North American River Otter

Scientific Name: Lutra canadensis

Order: Carnivora (carnivores)

Family: Mustelidae (badgers, otters, skunks, weasels and relatives)

Conservation Status

About

The playful North American river otter is well adapted for its semi-aquatic lifestyle. It’s equipped with thick fur, short legs, webbed feet and a narrow body. All of these features play a main role in allowing the otter to swim efficiently, even in frigid temperatures. Their thick fur is water-repellent and serves as an insulator against extreme temperature conditions. The slender and flexible shape of its body allows it to swiftly move through the water and through underground tunnels. A river otter can dive up to 60 feet and swim 7 miles per hour.

North American river otters suffered great loss to their population, in the 20th century, due to habitat loss and water pollution. Conservation efforts were put in place and otters were reintroduced, increasing their population. Elmwood Park Zoo participates in the American River Otter Species Survival Plan, a shared conservation effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Find me at EPZ

Location: The Wetlands

Arrived at EPZ: Rocky - 1/27/2010, Piper - 6/29/2020

Habitat & Range
River otters are primarily found along rivers, ponds and lakes in wooded areas, however they will roam far from water if necessary. River otters were once found throughout North America, but due to over hunting for their pelts they are now rare or extinct in local areas. Today they are still endangered but are slowly making a comeback.
Identification
North American river otters are semi-aquatic mammals with long, streamlined bodies, thick tapered tails, and short legs. They have wide, rounded heads, small ears, and nostrils that can be closed underwater. Their feet have claws and are completely webbed. Body length ranges from 26 to 42 inches and weight ranges from 10 to 30 pounds.
Diet
As carnivores, they are primarily fish eaters but will also consume frogs, crayfish and shellfish as well as small rodents.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Male and female river otters only interact during mating season (late winter to early spring). Males often breed with multiple females, likely those whose home range overlaps their own. Gestation lasts two months, however young may be born up to a year after mating because otters delay implantation of fertilized eggs for up to eight months. Births occur between November and May, with a peak in March and April. Females give birth to an average of three pups in a den near the water. River otters live an average of 10 to 20 years.
Fantastic Fact
River otters are known for their sense of play, which they rely upon to learn survival skills such as hunting and fighting. Play usually takes place between two immature otters and consists of wrestling and chasing.

North American River Otter

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact