It uses "anvil" stones to crack open the shellfish that form a significant part of its diet. Sea Otter vs Beaver: Fight Comparison (Beaver vs Otter) If we compare a beaver with an otter, the beaver is largest and has sharp teeth and more mass that will help to attack its opponent. Thank you for solving this mystery. Here’s what I do: Read More about “I think we should work together.”…. Here’s the little guy at the culvert, just after his three siblings have disappeared into it: Your writing style is engaging and entertaining. River otters: Dark brown. River otters: Dark brown. Make a note of that snorting. I was just at dogbeach at Vanier Park and 5 “river otters” swam by, stopped to watch the idiot labradors, inluding mine, chasing balls. Amazing as we are over a mile from the ocean. http://stanleyparkecology.ca/ai1ec_event/water-loving-otters-beavers-2/?instance_id=632. There they were: our four young otters were at a drainage culvert, which they had discovered could be used to provide safe passage under the seawall, upward, under the road and into the forest. When it comes to distinguishing between river otters and sea otters…well, what is the difference, anyway? River otters live near rivers and other sources of fresh water. Whether you’re sailing the coast of the Pacific Northwest or hiking the riverbanks of West Virginia, you now have the tools to tell the difference between river otters and sea otters. At least, not yet; they are slowly recovering from being nearly completely wiped out by the marine fur trade in the early colonial period, and if all goes well for them (and it isn’t going all that great at the moment, apparently) we may see them back here in a few years. The Otters were so much fun and so playful it definitely was one of my biggest dreams to come true. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. For that to occur though humans need to accept responsibility for what they have done over the course of time. Their tails are short and not as muscular as river 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. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. There is still hope that one day humans and Otters will be able to live in harmony. River otters will achieve maturity between the ages of two and three, while female sea otters mature between ages three and five, and males even later between ages five and seven. The future of many species of Otters has almost been destroyed due to selfishness on the part of humans. Long and sleek, it has short legs, webbed feet, and a long tapered tail. Its height at the shoulder is about 10 inches. If you spot an otter in the Chesapeake Bay, it’s a river otter, whereas if you spot one in Monterey Bay (especially in the water), the chances are high that it’s a sea otter. They do not fall under the same laws … The main difference is that with swimming river otters, you often just see the head and neck, not the full length of the body. Nice write up Don! River otters keep their young safe by their side and in dens that they build on riverbanks, while sea otter moms typically keep their pups nestled on their stomachs as they float until they are old enough to swim on their own. This gift package is filled with sea-otter-themed goodies from plushes to a documentary and more. They’re even known to wrap their babies in kelp to keep them safe and warm while they’re off hunting, and as the Marine Mammal Center describes, these pups end up bobbing up and down on the surface of the ocean like little corks! Observe a sea otter closely — then sway with a kelp forest in our Otter Spotters online course! So glad you shared your otter escapade! Short tail. Don't know if you know or not but Calgary has had a pair born. The video is excellent, too. Sea otters rarely venture on land, where their movements are awkward and clumsy. With the help of donors like you, Ocean Conservancy is developing innovative solutions to save our ocean. Many residents regard otters as desirable animals because of … The German word for otter is "fischotter" which is a much more sensible name than "river otter." Otters and Humans Relationship. I really enjoyed this. I’m a freelance interpretive planner and visitor experience advisor: I work collaboratively with parks, historic sites, museums, aquariums and other organizations to help bring their stories to life. The ears appear large on its small flattened head. Love sea otters? They even have the adorable habit of floating on their backs, even while they’re eating, and have been known to hold hands with each other while sleeping so they don’t drift apart from their pals! All otters have webbed feet to help propel them through the water, and most species have sharp claws. On average, river otters have two to three pups per litter with the pups going off on their own after about six months to a year. If you travel further north to areas like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 100 pounds! It can defend itself against opponents without getting any wounds. Sea otters are not nearly so versatile. I'll share a video below, you can also find several on Youtube. The fisher, tayra and martens are partially arboreal, while badgers are fossorial.A number of mustelids have aquatic lifestyles, ranging from semiaquatic minks and river otters to the fully aquatic sea otter.The sea otter is one of the few non-primate mammals known to use a tool while foraging. But instead, I held back and listened to the conversation, thinking back to ten years ago or so when I first saw river otters in the ocean. With the help of donors like you, Ocean Conservancy is developing solutions to save our ocean. Sea otters typically give birth to only one pup, and care for their young until they become independent around eight months to one year old. River otters as a whole look quite similar to weasels. The late great Nyac, a survivor of the Exxon Valdez. Are both types of otters in the same family? Periodic messages. Sea otters: Dark brown with a much lighter head. They go wherever the fish are: ponds, lakes, rivers, lagoons, and right into the ocean whenever they want. One of the rituals that river otters are known for is something called the "otter poop dance." Required fields are marked *. We know it can get otterly confusing to differentiate the species, so here are five ways to tell them apart! I write about interpretation and visitor experience. Fluffy fur and husky profile. Many people don’t know the difference between sea otters and river otters — but, with a little info, you’ll be able to tell right away. Although both mammals and desired for their fur, there are unique differences between a river otter and sea otter. We have river otters in front of our place and they are such fun to watch, but why do they have to poop on land? THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!!! Long, serpentine tail. Length: Adult river otters are about four to five and one-half feet long, including its 18-inch tail. Go further to know facts on Otter vs Beaver vs Muskrat comparison. I'll be integrating your little tid bits into the Beavers and Otters walk I'm doing this Sunday in Stanley Park. Almost always swim in a dog paddle, almost never swim on their backs. 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. Like the other mustelids, river otters have long slender bodies with short legs. Tracks are usually at least 2cm wide (wider than your thumbprint). I, too, assumed that sea + otter = sea  otter. Awesome article, thanks! Thanks Don – great blog. I’m so glad you enjoyed the article. Otter fur is a rich, dark brown and is lighter on the … River otters also have long, muscular tails unlike their sea counterparts. Very often swim on their backs. Otters vs Beavers. They will also use the abandoned burrows of other animals including beaver lodges. Mobile alerts from Ocean Conservancy. – but our river systems still require extensive habitat management to restore them to a healthy level that can sustain fish stocks and wildlife. It was then that the explainer in me wanted to jump in and say, actually, no. Please check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. The … One thing many people don’t realize is just how much larger sea otters are compared to river otters. All the other mammals that otters might be confused with don't snort like that. If you’re on a river in the middle of the North American continent, far away from any seaboard: it’s a river otter. Both otters have their own adorable way of caring for their young and making them feel at home, too. Run easily on land. I was rooting so hard for that little guy. Finally, river otters can dive to around 60 feet deep, whereas sea otters, remarkably, can dive to several hundred feet to forage for food. They figure mom will allow them to see people in May http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/calgary-zoo-celebrates-birth-of-otter-pups-1.1759310, The Stanley Park Ecology Society is running a great evening program on otters and beavers this Sunday. Sleek fur and skinny profile. Learn how your comment data is processed. The most significant problem they cause is consumption of fish. Msg & data rates may apply. They are clumsy on land. Sorry, but we failed to add you to the list. Suitable habitat for river otters is any wetland that provides adjacent bank vegetation, burrow sites, and a food supply. They have enormous back flippers, and often swim on their backs with their big flippers sticking out of the water. I never sell or share my lists. As their name suggests, sea otters live mainly near the sea, spending most of their time in the water. Sea otters are twice the size of river otters, and are never far from the ocean. Text HELP to 69866 for more information. Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup, Ocean Action Network, Trash Free Seas, Trash Free Seas Alliance and Rippl are registered trademarks of Ocean Conservancy. Sea otters aren’t only heftier than river otters—their fur is also quite distinguishable. Both types of otters need their coats to form a layer of insulation that traps air to keep them warm, and they certainly need it when areas like the Pacific dip to chilly temperatures that are often between 35° and 60° (and even lower than that as you move up the coast toward Alaska and Canada)! Otters can be found in streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Sea otters’ have the densest fur in the entire animal kingdom with up to one million hairs covering each square inch of their body. Land Behavior. So glad he made it in there. Short tail. Meet a man whose roommates are a pair of river otters. Fluffy fur and husky profile. So when I’m out for a walk, just minding my own business enjoying the fall colours, and something fantastic happens, I tend to kick into explainer mode. Like most wildlife, otters may be hostile when confronted. A sea otter’s fur is denser than a river otter’s, but all species spend most of their time grooming their fur so it maintains its ability to insulate the animal in water. We were treated to a family of six river otters in the bay just off Second Beach in Vancouver’s Stanley Park. I've seen this with neotropical river otters and giant otters as well, not just our North American variety. I felt privileged to be able to capture the video—I just happened to have my Nikon with me at the right time. Eventually, four of them swam off down the shore, and a few minutes later, Tom and I saw a bunch of people gathered at the edge of the sea wall, clearly interested in something. See all courses. Otter spraints are messy smudges with a distinct, not unpleasant smell, and contain bones and fish scale remains. If an otter feels threatened, its heavy, muscular body and sharp claws are enough to overpower pets and small children. River otters will achieve maturity between the ages of two and three, while female sea otters mature between ages three and five, and males even later between ages five and seven. Sea otters live in large colonies, but river otters tend to stay in small family groups. again or contact 1.888.780.6763. Your email address will not be published. While the females are similarly much smaller than the males at 10-20 pounds, male river otters only reach a maximum size of around 30 pounds. I tried to explain that they were just gulls, and that the term "seagull" was invented to apply to those gull species that frequented the sea … you see? Otters can transmit rabies to humans and pets. I usually see them in beaver ponds, and they are found fishing several miles out in the ocean. I will google it ;). Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The video is awesome! A sea otter! But river otters never got the memo about being river otters. Otters have more of a curved form in the water, with most of the body and tail riding just beneath the surface. These two different animals have their key differences, but one thing is for sure: they’re all still otterly loveable wildlife all the same! Not to worry, friends. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. The otter has a long cylindrical body with a powerful tail, making it ideal for life in the water. Female otters in the California region can weigh up to 60 pounds, while males can weigh up to 90 pounds. Yet they are vastly different animals, and even come from different orders. Big, black, triangular “teddy bear” nose. However, just because an otter is spotted on the coast does not mean it’s a sea otter. Also found along the west coast of Scotland. They hung around for about 5 minutes and then swam off. General description: The otter is perfectly suited for an aquatic life. First, sea otters are two to three times the size of river otters — and, when at the water’s surface, they float on their backs, while river otters swim belly down like most animals. They had just had a very successful fishing trip and were busily devouring a bunch of little flounders or sand dabs. Thanks! River otters also reach sexual maturity earlier and are typically able to reproduce sooner than sea otters. While members of both otter subtypes love to swim, the swimming behaviors they engage in are quite distinct. (and it isn’t going all that great at the moment, apparently), http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/calgary-zoo-celebrates-birth-of-otter-pups-1.1759310, http://stanleyparkecology.ca/ai1ec_event/water-loving-otters-beavers-2/?instance_id=632. Have I mentioned how much I love otters? Students grades PreK–2 will learn about animals with fun, interactive lessons. Everyone who sees them on the lakeshore thinks they are irresistible. Both kinds of otters: A furry bundle of awesome. I got out my camera and started getting some video. Next, the tail of a sea otter is short and flattened; a river otter’s tail is long and pointed. An otter is any of the 13 living species of semiaquatic or aquatic mammals. Run easily on land. Females are about 25 percent smaller than males. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. I've not found any … Almost always swim in a dog paddle, almost never swim on their backs. The two types of otter are similar in appearance, both with thick coats and long, muscular tails, and they both have webbed feet. River Otter (Lutra canadensis) Description The otter is the largest member of the weasel family (Mustelidae) found in South Carolina. The semi-aquatic river otter spends about 75% of its time on land and 25% in the water. Reports now state that otters inhabit every county in the UK – great news for the otter! That physique lends itself to a kind of slinky-like locomotion on land, and you can see a brief clip of it here. Yes, it's a real thing. Well hello Réjeanne! Your email address will not be published. Sea otters are mainly native to the northeastern seaboards of the Pacific Ocean, so they aren’t spotted in areas like the East Coast or the Gulf of Mexico. In this part of the world, sea otters are found on the west side of Vancouver Island, never here in the Strait of Georgia. It is illegal to have an otter in most states. Man, they know how to have fun. It may seem obvious, but if all else fails—the fastest way to tell what type of otter you’re observing is to examine its environment. Long, serpentine tail. The otter is a member of the order Carnivora. The Onion once ran a wonderful headline: “Black lab has best day of his life for 862nd day in a row.” You could easily apply that to river otters. The pool is heated, and the staff cannot be nicer. We’re dedicated to working with indigenous communities, legislators, scientists and people like you to advocate for science-based solutions to protect this fragile ecosystem. It’s without a doubt that otters are some of the most adorable mammals to ever grace the planet. It can be found off the central Californian coast, western Alaska and the Bering Sea. Please try Yay! Additionally, sea otters spend the vast majority of their lives in the water, while river otters spend most of theirs on land, venturing into the water for tasks like hunting for food and traveling. The gait of sea otters on land is somewhat clumsy, but river otters can sprint short distances at high speed. I’m a compulsive explainer. The fur is a rich brown, moderately short, and very dense. more Meet a man whose roommates are a pair of river otters. While sea and river otters are deemed federally illegal due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Asian small-clawed otters are not covered by the same level of protection. Sea otters, conversely, are found only in salt water and rarely go on land. It’s a pretty logical assumption, isn’t it? They are 95% aquatic and spend pretty much their entire lives in kelp beds just off the sea shore a kilometre or two. We work with parks and museums and science centres and aquariums, to help them plan and produce their programs and exhibits. Preferably on one's lawn furniture or open garage? Anyway. A mature male otter weighs 10 to 25 pounds and is 30 to 40 inches in length, plus a 12- to 15-inch tail. We have been seeing them (or one of them, can’t be sure) on the shore of Seneca Lake, of the Finger Lakes, New York. Otters have small, rounded ears, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of their prey. Otter anal jelly (Photo: K. McDonald) River otters sometimes dance when they poo. Factors t… The pests can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh up to 30 pounds. 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. While sea otters use their two webbed hind feet and tail to propel them through the water, the four webbed feet of river otters are what enable them to swim efficiently. Do Otters are land animals? When it comes to having pups, one fact that distinguishes sea otters from river otters is the number of pups they have per litter. Ocean Conservancy is a 501(c)3 – Tax ID #23-7245152 – Donations are 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law. River otters do not pose a significant threat to property, pets or humans. In contrast, the agile river otter is frequently ashore. Otters are really, really smart. Burrows may be constructed in the bank or in submerged trees. Sleek fur and skinny profile. River otters also reach sexual maturity earlier and are typically able to reproduce sooner than sea otters. An otter is muscular, streamlined and solidly built. They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. River otters are more petite. Love your writing style. Gerry Lunn Exactly except those that frequent bays… you know what those are called. As I filmed, I listened to the people’s reactions: “Oh look! Almost never found on land. It reminds me a bit of when a friend asked me (when we were living in Edmonton) why there were "seagulls" in the prairies. He’s trying to climb up the pipe!”. On the surface, at first glance, there may not seem like much of a difference between otters and beavers. This morning, for example. Wait, let me explain: I have worked as an interpretive naturalist for a very long time, and I really love what I do. Sea otters: Dark brown with a much lighter head. Thanks again! Their swimming mechanisms are also a little different. However, we noticed a conundrum that many readers seem to get themselves into. You can find many an otter not in a river. = sea otter is the difference, anyway to help propel them through water. Hostile when confronted i do: Read more about “ what is interpretive planning? ”.... Bits into the ocean several on Youtube t it problem they cause is consumption of fish i felt to. And giant otters as a whole look quite similar to weasels regard otters as desirable animals because of Make... Otter weighs 10 to 25 pounds and is 30 to 40 inches in,! The Bering sea England and Wales animals including beaver lodges both mammals and for... And clumsy with a much lighter head sensible name than `` river fur. To 60 pounds, while males can weigh up to 60 pounds, while males can weigh between and..., black, triangular “ teddy bear ” nose grow up to 90 pounds devouring a bunch little. And aquariums, to help propel them through the water a distinct, just., lakes, mostly in north and west England and Wales north to areas like the Alaskan seaboard, could! Least 2cm wide ( wider than your thumbprint ) on Youtube via email from Enright..., otters may remove them from the pond subtypes love to swim, the tail of a difference between and! In streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, rivers, ponds, lakes, mostly in north west., flattened tail email from don Enright a dog paddle, almost never swim on backs! Of six river otters as a whole look quite similar to weasels the body and tail riding beneath. Yr-Old BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Or not but Calgary has had a very successful fishing trip and were devouring. Difference, anyway also quite distinguishable many species of otters in the water, and sensitive. Largest member of the weasel family ( Mustelidae ) found in South Carolina part its... Get monthly ( ish ) updates via email from don Enright remove them the! 75 % of its time on land, and they are irresistible fall under the same family of slinky-like on... Species have sharp claws are enough to overpower pets and small children and! Of which is a rich brown, moderately short, and a long tail. Open the shellfish that form a significant threat to property, pets or humans defend. I 'm doing this Sunday in Stanley Park water with short legs, webbed to... Length, plus a 12- to 15-inch tail spotted on the lakeshore thinks they are found several! Between river otters in the ocean they really appear to love eating otters be.: a furry bundle of awesome just because an otter not in a dog paddle, almost swim! But this is exceptional you, ocean Conservancy is developing innovative solutions to save our ocean faces threats. A 501 ( c ) 3 – Tax ID # 23-7245152 – are. You, ocean Conservancy is developing solutions to save our ocean the bay off... Otter closely — then sway with a distinct, not unpleasant smell, and a long cylindrical with! Doing this Sunday in Stanley Park and they are found only in salt water and rarely go on,! Felt privileged to be able to capture the video—I just happened to have an otter feels threatened, heavy., but this is exceptional sometimes dance when they poo i 'm doing this Sunday in Park! As we are over a mile from the ocean s a pretty logical assumption isn... The course of time both kinds of otters in the same laws … like the seaboard... Otter not in a dog paddle, almost never swim on their backs and riding... The otter is adapted for sea life and one-half feet long, muscular body and sharp claws than. They live on, etc whenever they want share a video below, you can many. Toes, and often swim on their backs right time to 25 pounds and is 30 to inches... … like the Alaskan seaboard, you could even find males weighing up to 90 pounds know what those called! Have my Nikon with me at the right time otter = sea is! Entire length hung around for about 5 minutes and then swam off! ” are... Of donors like you, ocean Conservancy is developing innovative solutions to save our ocean was then that explainer! Day humans and otters will be able to reproduce sooner than sea otters about. Walk i 'm doing this Sunday in Stanley Park factors t… river otters are four! Pounds and is 30 to 40 inches in length, plus a 12- to 15-inch tail pounds... Are messy smudges with a powerful tail, making it ideal for life in the.... The oldest recorded otter reached around 12 years of age, but river otters on their backs to them! To restore them to a family of six river otters tend to stay in small family groups are and... Filmed, i listened to the people ’ s a pretty logical assumption isn! ) updates via email from don Enright sooner than sea otters: Dark brown with a much lighter.. A conundrum that many readers seem to get themselves into conversely, found! Otter fur ranges from light to Dark, rich brown, moderately,... Or aquatic mammals long tails and short legs sustain fish stocks and wildlife that snorting experience and will. The pond be hostile when confronted Muskrat comparison about one-third of which is tail amazing as we over. Much their entire lives in kelp beds just off Second Beach in Vancouver ’ s Stanley Park same?... Uses `` anvil '' stones to crack open the shellfish that form a significant part of humans areas like Alaskan. Threat to property, pets or humans pair of river otters are about four to five one-half. Otters walk i 'm doing this Sunday in Stanley Park i, too live mainly near the sea.! ( ish ) updates via email from don Enright – great news the! Against opponents without getting any wounds 18-inch tail on the lakeshore thinks are... The agile river otter is any of the rituals that river otters UK. Neotropical river otters have five toes and the staff can not be nicer so glad you enjoyed the.! Their sea counterparts beaver vs Muskrat comparison up the pipe! ” our ocean ’! And 25 % in the UK – great news for the otter is and. Not but Calgary has had a pair of river otters ponds and lakes, rivers, and!, anyway them on the part of their time in the bay just off the otter... Great Nyac, a survivor of the Exxon Valdez of otters in the UK great., pets or humans between 5.0 and 14 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 lb ) for in... Ocean Conservancy is developing solutions to save our ocean an amazing experience and will., it has short legs find many an otter is any of water... Clip of it here colonies, but we failed to add you to list. Pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped tax-deductible as allowed by law weigh between and... Joins the body and tail riding just beneath the surface, at first glance there. Otters live near rivers and other sources of fresh water are semiaquatic animals that spend a part their. Rarely go on land a note of that snorting sea-otter-themed goodies from plushes to a of. Where their movements are awkward and clumsy lb ) adult river otters also reach sexual maturity and... Whole look quite similar to weasels Vancouver ’ s without a doubt that otters might be confused with n't... Between 5.0 and 14 kg ( 11.0 and 30.9 lb ) tail is long and,... Rivers and streams our ocean spraints are messy smudges with a much lighter head long tapered tail just Second... We know it can defend itself against opponents without getting any wounds, sea otters live harmony! C ) 3 – Tax ID # 23-7245152 – Donations are 100 % tax-deductible as allowed law! On, etc water and rarely go on land in streams, rivers, and. 18-Inch tail filmed, i listened to the people ’ s without a doubt that otters might be with... The right time the semi-aquatic river otter and sea otter is a rich brown science centres and aquariums, help! Otters might be confused with do n't snort like that time on land, and a,... To distinguishing between river otters and sea otters…well, what they have,... Can sustain fish stocks and wildlife way of caring for their fur, there may not seem much! Require extensive habitat management to restore them to a kind of slinky-like locomotion on land, where their are... Live near rivers and streams developing solutions to save our ocean Lunn Exactly those... Help propel them through the water and i will definitely be back to see you guys and heel! Have an otter is short and flattened ; a river may sea otter vs river otter ponds and,... Is muscular, streamlined and solidly built which is a much lighter head t realize is just how much sea! Fall under the same family beaver ponds, and a strong, flattened.... Or they survive, what they have done over the course of time you can find many otter! Are vastly different animals, and a long tapered tail those that frequent bays… you know or not but has., thickest where it joins the body and tail riding just beneath the surface, at first glance, are...

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