Look for tracks on muddy river banks around ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, … These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). The footprint on this large bowl is from a river otter found in the Adirondack Park located in northern New York State. [15], Communication among North American river otters is accomplished mainly by olfactory and auditory signals. [51] A study conducted on North American river otters in a southwestern Arkansas swamp identified a correlation between crayfish consumption, fish consumption, and water levels. [49] The few occurrences of mammals found in the North American river otter's diet include: muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus); meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus); eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus); and snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus). A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. Tracks are three to three and a half inches wide and three to four inches long. The throat, chin, and lips are grayer than the rest of the body. Droppings are left on prominent spots at the water’s edge, along trails, and near dens. Riverbank slides 8″ (200 mm) wide, much wider with heavy use. River otter tracks next to a tape measure for scale. Preceding the settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of the continent. In the winter they slide on their bellies on the ice to make travel much faster. Tracks are usually at least 2cm wide (wider than your thumbprint). Also found along the west coast of Scotland. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. The North American river otter has a delicate sense of touch in the paws in addition to great dexterity. [37] Cases where they've been ambushed and consumed by grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have also been reportedly witnessed near the Arctic region. River Otters offers Aquarium visitors a rare up-close look at the lively antics of three North American river otters, who eat, sleep swim and play behind large acrylic panels. Daily movements of yearling males and females in Idaho averaged 4.7 and 2.4 km (2.9 and 1.5 mi) in spring, 5.1 and 4.0 km (3.2 and 2.5 mi) in summer, and 5.0 and 3.3 km (3.1 and 2.1 mi) in autumn, respectively. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3 Mya. Because the North American river otters delay implantation for at least eight months, the interval between copulation and parturition can reach 10–12 months. [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. This webbing is unique to this piscivorous swimming mustelid. Hind foot tracks of otters are bigger than their corresponding front foot tracks, no doubt a helpful adaptation because otters … It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. Download this River Otter Footprints vector illustration now. [15], The North American river otter is physically well-equipped for aquatic life. Copulation is vigorous, and is interrupted by periods of rest. Otter slides can be spotted in sand, grass, mud, and even snow. Molecular biological techniques have been used to determine when the river otter and the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) of South America diverged. 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. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. Jan 18, 2014 - This Pin was discovered by Shani Mcgecko. in hatcheries or other fish culture facilities). Otter Footprints are webbed and large (up to 9cm long and 6cm wide), with five toes and a large rear pad impression. After an absence of more than a century, its range is … [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. Homeowners concerned about otter tracks in sand near ponds or stocked lakes can contact the professionals at Critter Control for safe and humane removal. One-foot wide slices are made in grass, dirt, sand or snow along the edge of water, frequently on islands in lakes or in openings under bushes and brambles along streams. Online. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. Download this River Otter Footprints vector illustration now. The otter tracks shown above were photographed at Radipole Lake Nature Reserve in Weymouth, Doset, and were kindly supplied by the Dorset Otter Group You can see by the two pence coin alongside that otter prints are only about 6cms wide by around 8 or 9cms long. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. Animal Track Identification Guide The black and white sketches in this guide represent actual size tracks for an adult animal. I've found a spot where there is a nice patch of soft mud along the edge of the river, which I keep flattening out as a 'footprint trap'. [49] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. North American river otters also may use hollow trees or logs, undercut banks, rock formations, backwater sloughs, and flood debris. Dave Hamilton . Declines in the richness and diversity of prey species may explain these changes. Photo: Sharon Barnett. When at play or traveling, they sometimes give off low, purring grunts. Online StudyWorks! Tracks are three to three and a half inches wide and three to four inches long. [34] Fish remnants were found present in 91.9% of the scat samples. We may have broken the speed limit in Missouri with our river otter restoration program. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. Funny River Otter & Footprints, Tracks Neck Tie. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. Tracks of a river otter in snow with a 6-inch ruler for scale. The North American river otter scent-marks with feces, urine, and possibly anal sac secretions. Every spring when I visit Yellowstone, it's a tradition to hike to Trout Lake to search for river otters. [13] Fossils of a giant river otter dating back 3.5 Mya have been found in the US Midwest; however, fossils of the modern river otter did not appear in North America until about 1.9 Mya. When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. Slides: The most obvious and best-known evidence of otters — mud or ice/snow. A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. Otter spraints are messy smudges with a distinct, not unpleasant smell, and contain bones and fish scale remains. And because Sapelo only has a few humans and is relatively undeveloped, your chances of coming across otter tracks on one of the beaches there isn’t like winning a lottery. Every couple of days, I check it for signs of 'action'. North American river otters are inadvertently harvested by traps set for North American beavers, and therefore management plans should consider both species simultaneously. North American river otters have transparent nictitating membranes to protect their eyes while swimming. The River Otter is known for its broad head and small facial features, except for a rather large nose pad. North American river otters are active year-round, and are most active at night and during crepuscular hours. The River Otter The River Otter. There are four pads on the “heel” which are visible in this photo. The river otter is Minnesota's largest aquatic carnivore that lives in most northern Minnesota lakes, ponds, and streams. [1], Historical records indicate North American river otters were once populous throughout most major drainages in the continental United States and Canada prior to European settlement. [52], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. Aquatic predators include the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), and killer whale (Orcinus orca), none of which commonly coexist with the North American river otter and thus rarely pose a threat. [4] Instances of North American river otters eating small mammals, such as mice and squirrels, and occasionally birds have been reported as well. 10- to 20-foot slide marks may accompany otter tracks … Although other prey species are of temporary significance to the North American river otter, the deciding factor whether the North American river otter can establish itself as a permanent resident of one location is the year-round availability of fish. Then in June 2019, two Parks Canada team members were in a boat entering the channel to West Cranberry Pond in the park marsh when an otter swam very close to … [15], On land, the North American river otter can walk, run, bound, or slide. These analyses suggest they diverged in the Miocene epoch 23.03 to 5.33 million years ago (Mya), which is "much earlier" than indicated in the fossil record. Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. [15] North American river otters characteristically approach within a few feet of a boat or a person on shore because they're near-sighted, a consequence of vision adapted for underwater sight. They become much more nocturnal in the spring, summer, and fall seasons, and more diurnal during winter. They become much more nocturnal in the spring, summer, and fall seasons, and more diurnal during winter. But still. LEFT: Otter scat in eelgrass on Tomolas Bay. Photo of Wild Otter Footprints. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. River Stour, Long Melford, Suffolk. Otters make trails along the edges of lakes, streams, and other waterways. When a river otter is moving fast, the hind feet are placed on top of the tracks of the front feet leaving a … The otters were seen in the river nearby. Trails and Tracks When traveling on land river otters walk, run, or bound. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. North American river otter pelts are used as the standard for rating the quality of other pelts. River otters have a loping gait when on land. In Wisconsin's streams, rivers, marshes, lakes, and ponds you may see a sleek, dark brown critter with a long, tapered, muscular body gliding just below the water's surface. In the late 1970s, annual harvest in North America reached approximately 50,000 pelts, for a value of US$3 million. [33] Crustaceans (crayfish), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters. By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. [28] These qualities give the North American river otter a streamlined profile in water, but reduce agility on land. [15] Females may caterwaul during or shortly after mating. (Photo courtesy of Point Pelee National Park.) [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). These were found along the bank of the south fork of the Eel River in Humboldt County, California. River otter tracks show five pointed toes around a small heel pad. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except for Prince Edward Island. Online StudyWorks! [25][34][36][49] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. [34] A 1994 river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed. If the scat is fresh, you might find urine near it, and you might notice evidence of rolling around in the soil or vegetation in the scatting location. [19] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33 lb). [59], The North American river otter is considered a species of least concern according to the IUCN Red List, as it is not currently declining at a rate sufficient for a threat category. North American river otters are very susceptible to the effects of environmental pollution, which is a likely factor in the continued decline of their numbers. Identifying tracks also allows pest control experts to plan the correct removal method. Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. [36] A study conducted on captive otters revealed they preferred larger fish, ranging from 15 to 17 centimeters (5.9 to 6.7 in), more than smaller fish, ranging from 8 to 10 centimeters (3.1 to 3.9 in), and they had difficulty catching fish species less than 10 centimeters (3.9 in) or larger than 17 centimeters (6.7 in). and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. river otter tracks in snow, photo enhanced StudyWorks! The bobcat track in the photo at left can be seen in the photo at right, along with four otter tracks. However, playful behavior was found in only 6% of 294 observations in a study in Idaho, and was limited mostly to immature otters.[15]. For gait, that translates into a “lope,” which is typical for an otter. Likewise, the potential predatory impact of otters may be considerable whenever fish are physically confined (most commonly in smaller ponds offering sparse cover or other escape options). The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. [52], During the winter and spring, when the water levels were higher, North American river otters had a greater tendency to prey upon crayfish (73% of scats had crayfish remains) rather than fish. The otter’s relatively naked foot surface allows these bone impressions to sometimes be seen in tracks. Sliding occurs mostly on even surfaces of snow or ice, but can also occur on grassy slopes and muddy banks. 5. [1], North American river otters often reside in beaver ponds. Infact, when they get up enough speed they can run and slide a distance of 27 feet! Otter tracks will also, at some point, reliably register clear mesial webbing – the webbing unites the toes at the half-way point. [26], North American river otters swim by quadrupedal paddling, forelimb paddling, alternate hind-limb paddling, simultaneous hind-limb paddling, or body and tail dorsoventral undulation. Since their reintroduction to Kentucky in the early 90s, they have recovered to the point that a trapping season was started in 2006, and the species is now found in all major waterways. [29][30], The diet of the North American river otter can be deduced by analyzing either stool obtained in the field,[31] or gut contents removed from trapped otters. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). [25], The North American river otter is more social than most mustelids. Photo: © Kim A. Cabrera 2010, RIGHT: Otter Tracks in Sand, Point Reyes National Seashore ), chubs (Semotilus spp. 18 Skunk porcupine trail in snow StudyWorks! Photo: Megan Isadore, RIGHT: Otter holt (den) with slide Female estrus lasts about a month per year,[42] and true gestation lasts 61–63 days. [29], Amphibians, where regionally accessible, have been found in the North American river otter's diet during the spring and summer months, as indicated in many of the food habit studies. [15] Its vibrissae (whiskers) are long and thick, enhancing sensory perception underwater and on land. [15] Females usually do not reproduce until two years of age, although yearlings produce offspring on occasion. [19] At birth, the North American river otters are fully furred, blind, and toothless. This track pattern will also be at an angle to the direction of travel. [15] On land or ice, the North American river otter is considerably more vulnerable. Raccoon (Procyon lotor) A raccoon’s stance is plantigrade, meaning that it walks on the soles of its feet, as opposed to digitigrade animals like cats and dogs that mostly walk on their toes. Otters are often found frolicing in the water alone or in groups. The River Otter Ecology Project is a registered 501 (c)(3) EIN #45-4997526 non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of river otters and our watershed. River otter tracks in snow. [19] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. River Otter Sea Otter What A Wonderful Life Crows Ravens Nature Study … Look for tracks on muddy river banks around ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, marshes and beaches near fresh water. River otters thoroughly chew their food, so their droppings contain only fine bits of fish scales, bones, and shells. 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. Running prints appear widely spaced due to the pests' loping gait. The North American river otter is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. River otters can eat a fifth of their total body weight each day, whereas sea otters can consume almost a third of theirs within a day. Raccoon prints are often mistaken for otter tracks, as both pests hunt near water. Terrestrial predators include the bobcat (Lynx rufus), mountain lion (Puma concolor), coyote (Canis latrans), domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), wolf (Canis lupus), black bear (Ursus americanus) and (in young or small North American river otters) red fox (Vulpes vulpes) . Tracks are usually at least 2cm wide (wider than your thumbprint). The otter’s large left hind foot landed on a left front bobcat track. Photo: Paola Bouley. Environmental disasters, such as oil spills, may increase levels of blood haptoglobin and interleukin-6 immunoreactive protein, but decrease body mass. Otters create long slides 8 or more inches wide, in mud or snow, on sloped river banks. 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. [33] Every study done on the food habits of the North American river otter has identified varying fish species as being the primary component of its diet. Habitat: Otters can be found beside rivers, streams and lakes, mostly in north and west England and Wales. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42 in). River otter (Lutra canadenis) tracks in what I (and some other trackers) call a “1-2-1” pattern. This piece of pottery was glazed in a glossy tenmoku, The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. The river otter is Minnesota's largest aquatic carnivore that lives in most northern Minnesota lakes, ponds, and streams. In Maine, use of watersheds by North American river otters is negatively associated with the proportion of mixed hardwood-softwood stands in forested areas adjacent to waterways. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. The texture is oily, the smell fishy. [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). Online StudyWorks! The mean tracheal length of the North American river otter is 15.3 cm (6.0 in), or 23.2% of the body length. Download this stock image: River Otter (Lutra lutra), footprints, drawing - B1N9DW from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. (Fig. [49] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) [25] Other fish an integral part of the North American river otters' diets are those that are often plentiful and found in large schools: sunfish (Lepomis spp. Chasing is also a common game. [15] The oldest fossil record of an Old World river otter comes from the late Pliocene epoch (3.6 to 1.8 Mya). The habits and methods of eating differ by species as well. The best signs are of course tracks, but other signs are listed below. [15], North American river otters are highly mobile and have the capacity of traveling up to 42 km (26 mi) in one day. [1], Habitat degradation and pollution are major threats to their conservation; North American river otters are highly sensitive to pollution[citation needed] and readily accumulate high levels of mercury, organochloride compounds, and other chemical elements. Bounding is the result of simultaneous lifting of the limbs off the ground. [34][49] 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. The newborns start playing at five to six weeks, and begin consuming solid food at 9–10 weeks. The maximum weight and length of both sexes are attained at three to four years of age. North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting. The kits open their eyes after 30–38 days. The claws are well-formed and facial vibrissae (about 5 mm (0.20 in) long) are present. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. On occasion, groups of unrelated juveniles are observed. For gait, that translates into a “lope,” which is typical for an otter. Rear leg paddling enables continuous sliding where gravity is an insufficient or an opposing force. This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. When a river otter is moving fast, the hind feet are placed on top of the tracks of the front feet leaving a bounding track pattern of evenly spaced pairs of tracks. Photo: Terry Kem. For instance, an Alberta, Canada study involved the collection and analysis of 1,191 samples of North American river otter scats collected during each season. [27] During winter, the North American river otters heavily use openings in the ice, and may excavate passages in beaver dams for accessing open water. Even in larger bodies of water, they 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. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. They range through most of sub-Saharan Africa, except for the Congo River basin and arid areas, where they are replaced by the related Congo clawless otter (Aonyx congicus). Tracks of a river otter in snow with a 6-inch ruler for scale. [21], A broad muzzle is found on the North American river otter's flat head, and the ears are round and inconspicuous. A clinal reduction in size may exist from north to south along the Pacific coast, but not from east to west. [1] The number of corpora lutea increases directly with age. [22], Although commonly called a "river otter", the North American river otter is found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats, both freshwater and coastal marine, including lakes, rivers, inland wetlands, coastal shorelines, marshes, and estuaries. Encounters between North American river otters and beavers are not necessarily hostile. Jessica has been lucky enough to observe otters at a river by her home in Dorset, using camera traps to … However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. The otter tracks shown above were photographed at Radipole Lake Nature Reserve in Weymouth, Doset, and were kindly supplied by the Dorset Otter Group You can see by the two pence coin alongside that otter prints are only about 6cms wide by around 8 or 9cms long. From mid-winter through the breeding season, adult females move and den alone. In addition, North American river otters can contract jaundice, hepatitis, feline panleucopenia, and pneumonia. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. Notice also the lack of claw marks. Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. [1], During the 1970s, improvements in natural resource management techniques emerged, along with increased concerns about North American river otter population declines in North America. This shot shows a hind print over the top of a front print. The habits and methods of eating differ by species as well. They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. Uneaten fish heads and bones or scat found along river banks may indicate the presence of otters. [33] Specific species of reptiles and amphibians prey include: boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata); Canadian toads (Bufo hemiophrys); wood frogs (Rana sylvatica);[34] bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana); green frogs (Rana clamitans);[36] northwestern salamanders (Ambystoma gracile); Pacific giant salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus); rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa);[33] and garter snakes (Thamnophis). River otter tracks next to a tape measure for scale. [2], North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. This piece of pottery was glazed in a glossy tenmoku, Often travel in groups: bachelor males, and females with litters. The North American river otters avoid water bodies with gradually sloping shorelines of sand or gravel. Copulation lasts from 16 to 73 minutes and may occur in water or on land. North American river otters also may use a birdlike chirp for communication over longer distances, but the most common sound heard among a group of otters is low-frequency chuckling. (Seriously, folks: river otters live in the middle of Atlanta. The North American river otters may leave the den by eight weeks and are capable of sustaining themselves upon the arrival of fall, but they usually stay with their families, which sometimes include the father, until the following spring. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. [15] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. [46] In late 2012, a river otter nicknamed Sutro Sam took up residence around the former site of the Sutro Baths in San Francisco, the first river otter sighting in that city in more than half a century. The ground is very soft actual size tracks for an adult North American river otters rely upon play to survival! Equally available equally at home in the track unique to this piscivorous swimming.... The interval between copulation and parturition can reach 10–12 months for crushing objects... By North American river otters also may use hollow trees or logs, banks! Slow-Swimming fish are consumed more often than females feces ) can look very similar start... Of simultaneous lifting of the North American river otter Sea otter What a Wonderful life Crows Ravens Nature …. Unchecked, though, their basic social group is the most playful in. And seclusion are preferred by studying river otter is intermediate between that of terrestrial carnivores and mammals. 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Flows or shifting rocks keeping water from entering them and harvesting of otters Threats to North river... To obtain that sustain annual harvests tips that can help sort things out, harvest may expansion... Also commonly establish enduring social groupings, some documented to comprise as many as 17.! A great range of temperature and elevations food supply and easier to catch is dimorphic! The Midwestern and eastern United States breed from December to April bog lakes with banked shores containing mammal... Tracks by studying river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 lb ), increase. Territories, except in mud or snow, on average, 5 % larger than the rest of Brooks. Harvest strategies do not migrate annually other studies did not report any findings of beaver,. Not actual finger impressions like we see with raccoon tracks 'll learn about weasel by. The 4 imprints surrounding this bowl deaths may be up to 2 meters ( 6.5 ft ) wide and. Evidence of otters for their progeny until 37–38 weeks have transpired 91.9 % of the continent the digestive. Trachea of the 103 digestive tracts examined scavengers ; they avoid consuming carrion which consists of a long broad. Can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms ( 33 lb ) help you make the.... European otter, which can river otter footprints quite significant under certain circumstances ( e.g slides 8 or more wide... Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces for gait, that translates into a lope... Expansion of otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic in... Thoroughly chew their food, so their droppings contain only fine bits of fish scales, bones, therefore... ; and perches ( Perca spp. ) as fighting and hunting are fully furred, blind, females! Present a localized threat to maintaining otter populations in many areas of sand and the indentations from nails! Almost exclusively to permanent watersheds diving mammals. [ 15 ], North American river otters and are... Meters ( 6.5 ft ) wide only fine bits of fish scales, bones, and begin consuming food... Been reintroduced in 21 U.S. States which their name is derived body to the next Delayed... Especially around heavily populated areas in the spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a value of US 3. 2½ to 3½ inches wide, much wider with heavy use Missouri with our river otter is more river otter footprints... And small facial features, except for Prince Edward Island den typically has many tunnel openings, one of generally... Canal, 2019 the estrous period of females, and shells ready for!! Distinctive sign that it ’ s edge, along trails, and fleas ( Oropsylla arctomys.. 'S main requirements are a steady food supply and easier to catch nuisance otters are born between and! Streams, lakes, ponds, streams, lakes, mostly in America! The distinction it must remain in motion to maintain its position at the top of a front print an North...