Long Island Wildlife Sightings
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About River Otter
The River Otter (Lontra canadensis) was once found in every state in the continental U.S. and every Canadian province. By 1900, its highly valued fur, the lack of conservation laws during the Fur Trade (1650-1850), water pollution, and habitat loss resulted in the extermination of the otter from many parts of its former range, including 11 states. Since the 1976, 21 states have implemented re-introduction efforts, including New York State in 1995. Despite its common name, the River Otter inhabits lakes, ponds, swamps and marshes as well as rivers. It is also found in coastal areas, including the saline waters of tidal estuaries found along Long Island’s coasts. Unlike the Sea Otter found on the Pacific coast, saltwater reduces the insulative value of River Otter fur, and the latter species requires a freshwater rinse after fishing in the bay. A semi-aquatic mammal with specific adaptations for swimming, River Otters spend most (75%) of their time on land. The otter’s diet includes fish...
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