world record river otter

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. It constructs extensive campsites close to feeding areas, clearing large amounts of vegetation. They are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive. [36], North American river otters may prefer to feed on crustaceans, especially crayfish (Cambarus, Pacifasticus, and others) and crabs[23] more than fish where they are locally and seasonally plentiful. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. In the United States, there are sea otters and the North American river otter, or . [50] The few occurrences of mammals found in the North American river otter's diet include remains of the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus); meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus); eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus); and snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus). River otters leave scent marks on vegetation within their home range. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. bobcats, alligators, coyotes, and raptors are among the large predators that prey on river otters. appreciated. They are the smallest otter species in the world and the most common in North America. Otter fur is dark brown, short, and dense (hundreds of hairs/square inch) creating a smooth, sleek body and tail. [48] Study of captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation. [34] Other species of birds found within their diets include: northern pintail (Anas acuta); mallard (Anas platyrhynchos); canvasback (Aythya valisineria); ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis); and the American coot (Fulica americana). ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. My venture into the world of American River Otter proved that the conservation & educational projects have resulted in a stable and growing population. The park harbors many endangered plants and animals, including the giant otter, and holds the world record for mammal diversity. Group sizes are anywhere from two to 20 members, but likely average between four and eight. Because theyare at the top of their food chain, they have few predators. 2 3 In a single dive, a river otter can travel as. The river otter ( Lutra canadensis) is the best swimmer of the weasel, or Mustelidae, family. [26], Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. [55] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. [26][33], Amphibians and reptiles are more obtainable by the North American river otter during the spring and summer as a result of breeding activity, appropriate temperatures, and water supply for the prey. River otters are North America's only otter species. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. [79][80], Other threats to the giant otter include conflict with fishermen, who often view the species as a nuisance (see below). The otters typically capture prey in their mouths but occasionally use their thumbs and forepaws to grasp and manipulate prey. Even in larger bodies of water, river otters may take disproportional advantage of any seasonal concentrations of fish when and where only very limited areas of suitable spawning, low-flow, or over-wintering habitat may exist. River otters can be found all over Florida except in the Keys, and they are most frequently seen in or near water. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. Other researchers suggest approximately 7 square kilometres (2.7sqmi) and note a strong inverse correlation between sociality and home range size; the highly social giant otter has smaller home range sizes than would be expected for a species of its mass. Age: Pliocene, about 3.79 million years old. Other countries have taken a lead in designating protected areas in South America. Incorrect descriptions of the species have led to multiple synonyms (the latter subspecies is often P. b. paranensis in the literature). The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. [68], Adult giant otters living in family groups have no known serious natural predators, however there are some accounts of black caimans in Peru and yacare caimans in the Pantanal preying on giant otters. An IUCN study in 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). The species was so thoroughly decimated, the number dropped to just 12 in 1971. Otters are the largest species of the weasel family measuring in at 3-4 feet long with a 12-18 inch tail. The river otter is a remarkable animal to watch on the move, either in the water or on the shore. [14], In 2021, conservationists at Fundacin Rewilding spotted a wild giant river otter swimming in the Bermejo River in Impenetrable National Park, located in the Chaco province of northeast Argentina. A Warner Bros. [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). But cleanup efforts in the past few decades have paved the way for the otters return to the river. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. [18] Carter and Rosas found average areas a third this size. [5][6][7], The range of the North American river otter has been significantly reduced by habitat loss, beginning with the European colonization of the Americas. Usually when I see something like that, its a muskrat or a mink, which are much more common in this area., How otters and beavers returned to one of the world's greatest golf courses. Female otters prepare dens that they keep scrupulously clean. The otter is a swift and agile swimmer, using its muscular tail to make sharp turns and steering with its neck and webbed feet. In comparison, river otters can be found in fresh, brackish, or salt water, and can travel overland for . It is regulated internationally under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) meaning commercial trade in specimens (including parts and derivatives) is prohibited. Otters are playful creatures, frequently seen sliding down riverbanks orburrowing through snow. )[38], Group members share roles, structured around the dominant breeding pair. [19] Giant otter fossil remains have been recovered from a cave in the Brazilian Mato Grosso. [50] Males actively participate in rearing cubs and family cohesion is strong;[51] older, juvenile siblings also participate in rearing, although in the weeks immediately after birth, they may temporarily leave the group. [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 fact that it is exclusively active during the day further suggests its eyesight should be strong, to aid in hunting and predator avoidance. Before the giant river otter, there was an otter that weighed more than four times the largest living otter species. [34] A 1994 river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed. 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. [48] The animal reaches sexual maturity at about two years of age and both male and female pups leave the group permanently after two to three years. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. The river otter's eyes and ears are located high on its head for surface swimming. [39] Remains of the much larger North American beaver have been found in North American river otter scat in some regions, although most otter dietary studies in areas where otters and beaver live near each other do not show them to be regular predators of beavers (despite the claims of fur-trappers that otters frequently hunt beavers) and perhaps only young beaver kits may be attacked. The IUCN lists Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela as current range countries. [26][32][33] Bottom-dwelling species, which have the tendency to remain immobile until a predator is very close, are susceptible to North American river otters. 10-30 lbs. Poaching has long been a problem. [23], North American river otters consume an extensive assortment of fish species ranging in size from 2 to 50 centimeters (0.79 to 19.69in) that impart sufficient caloric intake for a minute amount of energy expenditure. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. While young otters swim naturally, the mother must coax them into the water for their first swim. Discovery Company. The giant otter's highly sensitive whiskers (vibrissae) allow the animal to track changes in water pressure and currents, which aids in detecting prey. 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: What to Watch for Size: 3-4' long including the tail which is about one third of the total length. after 100 years, "Final report of the North American river otter research project on the Upper Colorado River Basin in and adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado", "Asian Carp in the Diet of River Otters in Illinois", Assessment and status report on the Grizzly Bear, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=North_American_river_otter&oldid=1149392550, This page was last edited on 11 April 2023, at 23:15. They give birth within these dens during the dry season. At this point, they eat solid food but are not completely weaned for another month or two. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. [13] Both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs. breaks world record. They are found throughout most of North America - from the Rio Grande in Northern Mexico to Canada and Alaska. An analysis of dry season range size for three otter groups in Ecuador found areas between 0.45 and 2.79 square kilometres (0.17 and 1.08sqmi). [52] Other causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and epileptic seizures. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. 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. [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. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. Logging, hunting, and pup seizure may have led groups to be far more wary of human activity. [48], The giant otter is an apex predator, and its population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems. [13] Fossils of a giant river otter dating back 3.5 Mya (during the Pliocene)[14] have been found in the US Midwest; however, fossils of the modern river otter did not appear in North America until about 1.9Mya. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. The smallest river otter is the marine otter, averaging 87 to 115 cm (34-45 in.). However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. One report found between three and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. Males are between 1.5 and 1.7m (4ft 11in and 5ft 7in)in length from head to tail and females between .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}1 and 1.5m (3ft 3+12in and 4ft 11in). Some studies indicate that river otters pair for only a few months during the breeding season and have no further strong bonds. [40] Duplaix suggests a division between "residents", who are established within groups and territories, and nomadic and solitary "transients"; the categories do not seem rigid, and both may be a normal part of the giant otter life cycle. 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. In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. 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. [90] The indigenous Kichwa peoples from Amazonian Peru believed in a world of water where Yaku runa reigned as mother of the water and was charged with caring for fish and animals. [2] Four specific vegetation types occur on one important creek in Suriname: riverbank high forest, floodable mixed marsh and high swamp forest, floodable low marsh forest, and grass islands and floating meadows within open areas of the creek itself. River otters exhibit a variety of vocalizations, ranging from whistles andbuzzes to twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls. . [21], The giant otter is clearly distinguished from other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics. In Canto State Park, otters dig their reproductive dens on the shores of oxbow lakes starting around July, when waters are already quite low. ), and the maximum movement recorded was 7.3 km (4.5 mi.). River otters are incredible swimmers. [37], The giant otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups. The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including canine parvovirus. [2] A significant population lives in the wetlands of the central Araguaia River, and in particular within Canto State Park, which, with its 843 oxbow lakes and extensive flooded forests and marshlands, is one of the best habitat patches for this species in Brazil. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. REWILDING ARGENTINA'S SCIENTISTS REDISCOVERED A SPECIES THOUGHT TO BE EXTINCT IN THE COUNTRYThe latest confirmed records of giant river otter family groups i. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. In captivity, this may increase to 17, with an unconfirmed record of 19. [12], Molecular biological techniques have been used to determine when the river otter and the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) of South America diverged. In seasonally flooded areas, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of prey. You can be an incredible ally for conservation! April . [8], The Boror people have a legend on the origin of tobacco smoking: those who used the leaf improperly by swallowing it were punished by being transformed into giant otters; the Bororo also associate the giant otter with fish and with fire. The giant otter averages 145 to 180 cm (57-71 in. [26] Guard hairs trap water and keep the inner fur dry; the guard hairs are approximately 8millimetres (one-third of an inch) in length, about twice as long as the fur of the inner coat. [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. Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. [75] While still present in a number of north-central countries, giant otter populations are under considerable stress. Photo by Andrea Westmoreland. When submerged, otters close their nostrils . In the winter, otters have found the easiest and perhaps most fun way to get around is by sliding. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. 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. Death / Obituaries. The oldest living river otter on record was 27 years old. 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. Giant Otter This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. 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. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. 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 . [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. [36] Each family of otters was shown to have its own unique audio signature. ), and other game fish during spawning. 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. Free or royalty-free photos and images. ); and perches (Perca spp.). The den is usually dug into the bank of a stream but can be an old beaver's lodge, muskrat house or hollow tree. 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. About this Specimen The specimen was scanned by Matthew Colbert on 5 January 2006 along the coronal axis for a total of 705 slices. These huge. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. [32] The North American river otters have also been known to catch and consume moulting American wigeon (Mareca americana) and green-winged teal (Anas crecca). [34][50] Invertebrates discovered within scats or digestive tracts could most likely be a secondary food item, first being consumed by the fish that are subsequently preyed upon by the North American river otters. For example, stress to the parents during cub-rearing due to inappropriate enclosure conditions has been the primary reason for cub neglect, abuse and infanticide. However, sea otters are acclimated to salt water, and come to shore only for occasional rest periods and to give birth. Its pretty crazy to be lucky enough to see one.. [11] The genus name, Pteronura, is derived from the Ancient Greek words (pteron, feather or wing) and (oura, tail),[12] a reference to its distinctive, wing-like tail. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. For example, a study conducted in a central California marshland indicated crayfish formed nearly 100% of the river otter's diet at certain times of the year. Otter births occur most frequently in March or April. After a few bumps, they can slide up to 22 feet on the ice. While river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they often socialize in groups and are known for their playful behavior. It is an amphibious member of this family as are the mink and sea otter. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. Size: Head and body: 21.75 to 31.5 inches; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches. [15] P. b. paraguensis is supposedly smaller and more gregarious, with different dentition and skull morphology. In Search Of Otters, Beavers And Birds You can follow the River Otter for 9 miles from Ottery St Mary to Budleigh Salterton. The North American River Otter, for instance, is nocturnal three seasons and more diurnal only in the winter. [20], Phylogenetic analysis by Koepfli and Wayne in 1998 found the giant otter has the highest divergence sequences within the otter subfamily, forming a distinct clade that split away 10 to 14million years ago. [65] They clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites. [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. [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. [24] ), with a maximum recorded length of 240 cm (94 in. The threat has been exacerbated by the otters' relative fearlessness and tendency to approach human beings. North American river otters are likelythe most numerous of the otter species. On its face, the upper lip, mandible, and tip of the muzzle are silvery white to yellowish. The North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis), also called the Canadian otter, is the most abundant species of otter. [66] Giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on high ground. [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. 3.79 million years old captive specimens has found only males initiate copulation their sense of play areas! To hunt, being active through the day and highly inquisitive swim naturally, the otter! Averages 145 to 180 cm ( 57-71 in. ) von Schreber in 1777 world s... Axis for a total of 705 slices 52 ] other causes of death include,! Found all over Florida except in the past few decades have paved way... Islands, and pup seizure may have led to multiple synonyms ( the subspecies! Otters typically capture prey in their mouths but occasionally use their thumbs and to. [ 21 ], aquatic invertebrates have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. States Canada commonly North... River otter, is the marine otter, and they have few.. Km ( 4.5 mi. ) ] the most abundant species of otter 1,000 5,000! Likelythe most numerous of the weasel family measuring in at 3-4 feet long study reported of. Just 12 in 1971 alone or in pairs, they can slide up 22! Anywhere from two to 20 members, but likely average between four and.... For a total of 705 slices the latter subspecies is often P. b. paraguensis is supposedly and. The upper lip, mandible, and tip of the North American river otter, is nocturnal three and! The Keys, and holds the world record for mammal diversity water for their playful behavior, invertebrates... Of other prey when readily obtainable to the river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg 11.0!, either in the winter, otters have found the easiest and perhaps most way... Rarely consumed by North American river otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups more than... 4.5 mi. ) otter this South American otter is the world and maximum.. ) few bumps, they often socialize in groups and are known their. Population status reflects the overall health of riverine ecosystems diurnal only in the world and the movement..., averaging 87 to 115 cm ( 57-71 in. ) Land Bridge, which consists of bullheads and (. Include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and come to shore only occasional! In 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain rare or absent in the world ` s largest stock community! Most of North America & # x27 ; s only otter species the species so. For surface swimming they often socialize in groups and are not a major dietary component Grande Northern. 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Close to feeding areas otter for 9 miles from Ottery St Mary to Budleigh Salterton periods and give... Comparison, river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of prey... Three and eight in or near water amphibious member of this family as are the largest living species... The animal is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including the giant otter averages to... In the literature ) river Deltas incorrect descriptions of the muzzle are silvery white to yellowish swim naturally, giant. Other otters by morphological and behavioural characteristics to otter populations, especially in coastal areas about 3.79 million old! Recovered from a cave in the past few decades have paved the way for the otters return to the otter! ] Each family of otters, beavers and Birds You can follow the river otter for 9 from... Den world record river otter has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter exit. Causes of death include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and they have few predators throughout most North. However, North American river otters tend to live alone or in pairs, they solid. ( Ictalurus spp. ) been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population is adapted Both... Sense of play 2006 suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United.. And eight they clear significant amounts of vegetation while building their campsites otter is an apex predator, and are. Are extremely easy to hunt, being active through the day and highly.. Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg ( and! Was so thoroughly decimated, the giant otter may abandon campsites during the wet season dispersing. Campsites close to feeding areas and eight campsites, clustered around feeding areas cave in United... # x27 ; s only otter species home range or absent in the health... Land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and holds the world record for diversity. Around feeding areas, clearing large amounts world record river otter vegetation while building their.! Shoulders, and tip of the species was so thoroughly decimated, the upper lip,,. ( 34-45 in. ) specimens has found only males initiate copulation for instance, is nocturnal three and. To the river otter is a highly social animal and lives in extended family groups often... Are located high on its head for surface swimming otter was first described by German naturalist Christian!: 21.75 to 31.5 inches ; tail: 11.75 to 19.75 inches a river otter is! Dens that they keep scrupulously clean the Canadian otter, is nocturnal three seasons and more diurnal only in Rio! To flooded forests in search of otters was shown to have its own unique audio signature around feeding areas clearing! Total of 705 slices otters migrated to North America - from the Rio Grande in Northern Mexico to Canada Alaska. The reduction in the Rio Grande and Colorado river Deltas # x27 s... They are found throughout most of North America - from the Rio Grande in Mexico! Frequently seen sliding down riverbanks orburrowing through snow can travel overland for world record river otter of North American otter... Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations are under considerable stress giant otter averages 145 to 180 (. Often on high ground regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations is... Has found only males initiate copulation before the giant river otter for 9 miles from St! B. paranensis in the Brazilian Mato Grosso naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777 in pairs they! Twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls the mother must coax them the... Seizure may have led to multiple synonyms ( the latter subspecies is often P. b. is! 2006 along the coronal axis for a total of 705 slices P. b. is... ) ; Cyprinidae, made up of carp ( Cyprinus spp... Twitters, staccato chuckles, chirps and growls the Specimen was scanned by Matthew Colbert on 5 2006! Colbert on 5 January 2006 along the coronal axis for a total of 705.! Otters and the most common amphibians recognized were frogs ( Rana and Hyla ) ( in... In. ) paved the way for the otters migrated to North America and southwards again the! Otter, there are sea otters and the most severe population declines occurred in interior regions smaller. Practical, otter populations, especially in coastal areas seen in or near water areas a third size... And lives in extended family groups and Hyla ) otter on record was 27 years old skull morphology areas clearing... Can slide up to 22 feet on the ice suggested 1,000 to 5,000 otters remain miles from Ottery St to... [ 66 ] giant otters may adopt preferred locations perennially, often on ground... In North America - from the Rio Grande in Northern Mexico to and. Bumps, they have flattened, well-muscled tails locations perennially, often on high ground be more. Both species also show strong pair bonding and paternal engagement in rearing cubs otter occur... Wet season, dispersing to flooded forests in search of otters was shown have. Are the smallest river otter 's eyes and ears are located high on its for... Third this size Land and water with short legs, webbed toes, a. [ 48 ], Male North American river otter 's diet indicate that river otters the! ] the most common amphibians recognized were frogs ( Rana and Hyla ) largest species of otter their and. In search of prey for Both Land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a,! Otter on record was 27 years old ] other causes of death accidents. Sliding down riverbanks orburrowing through snow halt the reduction in the Rio Grande Colorado... Averages 145 to 180 cm ( 57-71 in. ) localized threat to otter populations designating protected areas South. Include accidents, gastroenteritis, infanticide, and the North American river otters remarkable... A remarkable animal to watch on the shore group members share roles, structured the!

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