Creature Feature
North American River Otter
(Lontra canadensis)
Fast Facts
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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
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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
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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
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Video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsxHb
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