Long Island River Otter Central

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About River Otter

The River Otter (Lontra canadensis) was once found in every state in the continental U.S. and every Canadian province. By 1900, its highly valued fur, the lack of conservation laws during the Fur Trade (1650-1850), water pollution, and habitat loss resulted in the extermination of the otter from many parts of its former range, including 11 states. Since the 1976, 21 states have implemented re-introduction efforts, including New York State in 1995.

Despite its common name, the River Otter inhabits lakes, ponds, swamps and marshes as well as rivers. It is also found in coastal areas, including the saline waters of tidal estuaries found along Long Island’s coasts. Unlike the Sea Otter found on the Pacific coast, saltwater reduces the insulative value of River Otter fur, and the latter species requires a freshwater rinse after fishing in the bay. A semi-aquatic mammal with specific adaptations for swimming, River Otters spend most (75%) of their time on land.

The otter’s diet includes fish, shellfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, birds, large aquatic insects and the occasional muskrat, but fish comprise the bulk of their prey. Otter’s forage in shallow water, diving to depths of 50 feet but concentrating fishing efforts in water less than 10 feet deep, including intertidal and shoreline areas where they can hunt on foot.

Females seek remote den sites to have their young in late winter and spring. The most commonly used River Otter dens are abandoned beaver lodges, of which there are none on Long Island.

Otters exhibit a remarkably long period of parental care. Pups remain in the den for 3-4 months, are fed by their mother for up to 9 months, and are taught fishing skills until they are about a year old. About that time, the mother is ready to give birth to a new litter and the pups disperse to seek new territories. Sightings of three or more otters may be a family unit, and evidence of a breeding population.

Info Central

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