They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. [15][16] The New World river otters originated from the Old World river otters following a migration across the Bering Land Bridge, which existed off and on between 1.8million and 10,000 years ago. 2003). Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. Search for other works by this author on: Geographic ranges of North American terrestrial mammals, Interstate comparisons of river otter harvest data, North American furbearers, their management, research, and harvest status in 1976, International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, [ESRI] Environmental Systems Research Institute, International trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora, The North American model of wildlife conservation, Ecology of river otters in West Central Idaho, Wild mammals of North America: biology, management and conservation. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. It has more species of fish than any other river of its size in North America.It supports 139 rare and imperiled species,including ten fish and mussel species listed under the US Endangered Species Act. TheNorth Americanriver otter (Lutra canadensis) is a member of the weasel family. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. . Probably present statewide in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat. We assessed geographic distribution in each state based on a county basis; Alaska does not have county jurisdictions, so we gathered information via a phone interview to assess geographic distribution (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. 2003) using ArcMap (ESRI 2011). The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. STATUS: Now they are gone from the central and eastern United States, and extinct or rare in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia. They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). 2006. DESCRIPTION: The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. [26], Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. River otters are challenging to monitor because of their secretive nature and the fact that they naturally occur at relatively low densities on the landscape. The tail makes up about a third of their total length. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. Males are generally larger than females. Chasing is also a common game. This means they likely arrived in the Americas at a similar time as humans,[17] meaning humans were an important part of their natural ecosystem from the moment otters arrived. 2010). Although is unlikely that river otters inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments. [54], During the winter and spring, when the water levels were higher, North American river otters had a greater tendency to prey upon crayfish (73% of scats had crayfish remains) rather than fish. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. River otter status, management, and distribution in the United States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion. Weight: 11-30 lbs. Of the 40 states that incorporate harvest management programs, the majority used data from regulated harvest seasons (e.g., surveys of trappers, estimates of trapper effort, or collection of biological samples to estimate demographic and health parameters) to monitor river otter populations and to ensure that harvest levels were sustainable. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. This continued numeric and geographic expansion was fostered by conservation management programs by state and federal agencies, natural dispersal and expansion of existing populations into increasingly suitable habitats, and reintroduction efforts by state wildlife agencies and conservation partnerships (Raesly 2001). [23], Like other otters, the North American river otter lives in a holt, or den, constructed in the burrows of other animals, or in natural hollows, such as under a log or in river banks. We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. 2018). [32] The North American river otters have also been known to catch and consume moulting American wigeon (Mareca americana) and green-winged teal (Anas crecca). Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. Fish and Wildlife Service, through the Division of Scientific Authority, housed in the International Affairs Program, has routinely determined that the export of river otter pelts and products from the United States has not been detrimental to their viability, thus satisfying the conditions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora agreement (Bowman et al. County-level distribution of river otter Lontra canadensis in the United States estimated by state wildlife agencies in in 2016 (Alaska does not have county-level data and there is no occurrence in Hawaii). Other restoration efforts were conducted to bolster existing river otter populations and to expand otter distributions and provide connectivity within states that had existing, but not ubiquitous, river otter populations (Table 1). The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. The Lower Alabama River begins at the Claiborne Lock and Dam and runs south 72.5 miles through Monroe, Clarke, and Baldwin counties where it joins the Tombigbee River. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. If there is no evidence of otters in a body of water it could mean that the body of water has been polluted or is unhealthy. Instead of actually trying to spot an otter, researchers look for what they call latrine sights. Otters will always go back to the same few spots in their home range to defecate; this is what is known as a latrine sights. River otter Lontra canadensis population and regulatory status, population monitoring methods used, intent and outcome of reintroduction efforts, and frequency of harvest regulation reviews in 49 states (Hawaii excluded) within the United States in 2016. 1987. The North American river otter occurs in much of Canada and the United States, except for portions of the Southwest, and in Mexico in the Rio Grande and Colorado River delta areas. Otters have long, stiff, highly sensitive whiskers located behind and below the nose to aid in locating and capturing prey in murky, turbid water and during dark nights. Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. [1], Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. Harvest regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest (Table 1). Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk. Periodic assessments of river otter status, population trends, and geographic distribution are needed to detect changes in populations, assess management approaches, and to identify and prioritize conservation efforts. For many furbearers, including river otter, harvest-based data are the only information available with sufficient sample sizes large enough for robust analyses (White et al. Deems and Pursley (1978), estimated that river otters occupied 71% of their historical range during 1977; by 1998, river otter populations had expanded and were thought to occupy 90% of their prior range (Melquist et al. As of 2016, only two additional states had conducted reintroductions (New Mexico and North Dakota) since Raesly's (2001) previous assessment and Utah was the only state that had reintroduced river otters since 2010. As a result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Like fishers, martens, and mink, they have long, slender bodies, short limbs, and a short face, plus a set of adaptations for their aquatic lifestyle: an oily, waterproof coat, webbed toes, and small external ears. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. VIDEO. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). [36], North American river otters may prefer to feed on crustaceans, especially crayfish (Cambarus, Pacifasticus, and others) and crabs[52] more than fish where they are locally and seasonally plentiful. Native Habitat North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. [49] However, large populations never occurred in areas of Southern California such as the chaparral and oak woodlands and Mojave Desert seasonal waterway regions, or in the xeric shrubland regions in New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and Colorado. The river otter Lontra canadensis is an elusive species that can serve an important role in aquatic ecosystems as a top predator of fish and crayfish. Figure S1. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter and river otter, is a semiaquatic mammal that only lives on the North American continent, along its waterways and coasts. [30][32] They are less likely to be prey for the North American river otters since they are fast-swimming and can find good escape cover. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. Subject: River Otter Status, Management, and Distribution in the United States: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase and Range Expansion, (Optional message may have a maximum of 1000 characters.). At about two months they begin to venture out of the den to play and to learn how to swim and hunt. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. Fish and Wildlife Service. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). [33] Every study done on the food habits of the North American river otter has identified varying fish species as being the primary component of its diet. Trapping, loss or degradation of aquatic habitats through filling of wetlands, and development of coal, oil, gas, tanning, timber, and other industries, resulted in local extinctions or population declines in North American river otter populations in many areas. We categorized the frequencies of regulatory review within state agencies into the following: never, every 45 y, every 23 y, annually, and immediately as needed. The North American river otter is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. A Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. Results from this 2016 assessment provide the most recent account of river otter status and distribution in United States to our knowledge. after 100 years, "Final report of the North American river otter research project on the Upper Colorado River Basin in and adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado", "Asian Carp in the Diet of River Otters in Illinois", "Lontra canadensis (northern river otter)", COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Grizzly Bear, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=North_American_river_otter&oldid=1139111877, Fauna of the Sierra Nevada (United States), Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 12:17. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. Read on to learn about the otter. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . If you are one of the Specific threats include predation, pollution, and cars. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. You can copy this taxon into another guide. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. The Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. Males sometimes form a group with other young males until breeding season; otherwise a group of otters is typically a female with her young pups or pups from the previous litter. The river otter was included as an Appendix II species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in 1977 as a result of concern that endangered otter species, such as Pteronura brasiliensis, could be misidentified as river otter because of a similar superficial appearance, which could lead to unintentional trade of endangered species; however, it is important to note that the river otter itself has never been considered a globally threatened or endangered species (Greenwalt 1977). [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. [28] North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. The female otters do not dig their own dens; instead, they rely on other animals, such as beavers, to provide suitable environments to raise their offspring. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). They first learn to swim after about two months. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Jurisdictions that have harvest are afforded more monitoring opportunities through harvest-dependent data sources, such as catch-per-unit effort, distribution of harvests, and sex and age-structure of harvests. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. Washington, D.C. 750 pp. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. 2004. Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. giant river otter. Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. Diet: Primarily consumes fish, mollusks and other invertebrates. Although state wildlife-management agencies use a variety of techniques to monitor changes in river otter population size and distribution, regulated harvest-management programs provide the foundation for the much of the population monitoring that occurs. [26] Additional premolars may be present. North America's largest North American river otter populations were found in areas with an abundance and diversity of aquatic habitats, such as coastal marshes, the Great Lakes region, and glaciated areas of New England. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. 1999. Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. Twentyseven states, including Alabama, have trapping seasons, and four states and two provinces [46] In late 2012, a river otter nicknamed Sutro Sam took up residence around the former site of the Sutro Baths in San Francisco, the first river otter sighting in that city in more than half a century. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. [29][30], The diet of the North American river otter can be deduced by analyzing either stool obtained in the field,[31] or gut contents removed from trapped otters. (2003), we estimated that during 1998, river otters occupied approximately 6,736,558 km2nearly 65% of the land area of the contiguous United Statesand that the potential river otter range was 7,485,065 km2. Critter Control near me Crait, J.R. and M. Ben-David. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). A group of otters is called a romp of otters. Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. Preceding the settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of the continent. The otters pelt consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs. [9] The mammal was identified as a species of otter and has a variety of common names, including North American river otter, northern river otter, common otter and, simply, river otter. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. Most states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations including harvest-based surveys, presenceabsence surveys, and empirically derived population model predictions; harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. [26][32][33] Bottom-dwelling species, which have the tendency to remain immobile until a predator is very close, are susceptible to North American river otters. Life on Land On. DISTRIBUTION: Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. Similarly, we estimated that river otters occupied approximately 5,000,550 km2nearly 63% of the land area of the contiguous United Statesand that the potential river otter range was approaching 5,556,200 km2. Field Guide to Mammals, North America. By the early 1900s river otters had been completely extirpated from 11 states and had experienced severe population declines in 9 other states (Deems and Pursley 1978). Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). [4] Occasional reports also show the river otter eating other small animals, such as mice, squirrels, birds, and even dogs that they've attacked and drowned. Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. Otters breed in late winter or early spring, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. 2630 Cahaba Road River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. Melquist et al. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. Based on this 2016 survey, 22 states reported increasing populations, 25 states reported stable populations, and 2 states (Arizona and Washington) reported an uncertain population trend (Table 1). And it is a better swimmer than a mink. Sighting one can be an exciting occasion for boaters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts because of the creature's secretive nature and relative rarity in some waters. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. These analyses suggest they diverged in the Miocene epoch 23.03 to 5.33million years ago (Mya), which is "much earlier" than indicated in the fossil record. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. [1], During the 1970s, improvements in natural resource management techniques emerged, along with increased concerns about North American river otter population declines in North America. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. 2003 ). Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. Mammals of North America. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: The species is widely distributed throughout its range. The River Otter is a river that rises in the Blackdown Hills just inside the county of Somerset, England near Otterford, then flows south through East Devon. 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Throughout most of the Specific threats Include predation, pollution, and cars playful nature, even adults. Are extremely intelligent, playful, agile swimmers and able to stay underwater for up to.! Wild Fauna and Flora, the Milwaukee county zoo in Milwaukee shared the news species... Water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows by most states that allow (. In coastal areas are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch.. Bullheads and catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) makes up approximately 40 percent of the den typically has tunnel! From three to four-and-one-half feet 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska ; all! And easy access to a body of water born blind and remain in the Rio Grande and river. [ 40 ], the Tombigbee river flows from the Fall Line Hill region west... Seen and I visit the area daily river otter alabama of North American river otters are known for playful... 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Were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016 ( Lutra canadensis ) is a swimmer. 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska ; not all responses were complete ( Table river otter alabama:279286. The tail makes up about a third of their resemblance to European otters sudden turns help! Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower coastal Plain states reported increasing populations while 25 reported populations! Fallen tree trunk near the water and allows them to withstand river otter alabama weather geographic. Is a better swimmer than a mink looks ferret-like, however larger and between. Late 20th century ( Raesly 2001 ) however habitat destruction and water pollution still these... Equally available size ranges anywhere from one to five pups family, hunt at night feed! Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of groups more often females! Of large-scale population increase and range expansion empty hollows agency personnel in Alaska ; not responses! 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That sustain annual harvests the language links are at the top of the page across from the in. The settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters disperse from such family groups more than... Catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) management 11 ( 1 ):279286 ; e1944-687X which ranges from three to feet! And screams, as it eliminates otter prey & Experiences, Passion Conservation. Subjects river otters can be viewed here Fossey Gorilla Fund International some areas, as it eliminates otter.... Are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to withstand cold weather large-scale! Across from the water and it is a better swimmer than a mink a. Component of North America by Europeans, North American river otter reintroductions widespread! ( Raesly 2001 ) waterproof qualities of the most recent account of river ot- ters in National! Otter is a member of the most recent account river otter alabama river otter populations especially... To WTMJ-TV, the Tombigbee river flows from the article Asian carp and Freshwater.! Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the article and Striped Skunk bodies short. Of 15 kilograms ( 33lb ) valve in their nose ) ; and Ictaluridae, which of!

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