Life Cycle of Otters
Otters are aquatic mammals that are part of the weasel family. Various species live in North and South America, Eurasia, Africa, and the open sea. Otters are carnivorous, feeding on fish, mollusks and crustaceans, depending on the species and habitat.
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Birth
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Eurasian otters give birth in the subarctic during April or May, but in temperate climates, the young can be born anytime. North American, marine, smooth and spot-necked otters give birth one year after mating; giant otters are born August to October; and sea otters and clawless vary throughout the year.
Juveniles
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Up to six otters are born per litter, depending on the species. Freshwater otters are born with their eyes shut and toothless, while sea otters are born eyes open with teeth. All freshwater pups stay with their mothers until the next litter is born. Sea otters leave after six months.
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Adult
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Giant otters grow to 6 feet long, while the North American, spot-necked, clawless and Eurasian otters grow to around 4 feet long, including tails.
Mating
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Southern European and sea otters mate throughout the year. Northern European, North American, marine, smooth and spot-necked otters mate in spring and winter. Copulation is a playful experience with river otters and semi-aggressive in sea otters.
Gestation
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Sea otters are pregnant from four to nine months, while clawless and river otters are pregnant for two months. Giant otters carry their young up to 70 days, while smooth, marine, North American and spot-necked can delay implantation up to 10 months, or until the environment is right.
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