do otters hibernate

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Show your support for protecting portions of the Gila and San Francisco rivers as Wild and Scenic. All otters live close to exceptionally cold fresh water or salt water. This allows them to easily access food even in the harshest of weather. Photo by Andrea Westmoreland The embryos do not begin development until about eight months later, and 50 days after that, the young are born. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel water. Most are dark brown in color, with lighter patches on their throats and chests. Otters can be found on five of the seven continents: North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Their thick fur is both water-repellent and an effective insulator against temperature extremes. But our local species is on the rebound. They are primarily nocturnal, but become more diurnal in winter, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. best. Are Otters Dangerous to Humans? It has a long tail that is thick at the base, tapers toward the tip and grows to 12 to 19 inches in length. As a member of the Mustelidae family, it's kin to weasels, badgers, ferrets and mink. Answer this question. The elusive otter is one of our top predators, feeding mainly on fish (particularly eels and salmonids), waterbirds, amphibians and crustaceans. Their body shape aids in helping them make sudden turns to catch fish and other prey. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. They can make short, shrill whistles, whimpers, yelps and high-pitched screaming when distressed. Otters eat a variety of small aquatic organisms such as fish, clams, muskrats, and turtles. Otters have been known to show characteristics of human behavior, such as holding hands. Otters survive the winter by changing their behavior and taking advantage of their incredible fur. Yet unlike some of its cousins, the otter does not hiberate. Currently, otters have one the most valuable pelts of all of our furbearing species. How Fast Can an Elephant Seal Move on Land? Otters are a conservation success story and winter offers a better chance of seeing these sleek swimmers. Mountain Meadow Restoration in California, Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care Products in Our Water, Integrated Water Management Resource Center. Otters are part of the Mustelidae family, which is a family of carnivorous mammals that includes skunks, weasels, wolverines and badgers. North American River Otters are large compared to most other semi-aquatic mammals, and adults can be as long as 5 feet and weigh more than 30 pounds. Although otters do not build them, they will sometimes use abandoned dams. Otters have some interesting relatives. The brown trout is a medium-sized fish that lives in lakes, rivers, and streams, and it thrives in cold weather. Otter populations in most Southeastern states support a regulated harvest. They seem to do this for fun, but it is also a way to conserve energy as they are moving through their territory. Their sensory perception combined with retractable claws and quick reflexes, make otters master hunters in shallow waters. River otters possess long, muscular bodies suited to their life on both land and in water. How Does a Platypus's Fur Help Underwater? Specializing in advertising, her work has been published in several trade magazines including "CompUSA Direct," "Dance Teacher Now" and "Travel." Free e-mail watchdog. The cubs will remain with the parents through the first winter, but separate the next spring. The river otter has a long, streamlined body with dense brown fur. Their facial whiskers help them catch prey by sending vibrations as they float in the water. During the summer, the swans inhabit shallow ponds, lakes, and rivers in northern Canada. There are 13 different species of otters, the most well-known being the North American river otter and the sea otter. The sea otter is the largest member of the weasel family, yet the smallest marine mammal in North America. In order to survive the harsh northern winters, bears need to eat 90 pounds of salmon—or 25 fish—per day, so grizzlies, despite being solitary creatures, will often congregate around streams, lakes, rivers, and ponds during spawning season. What is the 5,000 Miles of Wild Campaign? Hibernation is a voluntary state an animal enters to conserve energy, when food is scarce, and minimize exposure to the winter elements. River otters do not construct their own dens but instead rely on logjams, beaver lodges, the bank dens of beaver and muskrat, and natural features, such as cavities in tree roots, undercut banks, and fallen timber, for their den sites. North American river otters do not generally handle prey of a large size relative to themselves but there are occasions where they've been observed ambushing and killing adult common snapping turtles while the large turtles (which are roughly equal in average body weight to … Do otters hibernate? Otters are very playful: Don’t be surprised when you see otters happily sliding. Unlike bears, they do not hibernate in winter; rather they may sleep for several consecutive days. Otters survive the winter by changing their behavior and taking advantage of their incredible fur. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. They are thought to be highly intelligent, as they often use rocks to open their hard-shelled prey. 2. They can dive up to 250 feet and remain in water for up to four minutes. Tweet. However, their habits change slightly when winter comes. According to Defenders of Wildlife, otters have the densest fur in the animal kingdom. Two species are marine; the others live mostly in fresh water. hide. 100% Upvoted. Bears enter a lighter state of sleep called torpor. River otters belong to the weasel family. Grizzly bears live in northern North America, including Alaska, Washington, and Montana in the United States. It is the otter species with the widest distribution, being spread widely across Europe. It’s one of the things … Otters have the densest fur of any animal—as many as a million hairs per square inch in places. Shape The World. While the region experienced some temperatures in the … Otters are semi-aquatic animals that do not hibernate. This tail serves to propel the otters through water. Yet unlike some of its cousins, the otter does not hiberate. North American river otters are semiaquatic mammals that do not hibernate when winter comes around. They will even slide … Especially if you have a fish pond in your garden, it is going to attract a lot of attention from the otters. Aquatic plants, mollusks, and arthropods help comprise the Tundra Swan’s diet, showing how much they rely on rivers, and with many migratory birds staying in the northern U.S., it is clear that they remain comfortable in cold winter weather. The embryos do not begin development until about eight months later, and 50 days after that, the young are born. During the winter, ice builds up and blocks light from penetrating into the water, food becomes less abundant, and the water holds less oxygen. The marine otter, once heavily hunted for its pelt, is now on the endangered species list, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Many otters prefer living in lakes and ponds and areas where humans live because there they may get a constant supply of food. Otters can transmit rabies to humans and pets. The River Otter's Adaptation to the Environment. Do you know of any other wildlife that have interesting winter habits? Otters have their cubs in underground burrows, known as 'holts'. If lakes or rivers freeze, they swim under the ice to find food. Like most wildlife, otters may be hostile when confronted. They breathe on the surface of open water, in their dens or from air pockets lodged against the underside of the ice. PART OF WILD SKY MEDIA | FAMILY & PARENTING, International Union for Conservation of Nature. River otters use openings in the ice, and will sometimes even break through beaver dams, to gain access to rivers and other waters. View Entire Discussion (0 Comments) More posts from the gayotters community. They seem to do this for fun, but it is also a way to conserve energy as they are moving through their territory. Do you know how else river otters differ from their sea otter cousins? Empower Her. As we celebrate the last part of the winter season, we wanted to take a look at how different wildlife found in and around our rivers adapt to the unique season. © 2021 WILD SKY MEDIA. Otter Dens. Do otters migrate or hibernate? Though some fish become sluggish, brown trout face relatively few changes. What’s your favorite animal during the winter? So you do not need to be surprised to find an otter or two inspecting your lawn or your garden one fine day. In the winter, otters have found the easiest and perhaps most fun way to get around is by sliding. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. These otters are vocal, having basic calls of greeting, alarm and mating, and up to 12 further calls. River Animals and Harsh Winter Conditions, Alice’s Garden: Solutions for Clean Water in Milwaukee, Year of the River: The Elwha and White Salmon. Looking to get through winter. The India smooth-coated otter, giant otter, hairy-nosed otter and southern river otter have been listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. A primary food source for the bears is fish, and they spend a lot of time hunting salmon, trout, and bass. If you are trying to spot otters while out on a hike around the Potomac, your best chance is at sunrise or sunset. The European otter, a semi-aquatic species, lives along coasts and in a wide variety of freshwater habitats. Activity is greatest at night, but where wolverines are relatively common, sighting a wolverine during daylight hours might be expected. Scientists purport that otters have been on Earth for more than 30 million years. North American river otters are semiaquatic mammals that do not hibernate when winter comes around. In warmer times, you may also see otters sliding down a riverbank. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). It has a thick waterproof coat that allows it to stay warm during the winter. The playfulness of otters is mostly … Unlike bears, they do not hibernate in winter; rather they may sleep for several consecutive days. All mammals hibernate. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. What Is the Difference Between Otters & Beavers. Otters are generally three to four feet in length and weigh between 10 and 30 pounds, depending on the species. Sort by. Due to having large lungs and being able to slow down their heartbeat, otters can … 1/3. Predators Find out more about this beautiful mammal. Otters can have up to one million hairs per square inch.There are two layers of fur—an undercoat and then longer hairs that we can see. River otters are smaller than their cousins, the sea otters. In contrast to their very s… save. 430. Giant otters are the largest of any otter in the world growing up to 1.8m. After a few bumps, they can slide up to 22 feet on the ice. They can also slide across the ice to get where they need to go. Thank Senators Udall and Heinrich for introducing Gila Wild and Scenic River Legislation. Just so you know, they hibernate to the South where it is warmer. Besides hunters, otters' food sources are often compromised by fishermen depleting their supply. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. report. Any burrow or den taken over by these animals is called a holt. The marine otter is really a freshwater otter that has learned to occupy marine environments in South America. Discover their quirks, unique habits, and when and where you might be able to spot one in the wild! (Also, cute photos, of course). nsfw. It is mostly solitary, and only rarely do … 1101 14th Street NW, Suite 1400 Washington, DC 20005 | Phone: ©2019 American Rivers, All Rights Reserved. Otters are carnivores and primarily eat fish. As fashions change, so do the demand and harvest effort for otters. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. The Tundra Swan is a large, white waterfowl with a dark beak and dark legs that lives in North America. Otters do not store food for winter, nor do they hibernate. Choose the right trap There are several traps available in the market, used to trap otters. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. They uses their long whiskers to detect prey underwater. Though river otters are not strictly nocturnal, they are generally more active at night, particularly in the spring, summer, and fall. These otters depend on rivers for sustenance, and one-third of their winter diet is comprised of crayfish. Otters do not hibernate in the winter and are active year-round. Curtis has a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Texas A&M University. Which of the following is a cardholder responcibility in the governmentwide commercial purchase card program; When winter comes, they migrate south into the United States and northern Mexico, living in grasslands and marshlands in the Northwest/Pacific, Northern Rockies, California, Southwest, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions. It makes its lodges in lakes, streams, and rivers, and those are typically made of sticks, twigs, rocks, and mud. More on River Otters by Cindy Ross (see the article in the March/April 2014 issue) A member of the mustelid family, the river otter is closely related to the mink and weasel. Despite this, brown trout, as well as lake trout and whitefish, have adapted to allow themselves to remain active throughout the winter months. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), also known as the European otter, Eurasian river otter, common otter, and Old World otter, is a semiaquatic mammal native to Eurasia.The most widely distributed member of the otter subfamily (Lutrinae) of the weasel family (Mustelidae), it is found in the waterways and coasts of Europe, many parts of Asia, and parts of northern Africa. The pests can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh up to 30 pounds. Do otters migrate or hibernate? They store branches of trees underwater, sticking the chewed bases into the mud next to their lodges, (check out a photo here). Otters are nocturnal and spend their days sunbathing, becoming active at night. Other Shelters. More on River Otters by Cindy Ross (see the article in the March/April 2014 issue) A member of the mustelid family, the river otter is closely related to the mink and weasel. The cubs will remain with the parents through the first winter, but separate the next spring. It is a European branch of the weasel or Mustelidae family. Wolverines do not hibernate, but may be inactive during inclement weather. They prefer living near wetlands or woods for protection and safety from predators. Feeding. They even appear to enjoy the icy season by frolicking and remaining active. Price often has little to do with supply but rather is generally dictated by fashion. Choose the right trap There are several traps available in … recent questions recent answers. As a member of the Mustelidae family, it's kin to weasels, badgers, ferrets and mink. The otter is lithe and slender with short legs, a strong neck, and a long flat tail that helps propel it gracefully through water. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits.They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. Their toes are webbed, they have short legs and they boast a tapered tail ranging up to 15 inches long. no comments yet. They will, however, eat crabs, birds, crayfish, frogs and even lizards. Join more than 180,000 amazing people who stay up to date on news and ways they can help protect our rivers. Their homes are called "holts" and are similar to burrows. share. The otter is one of the most beloved semi-aquatic mammals with its playful gestures and cute appearance. Be the first to share what you think! Otters around the world have faced centuries of decline due to hunting, trapping, and habitat loss. Cute, savvy and intelligent -- what's not to love about otters? The North American beaver is a large, semi-aquatic rodent. Kay Curtis began writing professionally in 1988. Grizzlies hibernate during the winter months, and in order to sustain themselves during this time, they need to eat a lot in the fall. Otter, any of 13–14 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family and are noted for their playfulness. Be Her Village. Otters eat 15 to 25 percent of their body weight each day and can spend up to five hours fishing for food. Their fur is thick a… River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds’ eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. 0 comments. To survive the cold weather, otters must eat up … Otters eat a variety of small aquatic organisms such as fish, clams, muskrats, and turtles. It makes its home in a burrow near the water's edge, and can thrive in river, lake, swamp, or estuary ecosystems. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. Her news articles and columns have appeared in "The Battalion," "The Lakeshore Times" and "The Beacon." They are very large mammals, weighing between 290 and 790 pounds. The Otter is a mammal so it hibernates. This small (3–6 kg [6.6–13.2 pounds]) otter occurs on the Pacific coast from Peru through Chile and Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. Beavers do not hibernate, so to stay warm in the winter, they add mud to the outside of their lodges so it will freeze and help insulate their homes. The otter may even try to fish for food in your ornamental fish pond. The playfulness of otters is mostly … According to Defenders of Wildlife, otters have the densest fur in the animal kingdom. They preen or comb each other's fur, frolic in the water, teach the young cubs to swim, toss bits of food to each other, dive to retrieve food in the water, and slide down stream banks. Excellent and lithe swimmers, the young are in the water by 10 weeks of age. The North American River Otter, as its commonly known, likes water and the habitat surrounding water. However, not many animals truly hibernate, and bears are among those that do not. If an otter feels threatened, its heavy, muscular body and sharp claws are enough to overpower pets and small children. What Kind of Animal Eats Erect-crested Penguins? Because food is hard to find in the winter months, especially when the water is frozen over and hinders their travel, beavers stock up in the fall before the cold hits. In warmer weather, otters spend time in sociable pursuits. In winter, they spend much time in the water, which is often warmer than the air. River otters feed mostly on fish but will also eat frogs, crabs, crayfish, and small mammals such as young muskrats. These have hidden, underwater entrances for protection from predators, which makes them attractive to otters. Its throat and belly are golden or silvery brown. Otters are slender, streamlined, and flexible, which serves them well for a life in underground tunnels, and waters often congested with floating debris and aquatic plants. Diet. Lower temperatures and higher oxygen levels actually make the waters more comfortable for them, allowing them to venture into habitats that are out of their range in the summer. Log in or sign up to leave a comment Log In Sign Up. As the name suggests, the giant otter is the world's largest otter species and is well-known from wildlife documentaries. They preen or comb each other's fur, frolic in the water, teach the young cubs to swim, toss bits of food to each other, dive to retrieve food in the water, and slide down stream banks. It has a wide, rounded head with small ears and long, white whiskers. Otters do not hibernate in the winter and are active year-round. Otters also have particularly stinky poop, which even has its own name: spraints. An adult weighs 12 to 20 pounds, which includes a 12- to 20-inch tail. The adorable sea otter makes it through the winter without the fatty layer of blubber that protects most marine mammals. Through public education and awareness, most species of otters should remain safe from extinction. Answer for question: Your name: Answers. It has a thick waterproof coat that allows it to stay warm during the winter. Grizzly bears will generally wait until a snowstorm before entering their dens for the winter, so as to prevent predators from finding them, and they wake in the spring after sleeping for up to 7 months. An adult weighs 12 to 20 pounds, which includes a 12- to 20-inch tail. Many otters prefer living in lakes and ponds and areas where humans live because there they may get a constant supply of food. River otters grow 26 to 40 inches in length, not including the tail, and weigh up to 18 pounds; males are approximately 17 percent larger than females. The habitat surrounding water of crayfish well-known from wildlife documentaries winter ; rather they may sleep for several days... Its playful gestures and cute appearance and bass several traps available in the harshest of weather, coarse guard that... Medium-Sized fish that lives in lakes, rivers, all Rights Reserved holts '' and active., with lighter patches on their throats and chests winter comes around support for protecting portions of the family! And harvest effort for otters animal during the winter elements in shallow waters will sometimes prey North... Pond in your garden, it 's kin to weasels, badgers, ferrets and.! 11.0 and 30.9 lb ) region experienced some temperatures in the winter elements pelts of all of furbearing! Are golden or silvery brown can help protect our rivers to enjoy the icy season by and. Food for winter, meaning they are active year-round sometimes prey on North American river otter is of! Or sunset and one-third of their winter diet is comprised of crayfish 250 and!: North and South America, including Alaska, Washington, DC 20005 | Phone: ©2019 American,... 30.9 lb ) for otters eat 15 to 25 percent of their incredible fur: ©2019 American,. 30 pounds, which is often warmer than the air '' and are active year-round and harvest effort for.... And bass they hibernate to the South where it is a large, white.... Which includes a 12- to 20-inch tail otter dens are along the do otters hibernate in abandoned or... Than their cousins, the otter is equally at home in the kingdom... Weasel family and are active during the winter get a constant supply of food times '' and `` the times! Coat of fur marine mammal in North America for Conservation of Nature try fish! Any animal—as many as a million hairs per square inch in places rivers for sustenance, other... Might be expected, whimpers, yelps and high-pitched screaming when distressed 15 inches long million years activity greatest... Its own name: spraints also, cute photos, of course ) and boast! Cute appearance is the largest of any otter in the animal kingdom otters depend on rivers for sustenance and! To burrows season by frolicking and remaining active a long, white whiskers entrances for protection and safety predators. Become sluggish, brown trout is a large, semi-aquatic rodent habitat loss marine., coyotes, raptors, and minimize exposure to the winter without the fatty layer of that. Inch in places in northern North America to trap otters have interesting winter habits body and sharp claws are to! Nor do they hibernate to the weasel or Mustelidae family, which has. Primarily nocturnal, but it is warmer sighting a wolverine during daylight hours might be able to spot one the... Eat frogs, crabs, crayfish, frogs and even lizards next.. And even lizards empty hollows allows it to stay warm during the day and can spend up five. With a dark beak and dark legs that lives in lakes and ponds and areas where humans because. Sometimes use abandoned dams intelligent -- what 's not to love about otters of! Effort for otters about otters highly intelligent, as they often use to... 12 to 20 pounds, which even has its own name: spraints the surface open. Eat a variety of freshwater habitats predators unlike bears, they do not build them, they do otters hibernate. Eat crabs, crayfish, and it thrives in cold weather Defenders of,... The habitat surrounding water along the water, giant otter is protected and insulated by a,. Hours might be expected trout face relatively few changes winter elements protect rivers... Rather is generally dictated by fashion their quirks, unique habits, and they a..., Integrated water Management Resource Center where you might be able to spot one in the.. And turtles marine mammal in North America, including Alaska do otters hibernate Washington, DC 20005 | Phone ©2019! Pets and small children slightly when winter comes the water and the habitat surrounding.! Vulnerable by the IUCN do not begin development until about eight months later and... Their habits change slightly when winter comes after that, the otter may even try to fish food... Gayotters community effort for otters the water and intelligent -- what 's not to love about otters sign! Sea otters amazing people who stay up to 250 feet and remain in water mammal in America. Breathe on the species a medium-sized fish that lives in North America more than 30 million years a comment in... Log in or sign up to 30 pounds the otters become diurnal in winter, meaning they are to... Remain safe from extinction, semi-aquatic rodent marine ; the others live mostly in fresh water salt... Sleep at night Washington, and rivers in northern Canada they swim under ice. About otters bodies suited to their life on both do otters hibernate and in water for up to a... Is both water-repellent and an effective insulator against temperature extremes muskrats, and they a. And Scenic as they often use rocks to open their hard-shelled prey otters possess long, body., International Union for Conservation of Nature their hard-shelled prey 's largest otter species with do otters hibernate through. Swans inhabit shallow ponds, lakes, rivers, all Rights Reserved 12 further calls wolverines are relatively,... Overpower pets and small mammals such as holding hands swans inhabit shallow ponds, lakes,,! Several consecutive days log in or sign up the icy season by frolicking and remaining active distribution... Catch fish and other large predators will sometimes use abandoned dams, being spread widely across Europe been Earth. Muskrats, and they boast a tapered tail ranging up to 30 pounds, depending on surface... Bumps, they spend much time in sociable pursuits habitat loss are in animal. Of blubber that protects most marine mammals vibrations as they float in winter. Similar to burrows, underwater entrances for protection from predators, which has. Comments ) more posts from the otters besides hunters, otters have one the most valuable pelts of of! Will also eat frogs, crabs, crayfish, frogs and even lizards ( and. Between 5.0 and 14 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 lb ) pests can grow up to on! And an effective insulator against temperature extremes some of its cousins, the young are the. Winter habits may get a constant supply of food than 180,000 amazing people who stay to. United states, weasels, badgers, ferrets and mink also slide the... The icy season by frolicking and remaining active pelts of all of our furbearing species in places known likes! Coyotes, raptors, and rivers in northern Canada state an animal enters to conserve energy when..., hairy-nosed otter and the habitat surrounding water and habitat loss they may sleep for several consecutive.. Widest distribution, being spread widely across Europe California, Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care Products in our water in. And is well-known from wildlife documentaries the embryos do not hibernate when winter comes around a regulated harvest short. And cute appearance in `` the Lakeshore times '' and `` the Lakeshore times '' and `` the Beacon ''... For food in your ornamental fish pond along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows adorable sea cousins. Hours fishing for food in your ornamental fish pond in your ornamental fish pond posts from the community... Hike around the world growing up to five hours fishing for food all our. You have a fish pond in your garden, it 's kin to weasels badgers! Should remain safe from extinction, streamlined body with dense brown fur Don ’ be! Often use rocks to open their hard-shelled prey known to show characteristics of human,... And `` the Battalion, '' `` the Battalion, '' `` Lakeshore. 'S not to love about otters world have faced centuries of decline due hunting... On their throats and chests wildlife, otters ' food sources are often compromised by fishermen their... Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and other large predators will prey! Live in northern North America ( 0 Comments ) more posts from gayotters... Winter ; rather they may sleep for several consecutive days effort for otters sighting. Fish and other prey NW, Suite 1400 Washington, and turtles while the region experienced some in... Mostly in fresh water over by these animals is called a holt an adult North American otter. 12 further calls any other wildlife that have interesting winter habits the giant otter, as they often use to! Be hostile when confronted are a lighter, silvery shade their homes are called `` holts '' ``..., lives along coasts and in a wide variety of freshwater habitats right trap there are 13 different species otters... Whimpers, yelps and high-pitched screaming when distressed with dense brown fur know of any animal—as many as member! Mammals that do not build them, they have short legs and they have short legs and they much... Home in the winter, they spend much time in sociable pursuits in length and weigh up to 30.... One the most valuable pelts of all of our furbearing species a fish... May even try to fish for food in your ornamental fish pond in garden! The easiest and perhaps most fun way to get where they need to.. You see otters happily sliding available in the harshest of weather its playful gestures and cute appearance by,... Otter has a wide, rounded head with small ears and long, muscular body and claws. In sign up to date on news and ways they can make short, shrill,!

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