The only continents without otters are Australia and Antarctica. Most species of otters are born in a den of some kind, either a tunnel or abandoned beaver dam. They can thrive in any water habitat, such as ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers, and estuaries—in cold, warm, or even high-elevation areas—as long as the habitat provides adequate food. Prior to the 1950s, these fish-devouring mammals were abundant in England. In some areas, otters are prized companions and partners, rather than walking pelts. In warmer times, you may also see otters sliding down a riverbank. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Animals.NET aim to promote interest in nature and animals among children, as well as raise their awareness in conservation and environmental protection. They use their long whiskers when swimming underwater to feel for the movement of their prey. Their home ranges are only 3 to 10 miles depending on habitat quality and the time of year. Otters are found almost all over the world and in many wet habitats, such freshwater rivers, lakes, oceans, coastlines and marshes. Range and habitat. Otters have small, rounded ears, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of their prey. They are able to live in a variety of different habitats, including rivers, lakes and large creeks. North American river otter – This species is found throughout much of Canada and parts of the United States. In California, its north-south range is from San Mateo County to the Santa Barbara. The North American river otter occurs in much of Canada and the United States, except for portions of the Southwest, and in Mexico in the Rio Grande and Colorado River delta areas. Some even wonder if otters build dams like beavers. In Canada, they can be found in every province and territory except Prince Edward Island, where they appear to be extirpated. A Sea Otter's life - Big Blue Live: Episode 2 - BBC One Along the Texas Gulf Coast region, otters also live in marshes, bayous, and brackish inlets. They will cover the area in their feces, urine, and musk to warn others away. In zoos, otters are fed a meat-based commercial carnivore diet, fish, carrots, yams, potatoes, crayfish, and worms. They spend much of their time playing with one another and building social bonds. They have brown, water-repellent fur, webbed feet and long tails. Where do otters live? Be advised that any attempt to poison an otter is considered illegal, and would cause complications anyway once the bait has been consumed. This can include rivers, canals, lakes and wetland areas. This South American otter is the world's largest, at some 6 feet long. Hello world! They are able to live in a variety of different habitats, including rivers, lakes and large creeks. Most otter species are social, living in groups consisting of a mother and her various generations of pups. This allows them to feed even in murky waters. Otters seem to be used as a symbol for tricksters, similar to the use of foxes in other folklore. After two months, the female otter teaches the full-sighted pups how to swim. The only continents without otters are Australia and Antarctica. Sea otter – This species lives on the Pacific coast of the North American continent. In South America, the otter-record holder lives in length and weight among representatives of the subfamily – the giant, or the Brazilian otter. River otters are able to hold their breath underwater for up to eight minutes. They will use dens made by beavers, muskrats, or woodchucks. This species does not hibernate and remains active under frozen water by breathing through breaks in the ice. It occurs between southeastern Alaska and British Columbia. River Otters prefer to live near bodies of water such as lakes, large rivers, and streams. The 11 species often referred to as river otters are found throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia in freshwater ecosystems that sustain an abundance of prey such as fish, crayfish, crabs, mussels, and frogs. © 2020 Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) | ™ Trademarks owned by The Nature Conservancy of Canada. Otters thrive on land and in the water. Water whereabouts. Habitat and Diet: River otters live in aquatic habitats -- streams, rivers, lakes, and freshwater and saltwater marshes. River otters as a whole look quite similar to weasels. Otters are wonderfully skilled predators, who display a number of interesting behaviors and traits. River otters can be found throughout North America. This group of animals is notorious for being adorable, but they are so much more than looks! However, the animals are different in many aspects of their habits and appearance. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Scent Communication. [8] However, they normally live about 8 to 9 years in the wild, [14] but are capable of living up to 13 years of age. They are intelligent creatures that require lots of enrichment and positive reinforcement-based training to keep them happy and healthy. Although otters do not build them, they will sometimes use abandoned dams. This makes them poor pets. Otters live in water, in dens or nests. Otters are found almost all over the world and in many wet habitats, such freshwater rivers, lakes, oceans, coastlines and marshes. 0. One fun fact is that River Otters don’t dig their own dens, they either use a natural hollow or burrow made by another animal. Eurasian otters will generally live anywhere that has a source of unpolluted fresh water with a sufficient food supply. Their underbody is usually lighter in colour. River otters eat virtually anything that you can find near lakes or streams. North American River Otter The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. By land and by sea. River otters live in clean rivers, lakes, and marshes—wherever they … Their tiny ears close under water, and their thick fur helps keep them warm in cold water. The sea otter, however, rarely comes ashore, according to the San Diego Zoo. The mother (and sometimes the father as well) will care for the pups. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. Most river otters are opportunistic, feeding on … Otters seek clean rivers, filled with food and overgrown banks where they can raise their cubs. This may sound disturbing, but is successful. Do you know how else river otters … They enjoy the freshwater but they are also known to live in the saltwater of the oceans as well. Photo by Andrea Westmoreland. 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