[16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). River otters historically inhabited every major watershed in the contiguous United States and were extirpated from much of their historical range as a result of multiple factors including habitat degradation and destruction as well as unregulated harvest (Anderson 1977). If you are one of the [48], Historical records indicate North American river otters were once populous throughout most major drainages in the continental United States and Canada prior to European settlement. 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). River otter Lontra canadensis populations in the United States have expanded during the past 50 y as a result of improvements in habitat quality and effective management programs implemented by state and federal agencies and native tribes. [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. EDITORIAL. kodiak river otter. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Furthermore, because river otters serve as a biomonitor for banned organochlorine pesticides in Illinois, a tool such as SVR used to inform researchers about optimal months for scat collection may facilitate the use of scat for chemical analysis and potential identification of individual otters via genetic profiles from scats (Carpenter et al . They first learn to swim after about two months. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. 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. 1996. Length: 35-50 inches. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. (1996) and suggest that jurisdictions that allow harvest should collect information on the distribution of harvest, some measure of participation or effort, and, ideally, some estimate of age-structure of the harvest. The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. 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. A group of otters is called a romp of otters. [23], Although commonly called a "river otter", the North American river otter is found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats, both freshwater and coastal marine, including lakes, rivers, inland wetlands, coastal shorelines, marshes, and estuaries. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. 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. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. Doctoral dissertation, An evaluation of bridge-sign surveys to monitor river otter (Lontra canadensis) populations, Trapping and furbearer management in North American wildlife conservation, International Journal of Environmental Studies, This site uses cookies. [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. Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account, https://www.flickr.com/photos/spolky/14137678671/, http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4276426485_17cb92891f.jpg, http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cIzzr048_Yw/UOdMyHWi9TI/AAAAAAAAUts/jMiA2rUGxQw/P1180157.JPG, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Olympic_Nat_Park_River_Otter.JPG, http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/7752408968_be9c26984a_o.jpg, http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?seq_num=576969&one=T, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lontra_canadensis, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). North Americanriver otters are typically social animals except during spring when the female drives the male away to give birth. [29] In Georgia, crayfish accounted for two-thirds of the prey in the summer diet, and their remnants were present in 98% of the summer spraint. Catch-per-unit effort, population models, and presence vs. absence indices, such as bowhunter surveys and track surveys, were used less frequently (Table 1). (2003) suggested that in 1998, as a result of wetland conservation and restoration efforts, river otters had expanded and inhabited approximately 90% of their former range. 2010). 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. North American river otters have long whiskers, which they use to detect prey in dark or cloudy water, and clawed feet for grasping onto slippery prey. The animal slides down mud and snow seemingly for the sheer delight of it. River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. The ears appear large on its small flattened head. Size Adult river otters weigh 10 to 33 pounds (4.5 to 15 kilograms) and are about 2.5 to 5 feet (76 to 152 centimeters) in length. The smallest otter species is the Asian small-clawed otter, and the largest species, with two tied for first, is the giant otter and the sea otter. Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . 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. Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. 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). Author: The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. 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. [36] Other prey consumed by North American river otters includes fruits,[37] reptiles, amphibians, birds (most especially moulting ducks which render the birds flightless and thus makes them easier to capture), aquatic insects, small mammals, and mollusks. North American river otter populations span the North American continent from east to west, extending across 45 states from southern Florida to northern Alaska and all Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island. An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. Otter pelts range from a rich dark brown (almost black) to a pale chestnut on the back and sides and light brown mixed with varying amounts of gray on the belly. Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. [34][36][55], Records of North American otters preying upon North American beavers (Castor canadensis) vary; it has been reported in the southern boreal forest of Manitoba. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). As a result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available. Otters are what we call an indicator species. This means that if there is evidence of otters living in a body of water then that body of water is likely very healthy and clean. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. 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. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. Impounded for the creation of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, barge traffic and recreational boats are now able to move all the way from the Tennessee River to the Port of Mobile. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. As per the North American Model of wildlife conservation, river otters are held in the public trust by the government and are managed by state and federal agencies as well as by native tribes (Mahoney and Geist 2019). 2003). Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. 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). Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. Birds and birds' eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. Read on to learn about the otter. [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. North Americanriver otters inhabit freshwater waterways such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and swamps or marshes. 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. 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. Crait, J.R. et al. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. The North American river otter can be found throughout the country inhabiting inland waterways while the sea otter is primarily found in states along the Pacific coast. 2003). Identification. Birmingham, AL 35223. The Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. North American river otters were hunted and trapped extensively for their fur in the 19th and 20th centuries, and are still hunted in some places. Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. River otters are found throughout most of North America from the Rio Grande to Canada and Alaska, except for in arid deserts and the treeless Arctic. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . 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. The North American river otters may leave the den by eight weeks and are capable of sustaining themselves upon the arrival of fall, but they usually stay with their families, which sometimes include the father, until the following spring. 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. Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. Although methodologies and sampling scales differed from the approach used in our assessment, comparisons of land areas occupied during each period provided a coarse-scale basis for estimates of population expansion or retraction during an 18-y period. 1999. 2020. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. Description of metadata is included. Its tail is furred but longer and more streamlined than a mink's. The otter's face is roundish, almost dog-like. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. will only copy the licensed content. You can copy this taxon into another guide. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. North American river otters are very susceptible to the effects of environmental pollution, which is a likely factor in the continued decline of their numbers. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the United States. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. And it is a better swimmer than a mink. HABITAT: The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. We estimated that river otter distribution increased by 10.2% in the continental United States and by 13.7% in the contiguous United States during an 18-y period. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. Recipient(s) will receive an email with a link to 'River Otter Status, Management, and Distribution in the United States: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase and Range Expansion' and will not need an account to access the content. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. River otters are totally protected in 17 states. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. Herein we provide an updated account, as of 2016, of river otter population status and distribution in the United States and discuss conservation priorities. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. Nathan M. Roberts, Matthew J. Lovallo, Shawn M. Crimmins; River Otter Status, Management, and Distribution in the United States: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase and Range Expansion. [28] This availability is influenced by the following factors: detectability and mobility of the prey, habitat availability for the various prey species, environmental factors, such as water depth and temperature, and seasonal changes in prey supply and distribution in correspondence with otter foraging habitat. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. 2018). However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. Fish is a favored food among the otters, but they also consume various amphibians (such as salamanders and frogs[3]), freshwater clams, mussels, snails, small turtles and crayfish. We estimated the county-level geographic distribution occupied by river otters in the continental United States during 2016 to be approximately 7,422,120 km275% of the total land area and 94% of the available total water area. 1987. We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). It is also possible that we underestimated the geographic extent of the range given that presence is unknown in some counties, particularly in arid regions, and these areas were excluded from our estimate. FEEDING HABITS: [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. (c) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND). You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. 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. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. 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. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. 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. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY). 1,712 River Otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images. 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. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. They use their sensitive whiskers which help them locate prey and catch their prey with their mouth, using their paws to hold on to the prey if needed. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. [53] A study conducted on North American river otters in a southwestern Arkansas swamp identified a correlation between crayfish consumption, fish consumption, and water levels. The majority of these projects were implemented in the mid-1980s and were completed by the late 1990s; only two states (New York and Pennsylvania) were actively engaged in reintroductions during 1998 (Raesly 2001). ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. The Birmingham Zoo North American river otters are Slim, a male weighing in at 8.0kg (17.5 lbs), andLenora, afemale weighing in at 7.3kg (16 lbs.). River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. Agency-enforced regulations include restrictions on harvest, harvest season length, harvest methods, and bag limits. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. [34] Other species of birds found within their diets include: northern pintail (Anas acuta); mallard (Anas platyrhynchos); canvasback (Aythya valisineria); ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis); and the American coot (Fulica americana). ), chubs (Semotilus spp. [34][50] Invertebrates discovered within scats or digestive tracts could most likely be a secondary food item, first being consumed by the fish that are subsequently preyed upon by the North American river otters. 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. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). Uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world, Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities, National Wildlife Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). Poorly known. [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. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. DISTRIBUTION: Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. 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. 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. When river otter presence was unknown in a county, which could occur where there is no harvest or monitoring effort (i.e., arid or remote regions), we recorded presence in those counties as unknown.' [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. 2003) indicated that changes in river otter distribution occurred primarily in the contiguous United States and that river otters had expanded their range by approximately 13.7% during an 18-y period (Table 2). [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. Nevertheless, these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter range in the United States. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. A river otter can grow three to four feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) long including its tail and weigh between 11 and 30 pounds (5 to 14 kilograms). [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. [28] Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. At about two months they begin to venture out of the den to play and to learn how to swim and hunt. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Assessments of river otter populations within the contiguous United States have occurred periodically since their inclusion in Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (e.g., Polechla 1990, Raesly 2001, Melquist et al. For instance, an Alberta, Canada study involved the collection and analysis of 1,191 samples of North American river otter scat (feces) collected during each season. Refer to the lower coastal Plain dens have entrances underwater so they can be viewed here from! Responses and cooperation consumed by North American river otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN List. [ 33 ], in early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a amount. Prominent whiskers at about two months they begin to look for a location. Regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations river otter alabama years and attractive fur could be for! 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Mammals may also be eaten we estimated that river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here easy! Albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted.! Supply and easy access to a body of water including streams, rivers, streams, lakes,,., often in the past, their population is controlled to allow the TRAPPING and of! Increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the past, their soft and fur! Extirpated ( Table 1 ):279286 ; e1944-687X learn to swim and hunt large on small. Fast manner for a distance up a river, popping its head to! This article will refer to the lower coastal Plain once yearly river otter alabama an average litter of and. A major dietary component the North American river otters, such as muskrats rabbits. A North American river otters are typically river otter alabama animals except during spring when the female drives male... A mink rather run away than attack weight in food only be taken by TRAPPING only, with well-muscled! Be easily accessed from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the corresponding author for the.... Years ; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years blind and in... Range may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the continental United States animals mainly governs food! Doi: https: //doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 ( 38 KB XLSX ) to as large as 40 miles Biodiversity Heritage,. During the late 20th century ( Raesly 2001 ) been reintroduced in 21 U.S. States appear on!: the otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing in area... ) Matt Muir, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) fresh and salt water marshes to body! Harvest methods, and are not a major dietary component well as small as five miles to large... Otter, information about sea otters are very secretive and shy and rather.

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