Otter
Zoo Animals
North American River Otter
Lutra canadensis
Range: In the west from Alaska and most of Canada to California and Utah. In the east from Newfoundland to Florida.
Physical characteristics: Dark brown above with paler belly.
- Eyes: Small
- Ears: Small
- Feet: webbed
- Tail: Thick at base, tapering to a point 11-20”
- Length: 35-52”
- Weight: 11-30 lbs.
Diet:
- Mostly eats: Fish
- Will sometimes eat: Mice and terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates
Habitat:
- Habitat description: Primarily along rivers, ponds, and lakes in wooded areas, but will roam far from water.
Reproduction:
- Mating season: December to April; give birth November-May, but mostly March and April.
- Age of sexual maturity: Males two years old, but may not mate until four; females two years old
- Frequency: Once per year
- Nest: Inside den (usually abandoned by another animal) constructed with sticks, grass, reeds, and leaves.
- Parental care: Both parents
- Number of offspring per “litter”: Two-four blind but with full fur
- Gestation length: 60-63 days after 245 to 360 day delayed implantation
- Weaning age: Three months but stay with mother for about one year
Effects of man on populations: Have been hunted for pelts in the past.
