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 (Lontra canadensis) became one of the major animals hunted and trapped for fur in North America after European contact. One reason I’m sure is that as far as I know there are no wild mink in the state. Lontra canadensis. 14 thoughts on “ Northern River Otter vs. American Mink ” Steve L. May 25, 2008 at 7:30 pm. Learn the basics of river otter tracks and sign in this article, so you can track them in the wild. River otters eat a variety of fish and shellfish, as well as small land mammals and birds. The North American river otter is considered a medium to large sized otter, with adults ranging in length from 3 to 5 feet and weighing between 10 and 30 pounds. They play, they slide, they run, they’re social, and they create sign that is easy to distinguish from other species. Talk about spreading out! Origin: North America Found in and along waterways and coasts. Boomer came to CMA to be a social partner for Walle, a rescued and non-releasable otter, who was residing by himself at that time. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. By the early 1900s, river otters had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. Males tend to be 5% larger than females. The body of the river otter measures between 65 cm to 105 cm (25 to 41 inches) in length and the tail measures 32 to 45 cm (12 to 17 inches) in length. A river otter… The fur on their backs is generally dark brown, and their undersides vary from light brown to gray. Lifespan: In captivity they can live up to 21 years, and in the wild 8-9 years Diet: Carnivorous Fish are the primary part of their diet Size: Adults can weigh between 11 and 30 lbs. 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. Here in Oregon that critter is an otter. Size : Total length: 35½ to 53 inches; weight: 10–30 pounds. North American river otter, Lontra canadensis, in captivity. 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. The only other otter in North America is the endangered sea otter, which occurs in seawater only along the Pacific Coast and not in Missouri. General facts about North American River Otter. Lontra (American river otters) Species: Lontra canadensis (North American river otter) Life Span: 8 – 9 years (wild) / ~21 years (zoo) Size: 2.6 – 4.3 feet (0.8 – 1.3 m) Height: 11.8 – 19.9 inches (30 – 51 cm) Weight: 11 – 31 pounds (5 – 14 kg) Fun Facts. It is the longest member of the weasel family, Mustelidae, a globally successful group of predators, reaching up to 1.7 metres (5.6 ft).Atypical of mustelids, the giant otter is a social species, with family groups typically supporting three to eight members. Boomer, a North American river otter, was born in January 2018 and was transferred to CMA on October 15, 2018, from another animal care facility. Despite its common name, the North American river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats. The North American River Otter is very streamlined, having a muscular body with short legs, webbed toes and a long muscular tail. , as well as small land mammals and birds ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South carnivorous... American river otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) is a South American carnivorous mammal their undersides vary from light to. Learn the basics of river otter is very streamlined, having a muscular body with short legs, toes. 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