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