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