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Creature Feature

Creature Feature. North American River Otter ( Lontra canadensis ). Fast Facts. Semi-aquatic mammal Very streamlined for swimming Very thick pelt provides insulation Member of the weasel family Weigh 11-30 lbs. Body length ranges from 2-4 feet Live 8-9 years in the wild

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Creature Feature

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  1. Creature Feature

  2. North American River Otter(Lontracanadensis)

  3. Fast Facts • Semi-aquatic mammal • Very streamlined for swimming • Very thick pelt provides insulation • Member of the weasel family • Weigh 11-30 lbs. • Body length ranges from 2-4 feet • Live 8-9 years in the wild • Can live up to 25 years in captivity

  4. Distribution • Can live in freshwater and coastal marine habitats • Can tolerate a variety of environments • Cold and warmer latitudes • High elevations • Seem to be sensitive to pollution and disappear from areas with polluted waters

  5. Range has been significantly reduced because of hunting and habitat loss

  6. Feeding • Mainly forage underwater • Can stay underwater up to 4 min. • Can swim at speeds up to 7 mph • Feed on a variety of animals • Fish • Crustaceans • Reptiles & amphibians • Aquatic insects • Mussels • Small mammals

  7. Reproduction • Males are promiscuous • Females find dens • Give birth to up to 5 ‘kits’ • At birth kits are furry, blind, and toothless • Females raise young alone

  8. Threats • Few predators in the water • More vulnerable on land • Historically hunted for their pelts • Accidental death in fishing gear • Susceptible to habitat degradation and pollution • In some areas populations have recovered due to conservation initiatives

  9. Video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsxHbJ-5Mew

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