GENERAL DISTRIBUTION : The northern river otter historically occurred over much of the North American continent. The Zoo is Helping River Otters. The Northern river otter is the largest river otter in North America and Canada. Scientific Name: Lontra canadensis. Show Aliases. North American river otters suffered great loss to their population, in the 20th century, due to habitat loss and water pollution. Scientific Name: Lontra canadensis. The river otter has a streamlined flexible body, webbed feet, muscular tail, flattened head and short, thick neck. Scientific Name: Lontra canadensis. Possible aliases, alternative names and misspellings for Lontra canadensis. There are 9 mammals in Maryland classed as carnivores. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. 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 often live in the same areas as beavers. Sighting one can be an exciting occasion for boaters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts because of the creature’s secretive nature and relative rarity in some waters. A river otter can dive up to 60 feet and swim 7 miles per hour. 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. Graceful swimmers, they can dive to 60 feet and often stay under water four minutes. Conservation efforts were put in place and otters were reintroduced, increasing their population. Description. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. North American River Otter. The taxonomy of otters puts them as the L Canadensis species. Scientific Name: Lontra canadensis : Conservation Status: Common : River otters are furry little animals that are members of the weasel family. Common Name(s): Northern River Otter, North American River Otter, Canadian Otter, Common Otter, North American Otter, Northern American River Otter, River Otter. An extremely adaptable animal, otters tolerate hot and cold climates, as well as high elevations and lowland coastal waters, and can be found in rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes throughout much of North America to Canada and Alaska. While eating and resting otters often hold hands; Otters Scientific Name. Scientific Name: Lontra canadensis. For more information on these animals that live in the state of Maryland, please read on. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). Adopt a river otter. It belongs to the weasel family and its subfamily is the Lutrinae. North American River Otter. Lontra canadensis. Behavior: Social, they often live in groups including a mother and pups or small groups of all males. 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. Scientific Name. Description. The classification it falls under is Mammalia. The giant otter or giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a South American carnivorous mammal. The scientific name for an otter is Carnivora, with otter being its common name. These include the American black bear, American Mink, Bobcat, Coyote, Eastern spotted skunk, least weasel, long-tailed weasel, North American River Otter, and the striped skunk. It can weigh up to 30 pounds and as long as 60 inches long when fully grown. Range. The North American river otters are currently behind-the-scenes. 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