River otter … Birthing dens are secure and undisturbed. ... Otters often travel in family groups which consist of a mother and her offspring. 2-4 offspring, open eyes at 1 month, weaned at 3 months, independent at 6-12 months. They have sharp canines designed to kill prey quickly. The season for mating depends on the region where they live. North American river otters are found anywhere there is a permanent food supply and easy access to water. Feral to North America, the 7 subspecies of the North American river otter is found along the waterways and coasts, and is also known as the Northern river otter or the Common otter. Facts About Otters. The North American river otter is a large otter whose story is a success. The North American river otter’s taxonomic designation is Lontra canadensis, but was recently changed from Lutra canadensis. Otters are ready to reproduce when they are from 2 to 3 years of age. North American river otters breed in the spring, and due to delayed implantation, give birth in the following spring. Bibliography. The young Weasel. 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. 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. Extra Facts: The river otter is a semi aquatic mammal. Mammals of Connecticut. breeding season. Extra Facts: The river otter is a semi aquatic mammal. Freshwater otters give birth on land, in dens. Search this site. The young They have sharp canines designed to kill prey quickly. They grow to one meter (3 to 4 ft) in length and weigh from five to 15 kilograms (10 to 30 lb). The North American river otter is a member of the mustelid or weasel family that can be easily identified by a stout body, short legs, noticeably tapered tail and dense, short, glossy fur. By sharing research and knowledge, participating institutions work together to establish guidelines that best ensure the health of captive populations, and with success, the survival of otherwise extinct species. Home. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) became one of the major animals hunted and trapped for fur in North America after European contact. North American River Otter ... Otters often operate as family units with mothers and offspring and sometimes fathers as well. I am going to offer some of the most interesting and rarely known river otter facts and that includes river otter habitat, diet, reproduction, and behavior. to assure the young are born at the best time of year. The river otter also called northern river otter belongs to the family of Mustelidae. The female otter will use delayed implantation. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a semiaquatic mammal in the weasel family.While it may simply be called the "river otter" in North America (to distinguish it from the sea otter) there are other river otter species throughout the world. breeding season. Many young males will establish male groups . Zoo New England participates in the North American river otter Species Survival Plan. River Otter Facts | Top 20 Interesting Facts about North American River Otters. Gestation is 2 months long, and the female will give birth to 1-6 offspring, but most often 2 or 3. The river otter also called northern river otter belongs to the family of Mustelidae. Yearlings will venture out in search of new territories. They can live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats, including rivers, lakes, marshes, swamps, and estuaries. If her health is not good enough to continue with the gestation, the embryo is aborted naturally. They have musk glands, like all other muskalids, which are used to deter predators when frightened. Yearlings will venture out in search of new territories. The can also have delayed implantation, to better time the birth of the offspring. River otters can tolerate a variety of environments, including cold and warmer latitudes and high elevations. ... She will give birth to one to five offspring, through usually only two babies are born at once. River Otter Facts | Top 20 Interesting Facts about North American River Otters. The North American River Otter is considered to be Least Concern as it is not currently declining at a rate sufficient for a threat category.