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Reproduction | |
| Description Distribution |
The reproductive system of northern otters is typical to the Mustelid family. Males do not generally mate until they are 4 years of age, and females rarely breed before 2 years (Texas Parks & Wildlife, http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/tmot1/lutrcana.htm ). A typical female breeds once a year, but gestation does not necessarily begin after mating. Delayed gestation occurs throughout the Mustelid family. Gestation does not necessarily occur at the moment of consummation, but the sperm can be implanted at a later time. Otters experience a delay of 8-13 months between mating and birth. With this delay in gestation, otters tend to give birth between March and May (Pederson, 2000). When a female gives birth, the litter ranges from 1-6 pups, with 2-4 young produced commonly (Tabor and Toweill, 1982). |