River Otters are members of the Mustelids family and occupy both sea and freshwater habitats along the Pacific coast and throughout North America. Sea otter floating in kelp. Saved by Marcie Callewaert. Without predation by otters, sea urchin populations can grow so large they will devour the kelp forests. Known as a keystone species, sea otters have a greater effect on their environment than other organisms within that system. This species is one of the most common mammals along the beaches and rocky shores, but it almost always is found near a source of fresh water. Show More Sealions are massive! A B.C. In the background stands the BC Legislative Building and the historic Fairmont Empress. River Otter Animals Images Otters British Columbia Habitats Wildlife Victoria Nature Naturaleza. and are the smallest marine mammal in North America. All reviews kayak tour river otters baby seals person kayak kayaking experience great kayaking great guide saw seals oyster catchers local wildlife experienced kayakers double kayak sea life fisherman's wharf longer tour knowledgeable guide bald eagles highly recommend this tour visiting victoria highlight of our trip great trip inner harbor River Otters can stay underwater for up to 4 minutes. L. candadensis is often found along the shore line of British Columbia including the Victoria area and the Gulf Islands. Otters are often seen along the British Columbia coast. Their favourite foods are fish, crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, birds and insects. Ewww…. 1. They have the longest lasting fur of the entire otter/weasel family, and have been hunted for fur in many areas across North America. Registered charitable number: 11914 9797 RR0001. The River Otter is three to four feet long with sharp claws, a slender body and it has a diamond shaped nose. In B.C., this animal is found in the Georgia Depression and Coast and Mountain ecoprovinces. Otters are voracious shellfish eaters. 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. This thick fur needs to be clean however, in order for the insulating air layer to be maintained between the water and their skin. By protecting the kelp from being entirely consumed by sea urchins, kelp forests are able to flourish and remove carbon, which they use for photosynthesis. Therefore, sea otters must have relatively advanced structures within their brain to make these connections. These forests are essential ecosystems because they provide an important habitat, nursery, and food source for many marine organisms. This year, during many of our whale watching excursions, we have had the amazing opportunity to view these adorable marine mammals close to Victoria. A family of sneaky otters forced the annual Colquitz River salmon count in the Cuthbert Holmes Park to end early. Although similar looking, river otters tend to be skinnier and less furry than their sea otter cousins, and spend much of their time running around on land as well as in the water. As a naturalist onboard our whale watching vessels, I often get a lot of questions about the otters we see in Victoria. An adult sea otter consumes approximately 25% of its body weight each day in order to maintain its high metabolism! Conservation strategies such as increased net regulations and reduced chemical run-off from land are good first steps that can be taken to help protect these marine mammals. 5-14 Kg (11-31 lbs. Two river otters swimming along in the harbour in Victoria, BC with one coming ashore to eat a caught crab. Case Pack: 12 mix/match: Width: 14" Origin: USA: Height: 10" UPC: 6-25012-80164-5: Depth: 2.375" Item # 80164: Weight: 1.61 lbs. The river otter has a few natural enemies: wolves, foxes, and raptors. River otters can live up to five years. You may see them in spots like Esquimalt Harbour and Lagoon, Telegraph Cove, Tofino and Ucluelet harbours, Jack Point in Nanaimo or anywhere there is a dock, estuary, or river. Although they are one of the smallest marine mammals we see in our area, sea otters are one of the most charismatic and well known animals in the Pacific Northwest. Sea Otters & River Otters Otters are often seen along the British Columbia coast. Tours depart from both Fishermans Wharf in Victoria and from the Inner Harbour (foot of Broughton Street). The pelage (covering, or coat, of a mammal, whether of wool, fur, or hair) is brown or reddish brown. Over the past few years however, we have had the exciting chance to view true sea otters near Victoria, as an increase in their population has brought them closer to home. These young ladies are doing well, growing and continue to eat alot. It is a little confusing, though, because the species most often seen in these waters is the River Otter (Lutra canadensis). woman says she was viciously attacked by a river otter while swimming in one of the province’s lakes earlier this month. This species is one of the most common mammals along the beaches and rocky shores, but … ... Victoria, BC. From this unique perspective, your guides describe Victoria’s historic waterways that make up the downtown and the working harbour. Range & Habitat u12495868 Fotosearch Stock Photography and Stock Footage helps you find the perfect photo or footage, fast! This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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