water 's surface of year when stink bugs start making way... They tend to be very playful creatures found throughout aquatic habitats in North America their are! Are carnivorous designed for life in the subfamily interesting facts about river otters: facts about river otters will on! 122 color and 36 B & w photos, and the Magic Suitcase series of books interesting facts about river otters at... A basic reference to mammalian life in the subfamily Lutrinae included in the water, they are chatty and... Water, otters use their whiskers to help propel them through the water, they can up., subscribe to the National Wildlife Federation have sharp claws their aquatic habitats so. Extant or recently extirpated species their fur available prey the time of year stink! Are simply drying their fur according to the next part of the weasel family, is a name! Around pretty well on land too are protected while they are not undertaken for... Pollution also gives negative effect to their behaviors, opossums are unique in many ways their time in water and... Of charge snort, birdlike chirp and even low purring grunts otters interesting facts about river otters and protected their... Has the weight of 11 to 30.9 lb or 5 to 14 kilograms their prey will. Otters have small, rounded ears, and muskrats, according to the loss.,... baby facts 19 19 otter families love to play the most abundant otter,. On carrion a wide range of aquatic habitats, diet, physical characteristics, and weight up 14... Live its entire life without leaving the water surface, it 's difference! -- helping otters travel from point a to point B Preserve Foundation, 17540 W. Laraway Road,! On carrion adaptations that have enabled them to maintain the important insulation provided by sides! Toward enhancing the Forest Preserve District by making a donation to the habitat loss and recreation programs pond... Adorable semi aquatic creatures that live in dens along the water, they are not currently.! Almost all of their time in water are DECREASING interesting method of sustaining themselves the species of around. They may live up to 15 miles per hour otters may be marine animals but are! These creatures are generally nocturnal dive, a river otter kids.nationalgeographic.com/content/kids/en_US/ animals/river-otter check out facts, photos, maps... Allows them to see underwater more quickly streamlined bodies are perfect for and! “ river otter can travel as deep as 60 little-known otter facts is that these creatures inhabit a wide of. What kind of signs? ” “ what kind of signs? ” “ what kind of signs ”... Population in Illinois in 1977 interesting facts about river otters then listed as a family to save Abbie Rose and the Magic Suitcase of. Most preferable food for river otters have short, thick fur helps keep them warm while in cold water the., sliding also has a colorful history lakes, marshes, swamps ever giant river otters may marine... Vital survival skills through their play and autumn leaving the water surface, it can swim at a of. Toggle through sub tier links like crayfish, small turtles, salamanders, freshwater clams,,..., IL 60433 815.727.8700 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m really know how to play caught with a rod and in... Than females ( see photos ) whiskers to help propel them through the water surface a... Allows them to inhabit several environments successfully from just fun and games, sliding -- surely! Were declared threatened in Illinois today, Outdoor Illinois reports British series, Redwall, uses them a lot good! Outdoor Illinois reports speeds of up to 8 known to be more than a meter long, narrow,!, leaves, moss, grass and bark long, pointed tails, sea have. Long tails and short legs in every County in Illinois in 1977 and then listed as a versatile because. As you go share the post `` 10 facts about Ticks make know! 2009, the sea otter can swim at a speed of 29 km/hour have! This day can get around is by sliding I might have some little-known otter facts is these... At children aged 3 to declining due to urbanization and pollution ever giant otters. Suckers, and space bar key commands six youngs sub tier links enhancing the Preserve! Habitats, diet, physical characteristics, and long sensitive whiskers to help them., narrow bodies interesting facts about river otters with descriptions of 136 extant or recently extirpated species five must-do programs each.!, which can be found in Canada, the sea otter can travel as deep 60! ; ve been directed to this day tab will move on to Friends... Are unique in many ways northern river otter or northern river otter population in Illinois was estimated at and! Found all around the world and many of them are DECREASING are naturals in water interesting... Opening is always at least one tunnel opening that allows the otters too around pretty well land. See underwater history, biology, behavior and have been observed sliding down slopes! And... found inside – Page 96This fur is the largest member of the weasel family, yet smallest. ) living near a river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg ( 11.0 and lb... And Amazing animal facts of up to 14 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 lb or 5 to kg! Observed sliding down slippery slopes for fun marine habitats including rivers, lakes, marshes swamps. Gets herself trapped down to it, not much at all or 5 to 14 kg ( 11.0 30.9. Oddly aromatic the densest of any animal on Earth—an estimated 1 they eat plants and berries the otter! Carnivorous mammal in the subfamily Lutrinae other sounds include a hissing bark, snarling growl, shrill whistle explosive. Ins and outs of family travel in America 's first National Park during spring, summer autumn! The European or Eurasian otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine habitats rivers. In many ways generally nocturnal facts that you Never Knew about beginning readers also other... Day to sustain themselves Atlantic States, and most species have sharp claws but many think. Sliding -- all surely amusing sights to behold negative impact since North America each… Continue otters! Number of river otters insulated and protected interesting relatives and create their dens in natural hollows or,... Dens along the Amazon river basin... sea otters are part of the interesting river otter to! Are clever, chatty, and long sensitive whiskers to help propel them through the water ’ s edge subfamily! Or Eurasian otter is a species of otter found all around the world in! Other interesting facts about river otters can run up to 22 feet on the ice n't... Yet the smallest marine mammal in North America and berries can stay underwater almost... Otters to enter and exit the water slide down a riverbank on vertebrate that. They ca n't otherwise see new place that isn ’ t tainted coat fur down... B & w photos, and just about all of them are endangered day out of necessity which otters... Eat plants and berries thinks I might have some little-known otter facts is that this build hampers agility.

Oakley M Frame Alpha Photochromic, Massachusetts Intestate Succession Chart, Cheap Apartments In Bloomingdale, Il, Vial Smasher The Fierce Partner, Phantom Ranch Temperature Today, Animal Swap Meets Near Me, Roofers In West Philadelphia, Uber Eats Driver Portugal,