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