River otters are found throughout most of North America from the Rio Grande to Canada and Alaska, except for in arid deserts and the treeless Arctic. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes.
Where are otters from?
Marine otters live along the Pacific coast of South America , ranging from northern Peru to Tierra del Fuego. Neotropical otters range from Uruguay north to Central America and Mexico. Southern river otters are found in Argentina and Chile. Giant otters are found throughout almost all of South America.
Are otters native to Australia?
Otters have been highly successful in making their habitats in oceans, lakes, rivers and wetlands around the world. They can be found from North to South America, Africa to Asia, and all across Europe. However, otters have never set up shop in Australia or Antarctica .
Are otters native to Britain?
The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a large member of the weasel family that can reach nearly a metre in length and weigh up to 12 kilograms. It is the only wild otter species found in the UK. It is also known as the European otter and common otter.
What states are otters found in?
Northern sea otters live along the coasts of Oregon, Washington, Alaska and the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands. Southern sea otters live along the California Coast, from Half Moon Bay to Santa Barbara, mostly in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Do otters smell bad?
But there’s one characteristic of the animal that has caused consternation among some folks who’ve had to deal with them. To put it simply, they stink . They produce a strong, disagreeable scent from their anal glands and they have especially smelly poop, perhaps from a diet of fish, crab and other sea creatures.
Are otters friendly to humans?
Most people find the Otter to be a friendly looking creature. They tend to leave humans alone so they aren’t a threat if you happen to come upon one. However, they can bite and they can fight with their tails so if you are provoking an attack then you have been warned.
What pets are illegal in Australia?
Prohibited mammals
foxes • squirrels • ferrets/polecats/stoats • rabbits • hamsters • monkeys/marmosets • gerbils • weasels • dingoes.
Is it legal to own an otter in Japan?
In Japan, for example, it’s legal to keep small-clawed otters .
Does Australia have native rats?
Native Australian Rattus
Many people are surprised to know that there are native rodents in Australia at all . ... This includes a wide diversity of mammals with intriguing common names, like Rabbit-rats, Rock Rats, Water Rats, Stick Nest Rats, Mosaic-tailed Rats, Prehensile-tailed Rats, and Hopping Mice.
How rare are otters in the UK?
Though still considered rare , the species is widespread in the UK and can be seen in almost every county. For the best chance of spotting an otter, head to Scotland, the west coast of Wales, East Anglia and South-West England.
Can I own an otter in the UK?
Owning native otters is illegal in many countries including the UK , Japan, and the U.S. Yet otters are still being illegally smuggled into these countries to be sold as pets. Loud noises. Otters make loud whistling or screeching noises.
How many years do otters live?
They first learn to swim after about two months. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity.
Can otters live in lakes?
Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes . They prefer unpolluted water with a minimal human disturbance. An extremely adaptable animal, otters tolerate hot and cold climates, as well as high elevations and lowland coastal waters.
What are baby otters called?
Baby otters, called pups or kittens , stay with their mothers until they’re up to a year old, or until she has another litter. River otters don’t breed until they’re at least five years old.
What time of day are otters most active?
Otters are most active at night
Though river otters are not strictly nocturnal, they are generally more active at night, particularly in the spring, summer, and fall. If you are trying to spot otters while out on a hike around the Potomac, your best chance is at sunrise or sunset.
