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North American River Otter

Lontra canadensis

Photo by Robert Emond
Published on Project Noah
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30.887, -83.3236

Field Notes

Description:

Small, long and slim mammal swims very well in the cold water. I didn't stay long because I could hear it panting or warning me that I was too close. It would disappear underwater for extended periods. I've seen Otters in several areas that I've discovered or hiked/birded. My favorite was watching three playing and having fun, until they spotted me. Delightful!

Habitat:

Rivers, lakes, waterways and coasts. They live in burrows, in water and land. They eat fish, crayfish, mice, squirrels, birds, eggs and insects to name a few.
Otters are also prone to predation from birds of prey, coyotes, bobcats, and alligators.

Notes:

They are known to be very playful. I only saw one in the river, but I am sure I heard at least two.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (13)
Neil Ross
A wonderful SOTW. Congratulations, Robert.
AntónioGinjaGinja
Very good photo and Robert,congrats on the well deserved Sotw and thanks for sharing
suzmonk
Congratulations, Robert ...
Brian38
Congrats Robert on SOTW! I've been trying to get a good pic of an otter - not successful yet - elusive creatures. Great job!
DanielePralong
Congratulations Robert, this lovely shot and vivid description have earned you a Spotting of the Week! "A North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) takes a swim in our Spotting of the Week! Renowned for their playfulness, North American river otters are found both along waterways and coasts. Habitat loss has significantly reduced the range of this species. River otters are also highly sensitive to pollution, a likely factor to their continuing decline. Project Noah's rangers team appreciated the flowing aspect of this shot, and the nice personal touch our member Robert Emond put in describing his encounter: "I didn't stay long because I could hear it panting or warning me that I was too close. It would disappear underwater for extended periods. I've seen otters in several areas that I've discovered or hiked/birded. My favorite was watching three playing and having fun, until they spotted me. Delightful!" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectnoah/photos/a.10150595289465603.674700.10150120463815603/10159710209370603/?type=3&theater Twitter: https://twitter.com/projectnoah/status/937475805076213760
AshleyT
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Wildlife of the South East, USA
Mission
Mission WILD
Photographed
PublishedNovember 22, 2017

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