Lontra canadensis

Streams, lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, estuaries (in some areas), beaver flowages, exposed outer coast (Pacific Northwest, Alaska). When inactive, occupies hollow log, space under roots, log, or overhang, abandoned beaver lodge, dense thicket near water, or burrow of other animal; such sites also are used for rearing young. Highly associated with beaver on Mount Desert Island, Maine (Dubuc et al. 1990). Uses traditional haul-out sites along the banks of aquatic habitats. May travel long distances overland, particularly in snow.

Home range typically is linear; 20-30 miles for a pair or male; less for females with young (Jackson 1961). May hunt over as much as 80-100 km of stream during the course of one year. In coastal Alaska, summer home range size averaged around 20 km of shoreline in males, 10 km in females, with ranges twice as large in oiled areas (Bowyer et al. 1995).

Population density of one per 2.2 miles has been recorded (Baker 1983). Density was estimated at one otter per 86 ha of coastal marsh in Louisiana (Shirley et al. 1988). In Idaho, density was one family group and 1-3 subadults or nonbreeding adults per 15 km of waterway, plus one breeding adult male for each 20-30 km of waterway (see Toweill and Tabor 1982). Density in coastal areas of the Gulf of Alaska was 0.30-0.85 otters/km of shoreline (Testa et al. 1994, Bowyer et al. 1995).

Implantation is delayed 8 months or more. Gestation, including delayed implantation, lasts 9-12 months. In many areas, births peak in late winter-early spring; parturition dates may not be closely synchronized within a given population. Litter size is 1-6 (average 2-3); 1 litter per year. Young may first enter water at about 7 weeks, are weaned at about 3 months, stay with mother for about a year. Male may rejoin family after young leave den. Females breed for the first time at 2 years. Males become sexually mature at 2 years, but may not breed successfully until 5-7 years old. Females evidently breed in alternate years in some areas (e.g., Alabama, Georgia), every year in Oregon (see Toweill and Tabor 1982).