No membership needed. Barn Hill Preserve, Ethel, Louisiana. [9] The species epithet canadensis means "of Canada". They first learn to swim after about two months. 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. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. Liam Smith, captured the majestic creature … River otters spend part of … Factors t… [15], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. River otters swimming 'In the last three years, people have regularly reported otters fishing and swimming in the River Colne right in Colchester town centre, especially at Castle Park - a popular public area with a heavily managed section of river. From the brackish waters of the Wallacut to the cold, glacial-fed waters of the Klickitat, river otters can be found sliding, swimming, fishing, and playing in the wild channels of the Columbia River region. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. [25][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. Download this stock image: River otter (Lontra canadensis) swimming, Waterton River, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada. First, sea otters are two to three times the size of river otters — and, when at the water’s surface, they float on their backs, while river otters swim belly down like most animals. Swimmers will learn advanced training concepts as well as race specific, stroke specific, strategic training opportunities. When a copious supply of food dwindles or other prey becomes available, North American otters either transfer to a new location or convert their dietary choices to the most adequate prey. The river otter's eyes and ears are located high on its head for surface swimming. Browse more videos. River otters are dark brown, fading to tan on the underside and on the muzzle and throat. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. The Upper Canada River Otters are a small swim club in Brockville Ontario with big ambitions and goals. When they swim they use their tails and back legs to push them through the water at speeds of up to 18 mph! USA Swimming ; New England Swimming; US Masters Swimming ; American Swimming Coaches Association; NE Swim Officials ; New England Zone Team; OTTERS Facebook ; GoSwim Males are larger in size than females (see phot Throughout its over 50 year history the Upper Canada River Otters Swim Club (UCRO) has trained children and young adults in the sport of competitive swimming with truly outstanding results. [4] Instances of North American river otters eating small mammals, such as mice and squirrels, and occasionally birds have been reported as well. Bildir. [32] River otters spend much of their time in the water and have long, cylindrical bodies, dense fur and webbed feet. Though otters frequently nap and may go through periods of inactivity, when active they can put on quite a show—running, diving swimming and wrestling with their mates. North American river otters are active year-round, and are most active at night and during crepuscular hours. Even such fast-swimming species as trout become lethargic in extremely cold water, with a commensurate increase in their vulnerability to predation. Swimmers will also be introduced to competition in these programs. Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. A third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, protects the eye and allows the otter to see when swimming underwater. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. They can remain under water for six to eight minutes! When threatened or frightened, they emit a hair-raising scream that can be heard up to 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) across the water. Photo about A river otter swimming in murky river water. They are also threatened by habitat loss and pollution that has occurred since European’s colonized North America. The club has been extremely successful over the years in training both children and young adults bringing them from an introductory level to a high-performance level. In all habitats, their basic social group is the family, consisting of an adult female and her progeny. Free Download 1920 x 1279 px, 5,123 times. [36] Other prey consumed by North American river otters includes fruits,[37] reptiles, amphibians, birds (most especially moulting ducks which render the birds flightless and thus makes them easier to capture), aquatic insects, small mammals, and mollusks. River Otter Pups Practice Swimming. The female is responsible for rearing the pups. Most mustelids, including otters, have specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. North American river otters are active year-round, and are most active at night and during crepuscular hours. [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. [15] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. [34] Fish remnants were found present in 91.9% of the scat samples. [34][36][53], Records of North American otters preying upon North American beavers (Castor canadensis) vary; it has been reported in the southern boreal forest of Manitoba. Behind the question “Can you have an otter as a pet?” is definitely “Where can I swim with otters as an otter encounter.” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Animals TV. Reduced lobulation of the lungs is presumed to be adaptive for underwater swimming. Sliding across snow and ice is a rapid and efficient means of travel, and otters traveling over mountain passes, between drainages, or descending from mountain lakes often slide continuously for several hundred meters. [22], Like other otters, the North American river otter lives in a holt, or den, constructed in the burrows of other animals, or in natural hollows, such as under a log or in river banks. [15], North American river otters are polygynous. In the late 1970s, annual harvest in North America reached approximately 50,000 pelts, for a value of US$3 million. River Otters introduces students to some amazingly athletic creatures. [48] However, large populations never occurred in areas of Southern California such as the chaparral and oak woodlands and Mojave Desert seasonal waterway regions, or in the xeric shrubland regions in New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and Colorado. When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. [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. North American river otters have transparent nictitating membranes to protect their eyes while swimming. 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) . When they swim they use their tails and back legs to push them through the water at speeds of up to 18 mph! Always acts as a positive representative of the YMCA River Otters; Listens to coaches and follows directions to the best of his/her ability : Learns how to participate in a swim meet (i.e. 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. However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. [25] An adult North American river otter has a total of 36 teeth. Ectoparasites include ticks, sucking lice(Latagophthirus rauschi), and fleas (Oropsylla arctomys). [15] The North American river otter's nostrils and ears close during submersion, keeping water from entering them. Two Orphaned River Otter Pups Find New Home. [38][40], North American river otters do not dramatically reduce prey populations in the wild, generally speaking. Premium Download 2000 x 1333 px, 0.93 MB, $0.05 - $0.10. From mid-winter through the breeding season, adult females move and den alone. Because otters avoid polluted and developed areas, Land Trust field staff view their presence as an encouraging indicator of river health. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. Eyes are small and placed anteriorly. Copulation is vigorous, and is interrupted by periods of rest. [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. She is currently the head coach of the Otters and assistant coach of the Oyster River High School Swimming and Diving teams. It can swim and maneuver better than many fish, and swims with only the top of its head out of the water. 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