Editor’s Note: The infant North American river otter is part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of the patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect all of our wildlife. Read previous cases here.
An infant North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) was discovered without its mother. Because prolonged separation at this age can quickly become life-threatening, the kit was safely rescued and transported to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) for a comprehensive medical evaluation.
On physical examination, the otter (patient 26-282) was bright, responsive, and within normal limits. Over the following 72 hours, CROW provided intensive supportive care, including scheduled bottle-feedings, supplemental heat support, and close monitoring of hydration status and body weight trends.
However, since Hurricane Ian destroyed CROW’s otter enclosure, they are not currently equipped to house otters long-term. Through rehabilitation partnerships, CROW successfully relocated the infant to a trusted facility with the specialized space and resources necessary for continued growth and development.
Cases like this highlight the critical need for dedicated facilities. Thanks to overwhelming community support, CROW has raised the funds to rebuild the otter enclosure so that, in the future, they can provide complete rehabilitation and care for otter patients on-site.
North American river otters are considered an indicator species, meaning their presence, absence, or population trends reflect the overall health of the ecosystem. These mammals are highly adapted to aquatic life, with webbed feet and a powerful, muscular tail that allows them to swim up to 8 miles per hour and dive to depths of approximately 36 feet. In Florida, they are found throughout the Everglades and inhabit both freshwater and brackish environments, including marshes, rivers, lakes, and even neighborhood canals.
Despite their adaptability, North American river otters face ongoing challenges. Habitat loss, water quality, and invasive species such as the Burmese python threaten their populations, particularly as human development continues to expand into their sensitive ecosystems.
CROW looks forward to rebuilding the otter enclosure in the coming year so their team can continue to triage and rehabilitate North American river otters in Florida.
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