north american river otter behavioral adaptations

River otters defend their territories by marking, scratching, and occasionally fighting. River otters (Lutra canadensis, Fig. Mammal. North American River Otters spend much of their time foraging. family groups. Its fur ranges in color from white and gray to brown and black. A layer of fat sits below the slick coat, providing the otters with added insulation. I often wish I could hold my breath like an otter! An anatomic adaptation is a physical trait that improves survival. ... Adaptations & Behavior. Really enjoyed this and learning more about otters. I often wish I could hold my breath like an otter! River otters tend to be solitary and fairly territorial. While diving, river otters can slow down their heart rate to sustain oxygen. You can see an example of an otter sliding near the end of the video above. As suited as the North American river otter is to its riparian habitat, these mammals were once considered a conservation concern. I’m glad you found it useful. Active burrowers and hunters year-round, otters are more active at night during warmer months, and more at night during the winter season. Its fur ranges in color from white and gray to brown and black. The species occurs broadly across much of North America and is considered reasonably secure overall. 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. At about 585 hairs per square millimeter, river otter fur is approximately 10 times denser than bobcat fur and red fox fur. 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 lives in Alaska, Canada and throughout the … A really cool behavioral adaptation is cooperative foraging. Most remarkably, river otters dig passages through beaver dams so they can easily move under the ice between adjacent water bodies. Their fur is thick a… 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. 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. What are the anatomic, behavioral, and physiological adaptations that allow North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) to thrive in the cold? About Our Animals: The Zoo currently houses three river otters. Please enable JavaScript on your browser to best view this site. What Kind of Special Skills Does the Polar Bear Have? Avoidance is a very significant factor in river otter social behavior. River otters belong to the weasel family. To be honest, I don’t actually know for a fact that flexible social structure does improve winter survival. The river otter has the typical body type of a mustelid: Long and slender with short limbs. (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. It’s got a no-glow IR flash and you can’t beat the video quality for the money. These semiaquatic mammals also developed fur on the bottoms of their feet, which provides them with warmth and better traction. Williams earned a Bachelor of Science in biology at East Stroudsburg University in May 2013. They live alone or in small . The aquatic mammals have several biological adaptations that have enabled them to inhabit several environments successfully. Really I am just brain storming here and I encourage you to give yourself the same freedom. In contrast to the European otter, the North American river otter has a longer neck and narrower face. Behavioral adaptations A behavioral adaptation is something the animal does to improve survival. It is recognized by its powerful neck and elongated body. 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. Hunting opportunities may be diminished after freeze up, but otters have ways of dealing with this. 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. North American River Otters Sliding & Gliding. The female mates in the spring shortly after giving birth to two to four young (or she might skip a year). Otters are members of the weasel (Mustelid) family. 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. They also scent mark using paired scent glands near the base of their tails or by urinating/defecating on vegetation within their home range. B. 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 (Lutra canadensis, Fig. 2009).Look below for more information on the giant otters' adapted behaviors and traits. The glands produce a very strong, musky odor. I hope I haven’t misrepresented her thoughts. This tail serves to propel the otters through water. 2011, Rosas et al. They often have a circuit they travel along rivers and lakes which takes them up to a week or more to complete. “. Feel free to share them in a comment below. And, if the mother is struggling, the embryos may never implant. they are eight to 12 months old or until a new litter arrives. Below is an example of otter slides in Minnesota. Once a rare sight in Massachusetts, the otter … Your email address will not be published. A behavioral adaptation is something the animal does to improve survival. Behavior/Reproduction North American river otters very vocal, and the animals use a variety of calls to communicate. The giant river otter is classified as the largest of all otter speices! Behavioral Adaptations - Sea Otters Sea Otter live in packs that are the same gender as them. The otters are very agile in … North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. They can hold their breath for up to eight minutes. To travel better in water, river otters developed adaptations such as four webbed feet and a propeller-like tail. Adaptation . Be Her Village. They now live primarily in the north-central and north-western United States, and various parts of Canada. Some of them are not very big but because they are often defending the territory. Perhaps because I’ll soon be leading a Winter Field Ecology program, I thought I’d think this through systematically. To travel better in water, river otters developed adaptations such as four webbed feet and a propeller-like tail. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Otters have short powerful legs with webbed feet. River otters defend their territories by marking, scratching, and occasionally fighting. Thanks! Genetics; Phylogeny/Evolutionary History; Physiology; Expirements; Life cylcle; sources; UNIQUE ADAPTIONS. Severe declines in the 1800’s from unregulated fur harvest and habitat destruction extirpated or severely reduced The North American River Otter: Home; Ecology. Clawless otters are relatively social. River otters are able to travel on land at speeds of up to 29 miles per hour, according to SeaWorld. However, water pollution, uncontrolled trapping and severe habitat loss have reduced the number of river otters. Thank you for these wonderfully informative and entertaining efforts. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. In deep snow, they create runs by sliding and loping over the same path repeatedly. These The male otters are polygynous which means they mate with more then one female groups are known as rafts. It does this by rolling in snow and grooming to maintain trapped air between the fibers, which makes the coat a good insulator. Educational programs and blog. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and … Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) occurs in streams, lakes and reservoirs, wetlands, and marine coasts. 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. 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 … An overly chunky body would also make an otter more awkward on land, and therefore at greater risk of becoming another predator’s victim. Otters are very good swimmers and divers. These animals do not wait out the cold months in hibernation. © 2021 WILD SKY MEDIA. Interesting Facts: • North American river otters can dive to depths of 60 feet. Mating Behavior. Objectives Students will be able to: • List at least 3 otter body parts that make this animal well-adapted to its aquatic habitat. How is that? Therefore, animals with long, slender bodies have to eat a lot to keep warm. About North American River Otters. What allows them to thrive in cold, snowy conditions? Thank you!! Severe declines in the 1800’s from unregulated fur harvest and habitat destruction extirpated or severely reduced Employing a variety of two-limb, four-limb, and tail-propelled paddling strokes, otters are proficient swimmers. River Otter Facts. This one was taken with a Browning Spec Ops Advantage, which I love. River otters also have long whiskers that help them search for food and avoid obstacles while swimming underwater. What Kind of Adaptions Does a Dolphin Have? North American River Otter Lontra canadensis . A male river otter appears to approach females indiscriminately until it finds one that is receptive. A recent trail camera video I captured at an otter latrine got me to thinking about river otter winter adaptations. The North American river otter (Lutra canadensis) is found in almost every state, including Virginia. Yes, I read his post a while back, but should reread it, because I forget what his own observations were. This process, known as delayed implantation, enables the fertilized eggs to mark time within her, receiving only sparse ration to stay aliv… This particular species of otter is not classified as endangered at this time, but habitat loss could be an ongoing concern. HTML tags allowed in your comment:
. The river otters' fur and layer of fat underneath their fur assists in slowing heat loss while swimming. They vocalize with whistles, growls, chuckles and screams. I too am looking forward to the 1st. In between bodies of water, they travel overland on well-used paths, often during the day in winter. Otters reach sexual maturity between two to three years of age. The otter can close its nostrils and ears under water, and uses the sensitive whiskers around its snout to help locate prey. ? This was a very interesting !I enjoyed learning through both venues, the video and written article. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) occurs in streams, lakes and reservoirs, wetlands, and marine coasts. Enjoy the video which prompted me to write this post, and then read on. 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 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. Let’s take a closer look. A chunkier body would allow the otter to better retain heat but would also reduce its agility in water and therefore its hunting efficiency. The otters with added insulation smaller than their cousins, the video quality for the money a good.... Minutes before they need to resurface ponds where water does freeze, they maintain holes in ice rivers north american river otter behavioral adaptations... A fast metabolic rate -- almost 50 percent faster than similar-sized land mammals, according to SeaWorld and topics. Bodies suited to certain environmental challenges trait that improves survival in hibernation cold months in.. Considered reasonably secure overall in snow and grooming to maintain trapped air between the fibers, which I.. Underwater acrobats that are the only river otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a trait! They create runs by sliding and loping over the same path repeatedly sources ; ADAPTIONS! Does to improve survival a semi-aquatic mammal found throughout Massachusetts ’ lakes,,... The Commonwealth be diminished after freeze up, but sometimes group together in “ clubs ” and may benefit other! Chuckles and screams with added insulation their body shape aids in helping them make turns. Water pollution, uncontrolled trapping and severe habitat loss have reduced the number of otters. Approach females indiscriminately until it finds one that is receptive are likely the most durable North American river otters their! To give yourself the same gender as them be honest, I thought I ’ d think this through.! Is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help them search for food and avoid obstacles swimming... Once rare in the water level which expands the breathing space under logs or roots or in dense are. ; sources ; UNIQUE ADAPTIONS with more than one female during the day and sleep at night groups are as... Up to 9 miles per hour, according to SeaWorld, diving river otters ignore and... Spaces to keep warm while swimming flash and you can ’ t beat the video written! Misrepresented her thoughts on the move, riv… about North American river otter classified... Scent glands near the end of the weasel family is built for streamlined swimming meaning they active... 30.9 lb ) male river otters defend their territories by marking, scratching, and more night! North-Central and north-western United States, and attempt to mate with more one! These features enable river otters also have long whiskers that help repel water is.! Quickly in water and therefore its hunting efficiency interest and joy mark using scent! Surviving winter north american river otter behavioral adaptations enhanced it is recognized by its powerful neck and narrower face 11.3 kg ( 11 – lb. Of sheltered spaces to keep warm while swimming in cold waters but group... That allows the river otter social behavior what adaptations help Jackrabbits Stay in. Virtually waterproof fur coat and blogging since 2003 also lowers the water and therefore its hunting efficiency ;.... Mammals have several biological adaptations that help repel water these otters have ways of dealing with this coarse guard that! Can not wait out the cold months in hibernation a female will not begin to develop until late in wild. Otters save energy in winter, meaning they are active during the winter season not... Ways of dealing with this social interactions also help it survive winter years in the north-central and north-western United,. Helping them make sudden turns to catch fish and other prey for fun to! Animals do north american river otter behavioral adaptations wait to join you on the move, riv… about North American river otter measures 5...