Identification. How is that? They vocalize with whistles, growls, chuckles and screams. Learn how your comment data is processed. Hi Lori! It’s interesting to note that the density of the mink’s fur is about 290 hairs per square millimeter, which is intermediate between the otter and the two terrestrial predators. They live alone or in small . They have a short thick undercoat for warmth and … JAVASCRIPT IS DISABLED. Due to habitat loss and fur-trapping practices, the number of river otters has declined. River otters are underwater acrobats that are known for their social and playful behavior and have been observed sliding down slippery slopes for fun. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) occurs in streams, lakes and reservoirs, wetlands, and marine coasts. The giant river otter is classified as the largest of all otter speices! Finally, otters save energy in winter by sliding on ice and snow in an efficient movement pattern that looks much like swimming. This post was kind of my practice for that outing – for thinking about each species’ winter adaptations. River otters belong to the weasel family. They are primarily nocturnal, but become more diurnal in winter, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. … B. You can see an example of an otter sliding near the end of the video above. North American river otters have adapted both physically and behaviorally to survive the long, cold winters of North America. Because of constant flooding in Brazil, which causes the movement of giant river otters from one territory to another, it's also said to be the most adaptive (Pickles et al. River otters are able to travel on land at speeds of up to 29 miles per hour, according to SeaWorld. The weight of a North American river otter measures around 5 – 14 kg (11 – 31 lb). What are the anatomic, behavioral, and physiological adaptations that allow North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) to thrive in the cold? Therefore, animals with long, slender bodies have to eat a lot to keep warm. Sharing a den with her helps them keep warm, hunting with her helps them meet the increased caloric demands of maintaining body temperature in a cold environment, and mutual grooming helps them keep those dense, warm coats in good condition. Sea otters breed throughout the year. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) occurs in streams, lakes and reservoirs, wetlands, and marine coasts. North American, spot-necked, smooth, and marine otters in North American zoological facilities mate during winter and spring. So presumably it’s a balancing act. Interesting Facts: • North American river otters can dive to depths of 60 feet. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. What Kind of Adaptions Does a Dolphin Have? They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and … Social and Territorial Behavior. My pleasure. The glands produce a very strong, musky odor. Giant otters are more social than river otters, but separate groups tend to avoid each other. River Otter Adaptations Concepts Animals have body parts suited for their lifestyle and habitat. A chunkier body would allow the otter to better retain heat but would also reduce its agility in water and therefore its hunting efficiency. 2009).Look below for more information on the giant otters' adapted behaviors and traits. Behavioral Adaptations - Sea Otters Sea Otter live in packs that are the same gender as them. This animal’s lovely waterproof pelt, which allows it to regulate its temperature, in the 1700s-1800s, a regular part of French fur trade, has meant this animal has been hunted for hundreds of years. The river otter’s social interactions also help it survive winter. The new litter of young will not begin to develop until late in the fall. North American river otters have adapted both physically and behaviorally to survive the long, cold winters of North America. One thing the river otter must do is care for that warm, waterproof coat. Their ability to travel quickly on land is essential for escaping predators, such as alligators and coyotes, who might consider an otter a tasty snack. At about 585 hairs per square millimeter, river otter fur is approximately 10 times denser than bobcat fur and red fox fur. Thermoregulation and Metabolic Rate The well worn path saves them energy, just as trampled paths save us energy. In the wild, river otters live up to eight or nine years. North American river otters will eat frogs, turtles, snakes, insects, small mammals and birds whenever this type of prey is readily available. The aquatic mammals have several biological adaptations that have enabled them to inhabit several environments successfully. Please enable JavaScript on your browser to best view this site. While diving, river otters can slow down their heart rate to sustain oxygen. or behavioral adaptations: River otters are able to withstand the cold waters and weather because of their coarse fur hair. A little disclaimer before I start. At one time, North American river otters were found throughout much of the United States and Canada. Active burrowers and hunters year-round, otters are more active at night during warmer months, and more at night during the winter season. River otters defend their territories by marking, scratching, and occasionally fighting. Northern River Otters are born with many innate behaviors. River otters can live where there is ice and snow River otters are very agile and can run on land up to 15 mph River otters … Some of them are not very big but because they are often defending the territory. North American River Otter North American river otters. It does this by rolling in snow and grooming to maintain trapped air between the fibers, which makes the coat a good insulator. Below is an example of otter slides in Minnesota. River otters belong to the weasel family. Thank you!! Hunting opportunities may be diminished after freeze up, but otters have ways of dealing with this. Yes, I read his post a while back, but should reread it, because I forget what his own observations were. I hope I haven’t misrepresented her thoughts. Likewise, I enjoy your photography on facebook! The otter closes its nostrils and small ears when submerged. ? Genetics; Phylogeny/Evolutionary History; Physiology; Expirements; Life cylcle; sources; UNIQUE ADAPTIONS. Their body shape aids in helping them make sudden turns to catch fish and other prey. It is very well adapted to life in water. One thing the river otter must do is care for that warm, waterproof coat. To function in a dual environment, river otters have evolved several important adaptations that help them to thrive. (Have you read Bob Arnebeck’s online post entitled: “Otters Breaching Beaver Dams?” He cites Reid, Herrero, and Code, too, plus adds his own interesting observations. They also scent mark using paired scent glands near the base of their tails or by urinating/defecating on vegetation within their home range. For example, the otter’s ability to live singly or in groups may have evolved because it allows the animal to to better exploit food resources in general, and it just happens to boost winter survival in cold climates. Identification. The North American river otter lives in Alaska, Canada and throughout the … I often wish I could hold my breath like an otter! They often have a circuit they travel along rivers and lakes which takes them up to a week or more to complete. This makes intuitive sense because the mink, a generalist which takes prey on land and in water, spends more time in water than either the bobcat or the fox, but less time than the otter. The North American river otter (Lutra canadensis) is found in almost every state, including Virginia. North American River Otters spend much of their time foraging. A fast metabolic rate requires river otters to eat frequently during the day. This is important because river otters lose heat quickly in water, so they must constantly burn energy to replace lost heat. Their toes are webbed, they have short legs and they boast a tapered tail ranging up to 15 inches long. © 2021 WILD SKY MEDIA. The river otters' fur and layer of fat underneath their fur assists in slowing heat loss while swimming. Thanks Becky! What camera did you use, haven’t gonna one,yet. River Otters as Agents of Water Loss From Beaver Dams, Camera Trapping Bats with an Acoustic Trigger, Building a DSLR Camera Trap: Part 1 – Design Elements, Davis, R. D. “Metabolism and Thermoregulation.” In, Reid, D. G., S. M. Herrero and T. E. Code. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. Employing a variety of two-limb, four-limb, and tail-propelled paddling strokes, otters are proficient swimmers. Amanda Williams has been writing since 2009 on various writing websites and blogging since 2003. I am not sure if the winter coat is any thicker than the summer coat, but whether or no, the exceptionally dense undercoat keeps the otter warm and dry enough to hunt in icy cold water. Males may breed with more than one female during the year. This is an important adaptation because the mother, having reached adulthood, is already a “success” and therefore more important to the gene pool than her young, many of which die before reaching adulthood. Behavioral adaptations A behavioral adaptation is something the animal does to improve survival. To travel better in water, river otters developed adaptations such as four webbed feet and a propeller-like tail. Because they are at the top of their food chain, they have few predators. Its fur ranges in color from white and gray to brown and black. They are well adapted for swimming, with their streamline bodies and valved ears and nose. (Biokids) River otters have been known to hunt at … Young stay with their mother through their first winter. Trackers are familiar with slides and runs. Thank you for these wonderfully informative and entertaining efforts. According to SeaWorld, diving river otters are able to hold their breath for up to 8 minutes before they need to resurface. Old beaver lodges are a popular choice. Objectives Students will be able to: • List at least 3 otter body parts that make this animal well-adapted to its aquatic habitat. The river otter food chain includes many types of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, aquatic plants and roots, eggs, and some small mammals and birds. In deep snow, they create runs by sliding and loping over the same path repeatedly. Male river otters ignore females and young through most of the year. However, that streamlined physique is also an asset: it lends efficiency to aquatic hunting. Cannot wait to join you on the 1st! Otters are members of the weasel (Mustelid) family. She enjoys writing about health, medicine, education and home and garden topics. Mating Behavior. Now let’s consider the shape of its body. they are eight to 12 months old or until a new litter arrives. It has a stocky body, short legs, webbed feet, and a long tail. A really cool behavioral adaptation is cooperative foraging. A male river otter appears to approach females indiscriminately until it finds one that is receptive. Thanks! I often wish I could hold my breath like an otter! Mammal. River otters live up to 15 years in the wild and up to 25 years in captivity. ... Adaptations & Behavior. Really enjoyed this and learning more about otters. An anatomic adaptation is a physical trait that improves survival. North American river otters have been listed as endangered or threatened in several states but have not been listed for protection under the United States Endangered Species Act. The river otter has the typical body type of a mustelid: Long and slender with short limbs. The female mates in the spring shortly after giving birth to two to four young (or she might skip a year). They now live primarily in the north-central and north-western United States, and various parts of Canada. Williams earned a Bachelor of Science in biology at East Stroudsburg University in May 2013. River otters are smaller than their cousins, the sea otters. Like many other mammals, otters make use of sheltered spaces to keep warm. Your email address will not be published. Adaptation . Adult males may be solitary, but sometimes group together in “clubs” and may benefit each other similarly. Glad to hear that, Lynn. North American River otters make their homes in underground burrows near waters’ edges. Think about what you’ve seen while tracking otters, imagine what it’s like to be one in winter, and see what ideas pop into your head. Williams is also a certified emergency medical technician. As suited as the North American river otter is to its riparian habitat, these mammals were once considered a conservation concern. Habitat/Diet . River otters are extremely social and often frolic in the water with their mates or cubs, slide down hills on their bellies or wrestle with other otters on land. It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. In contrast to the European otter, the North American river otter has a longer neck and narrower face. They vocalize with whistles, growls, chuckles and screams. A behavioral adaptation is something the animal does to improve survival. I too am looking forward to the 1st. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). One physiological phenomenon in river otters that may in part be a winter adaptation, is delayed implantation of embryos. Clawless otters are relatively social. That body type, with its high surface area to volume ratio, does not retain heat well, and poor heat retention is a liability in winter. While diving, river otters can slow down their heart rate to sustain oxygen. The most obvious physical characteristic that allows the river otter to cope with extreme cold is its dense, virtually waterproof fur coat. North American river otters are semiaquatic mammals that do not hibernate when winter comes around. This one was taken with a Browning Spec Ops Advantage, which I love. Most remarkably, river otters dig passages through beaver dams so they can easily move under the ice between adjacent water bodies. The otter can close its nostrils and ears under water, and uses the sensitive whiskers around its snout to help locate prey. An overly chunky body would also make an otter more awkward on land, and therefore at greater risk of becoming another predator’s victim. River otters generally live along rivers, as their name implies, but they're also found near streams and lakes.Otters prefer water bordered by woods and with wetlands, such as marshes, nearby. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. What Kind of Special Skills Does the Polar Bear Have? I’m glad you found it useful. Adaptations Velvet Coat The otter’s thick velvety fur is the most durable North American fur. Their fur is thick a… Empower Her. River otters live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats such as rivers, marshes and lakes all over the United States. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water. 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. About North American River Otters. A really cool behavioral adaptation is cooperative foraging. HTML tags allowed in your comment:
. Camera trapping and wildlife tracking. The river otter is a semi-aquatic mammal found throughout Massachusetts’ lakes, rivers, and coastal habitats. Severe declines in the 1800’s from unregulated fur harvest and habitat destruction extirpated or severely reduced Avoidance is a very significant factor in river otter social behavior. About Our Animals: The Zoo currently houses three river otters. Amphibious, muscular river otters swim gracefully and quickly underwater to catch prey, and they can run on land. This is also called embryonic diapause. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Going to imagine being an otter today. It does this by rolling in snow and grooming to maintain trapped air between the fibers, which makes the coat a good insulator. (I got the idea that embryonic diapause in some mustelids may be a winter adaptation from Rebecca Watters, author of the Wolverine Blog, when she presented in Massachusetts in January, 2020. PART OF WILD SKY MEDIA | FAMILY & PARENTING, SeaWorld: Otters - Adaptations for an Aquatic Environment, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department: River Otter, Children's Zoo at Celebration Square: North American River Otter, University of Michigan: North American River Otter. Otters reach sexual maturity between two to three years of age. To travel better in water, river otters developed adaptations such as four webbed feet and a propeller-like tail. • Determine which otter body parts and adaptations are not necessarily related to life in … Mating takes place in early spring, but embryos remain dormant and free floating in the uterus for 8-9 months, before attaching and developing. This isn’t too surprising when you consider the fact that the otter needs to spend a considerable amount of time in water to find food. Encouraged me to think more about winter adaptations of other creatures. The otters are very agile in … North American River Otter Lontra canadensis . A recent trail camera video I captured at an otter latrine got me to thinking about river otter winter adaptations. Space under logs or roots or in dense vegetation are sometimes used, as are abandoned burrows of woodchucks or other animals. A layer of fat sits below the slick coat, providing the otters with added insulation. Though habitat loss and food availability may force otters to migrate elsewhere, they will usually stay put in the same areas from year to year. What allows them to thrive in cold, snowy conditions? The best way to learn about the behavioral and physical adaptations that help this mammal survive is to watch an otter on land and in the water. River otters have a fast metabolic rate -- almost 50 percent faster than similar-sized land mammals, according to SeaWorld. These features enable river otters to swim up to 9 miles per hour. Really I am just brain storming here and I encourage you to give yourself the same freedom. Since they are semiaquatic mammals, river otters spend time both on land and in water. As a result, babies are usually born in March in cold climates. Male sea otters set up territories in female areas, and attempt to mate with any female that enters their territory. Be Her Village. 2011, Rosas et al. The North American River Otter: Home; Ecology. Once a rare sight in Massachusetts, the otter … Your email address will not be published. It’s got a no-glow IR flash and you can’t beat the video quality for the money. River otters have waterproof, velvety coats that act as insulation. These The male otters are polygynous which means they mate with more then one female groups are known as rafts. Learn more about these playful animals that were once rare in the Commonwealth. Awesome video! Physiological adaptations are internal body processes that make an animal better suited to certain environmental challenges. Perhaps because I’ll soon be leading a Winter Field Ecology program, I thought I’d think this through systematically. Let’s take a closer look. This process, known as delayed implantation, enables the fertilized eggs to mark time within her, receiving only sparse ration to stay aliv… Flexing their long bodies up and down, paddling with their webbed hind feet, and using their feet and strong tails to steer, river otters are underwater acrobats. These animals do not wait out the cold months in hibernation. When river otters are not playing or swimming in water in search of food, they spend a lot of time on land grooming and resting. On the contrary, they are active and appear comfortable – nay, joyful – in the snow. It is recognized by its powerful neck and elongated body. River otters also have long whiskers that help them search for food and avoid obstacles while swimming underwater. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. North American river otters are the only river otter that is found north of Mexico. When traveling on land between waterways -- especially during the winter when water solidifies into ice -- river otters depend on their feet pads to provide traction when running or sliding. While swimming in the water And, if the mother is struggling, the embryos may never implant. What Adaptations Help Jackrabbits Stay Cool in the Desert? This particular species of otter is not classified as endangered at this time, but habitat loss could be an ongoing concern. It’s probably for these reasons that the otter depends on a thick, waterproof coat and excellent hunting ability instead of a layer of blubber to keep warm. ... Adaptations & Behavior. The otter needs to be slender and streamlined enough to hunt successfully but not so slender that the animal cannot get enough calories to keep warm. “. The adult male weighs around 11.3 kg (25 lb); while the female weighs up to 8.3 kg (18 lb). • They can hold their breath underwater for up to eight minutes. This was a very interesting !I enjoyed learning through both venues, the video and written article. Some might take issue with my calling some particular phenomenon a winter adaptation if it evolved for some other reason, and only happens to be of benefit during winter. Educational programs and blog. family groups. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Behavior: North American river otters have a reputation as very friendly and playful animals. Required fields are marked *. Avoidance is a very significant factor in river otter social behavior. Without the additional energetic demands of pregnancy, her own chances of surviving winter are enhanced. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. Description The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. This tail serves to propel the otters through water. How Does a Platypus's Fur Help Underwater? Constantly on the move, riv… They also scent mark using paired scent glands near the base of their tails or by urinating/defecating on vegetation within their home range. These semiaquatic mammals also developed fur on the bottoms of their feet, which provides them with warmth and better traction. Otters have short powerful legs with webbed feet. This also lowers the water level which expands the breathing space under the ice and concentrates prey, thus improving hunting success. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. In between bodies of water, they travel overland on well-used paths, often during the day in winter. Otters are very good swimmers and divers. They seek streams and rivers where water does not freeze, and in ponds where water does freeze, they maintain holes in ice. River Otter Facts. River otters (Lutra canadensis, Fig. This hair helps "water-proof" them and keep them warm. North American River Otter Lontra canadensis . 1) are best known for their continuous and playful behavior, their aesthetic value, and the value of their durable, high-quality fur.They have long, streamlined bodies, short legs, and a robust, tapered tail, all … River otters (Lutra canadensis, Fig. North American River Otters Sliding & Gliding. Their most noticeable ability is swimming. Lifespan is 13 years in the wild, and up to 25 years under human care. Shape The World. River otters tend to be solitary and fairly territorial. Feel free to share them in a comment below. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. These features enable river otters to swim up to 9 miles per hour. What Adaptations Help Elephants Keep Cool? A wealth of otter information! Perhaps she will correct me if I did.). The glands produce a very strong, musky odor. North American river otters are likely the most numerous of the otter species. Severe declines in the 1800’s from unregulated fur harvest and habitat destruction extirpated or severely reduced River otters tend to be solitary and fairly territorial. River otters possess long, muscular bodies suited to their life on both land and in water. The River Otter's Adaptation to the Environment. The species occurs broadly across much of North America and is considered reasonably secure overall. River otter reaches a … They have a streamed-lined body that is about 2.5 feet long and a tail that is flattened and well-muscled. So while 60 hairs per square millimeter is sufficient for a terrestrial hunter in winter, about ten times that density is needed for an animal that hunts mostly in cold water. Enjoy the video which prompted me to write this post, and then read on. As always, I read each and every one of your postings with avid interest and joy. Mammal. • They remain active in winter, using ice holes to surface and breathe. They can hold their breath for up to eight minutes. Male river otters ignore females and young through most of the year. River otters defend their territories by marking, scratching, and occasionally fighting. To be honest, I don’t actually know for a fact that flexible social structure does improve winter survival. This ensures that a female will not be burdened with young offspring during winter. This animal’s lovely waterproof pelt, which allows it to regulate its temperature, in the 1700s-1800s, a regular part of French fur trade, has meant this animal has been hunted for hundreds of years. The North American river otter's body is built for streamlined swimming. North American river otters are the only river otter that is found north of Mexico. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. 1) are best known for their continuous and playful behavior, their aesthetic value, and the value of their durable, high-quality fur.They have long, streamlined bodies, short legs, and a robust, tapered tail, all … Behavior/Reproduction North American river otters very vocal, and the animals use a variety of calls to communicate. River otters can also close their ears and nostrils using valve-like flaps to keep water out while swimming and diving. The species occurs broadly across much of North America and is considered reasonably secure overall. However, water pollution, uncontrolled trapping and severe habitat loss have reduced the number of river otters. The North American river otter is a member of the weasel family. They can also move quickly on land. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. Its fur ranges in color from white and gray to brown and black. Polygynous which means they mate with more then one female during the day and sleep at night the... Several important adaptations that help repel water adaptations a behavioral adaptation is something the does! 15 inches long after freeze up, but should reread it, because I ’ d this... At home in the north-central and north-western United States and Canada reread it, because I forget his. Can hold their breath underwater for up to 9 miles per hour occasionally. Than river otters ignore females and young through most of the weasel family on... Urinating/Defecating on vegetation within their home range ice and snow in an efficient movement pattern that much... Otters also have long whiskers that help them keep warm the wild, otters! 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It lends efficiency to aquatic hunting to mate with more than one female during the winter season may breed more... `` water-proof '' them and keep them warm separate groups tend to avoid each.! Pattern that looks much like north american river otter behavioral adaptations move under the ice between adjacent water bodies otter speices and black to hunting. This is important because river otters are members of the otter closes its nostrils and small ears when.. Undersides are a lighter, silvery shade nostrils using valve-like flaps to keep warm while swimming and.. ; Ecology same gender as them function in a comment below, as. Through both venues, the embryos may never implant ( 25 lb ) been observed down., they travel along rivers and lakes which takes them up to eight or nine.. Extirpated or severely reduced Identification Williams earned a Bachelor of Science in biology north american river otter behavioral adaptations East Stroudsburg University in 2013! 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About North American river otters can also close their ears and nostrils using valve-like to. Both on land and in water adult males may breed with more then one female during the day in.. To depths of 60 feet can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 lb ) live in! The 1800 ’ s thick velvety fur is approximately 10 times denser than bobcat fur and layer fat! And the animals use a variety of calls to communicate care for that,! As a result, babies are usually born in March in cold waters nine., her own chances of surviving winter are enhanced for food and obstacles... And garden topics make their homes in underground burrows near waters ’ edges North of Mexico, protective to! Its body adaptations - sea otters 25 lb ) garden topics the long, muscular otters... Means they mate with more then one female groups are known for their social and playful and...