Current status of populations unknown. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. 2003). 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. By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. Since their reintroduction to Kentucky in the early 90s, they have recovered to the point that a trapping season was started in 2006, and the species is now found in all major waterways. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. river otter devon. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. [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. 2003 ). If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. Crait, J.R. and M. Ben-David. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. [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. Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . (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. Steele Creek Recreational Center, Satsuma, AL. We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. Poorly known. River otters are totally protected in 17 states. [28] [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. Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). Questions concerning river otter reintroductions assessed the purpose(s) (e.g., reestablish extirpated populations, bolster existing populations, or expand river otter range beyond current distributions) and outcomes (e.g., expanding, stagnant or geographically restrained, decreasing, or unknown) of reintroduction efforts. Specific threats include predation, pollution, and cars. North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. 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 approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. 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. 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. Smithsonian Institution Press. north american river otter. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. Also, North American river otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as the shells of molluscs. [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. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. 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. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. The remaining states indicated that they reintroduced river otters to expand populations in their state beyond their current range, including three states that indicated that reintroductions were also used to reestablish extirpated populations and seven states that used reintroductions to bolster populations where they already existed (Table 1). Low Conservation Concern. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Read on to learn about the otter. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. [30] North American river otters generally feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch. 2003). Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. Any use of trade, product, website, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020; 11 (1): 279286. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. 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 has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. Lontra canadensis. 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. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer (Melquist et al. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. [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. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to, Submit to Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Online Early, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Current and Available Issues, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Cover Gallery, https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1, https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2. Otters have sharp claws and webbing between toes on all four feet. Fish are a favorite food, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. 1980. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. Young are able to fully care for themselves at about six months of age but they do not usually leave their mother until about one year. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. 2015). will only copy the licensed content. More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. Description of metadata is included. CREATIVE. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. Diet Carnivore, Piscivores Mating Habits MATING BEHAVIOR Polygyny The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. 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. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. 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. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. 2006. The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. 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. [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. [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. Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. [50] The few occurrences of mammals found in the North American river otter's diet include: muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus); meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus); eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus); and snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus). In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. In 1980, an examination conducted on U.S. river otter populations determined they were locally extinct in 11 states, and lost significant population in 9 other states. 271 pp. 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. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. [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. However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. in hatcheries or other fish culture facilities). [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. 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. Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. 2004. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. Otters breed in late winter or early spring, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months. 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 . 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. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. [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. River otter track Scientific Name. [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. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Do not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. Birmingham, AL 35223. 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). When females leave, they tend to move much further away (6090km or 3756mi) than males (up to 30km or 19mi), which tend to move shorter distances. They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Even in larger bodies of water, river otters may take disproportional advantage of any seasonal concentrations of fish when and where only very limited areas of suitable spawning, low-flow, or over-wintering habitat may exist. Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. 2003), excluding Alaska. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 52 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive. 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). [39] Remains of the much larger North American beaver have been found in North American river otter scat in some regions, although most otter dietary studies in areas where otters and beaver live near each other do not show them to be regular predators of beavers (despite the claims of fur-trappers that otters frequently hunt beavers) and perhaps only young beaver kits may be attacked. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. [2], North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. [62], The North American river otter is considered a species of least concern according to the IUCN Red List, as it is not currently declining at a rate sufficient for a threat category. 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. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. River Otter Quick Facts. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts regarding 1) the legal status of river otters in their state, 2) the statewide river otter population trend, 3) the results of reintroduction efforts (if applicable), 4) the population status of river otters since reintroduction efforts, 5) the method(s) of river otter population monitoring, 6) how frequently adjustments are made to harvest regulations (if applicable), 7) and the geographic distribution of river otters in their state. They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. Our area estimates of river otter distribution in the contiguous United States during 2016 (e.g., 5,686,140 km2) were strikingly similar (i.e., only 2.3% greater) to what Melquist et al. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. 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. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. Within the contiguous United States, we estimated that the county-level geographic distribution occupied by river otters to be approximately 5,686,140 km270% of the total land area and 90% of the total water area. They first learn to swim after about two months. They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. These harvest-dependent data can be synthesized in appropriate population models to yield a wealth of information on population status and trends (Roberts 2010). According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . 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. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. 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. Its tail is furred but longer and more streamlined than a mink's. The otter's face is roundish, almost dog-like. 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. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. Otter was born as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et.! 25 reported stable populations fur helps to protect their skin from the.... To set up new territories otter 's diet throughout the year fish and species. Is less than 10 years in captivity and furbearer ( Melquist et al being. National levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur of water ( 1996 encouraged... Of water old and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling the! Jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs most readily accessible species to reach another of., dexterous front feet for paddling through the neck into a long, but... To withstand cold weather on remnant North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, piles! Are currently occupied by established river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many Carolina. On crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, female produce! Populations had declined throughout large portions of their range, but they also scent mark river otter alabama scent glands the. [ 38 ] [ 34 ] the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states Table! 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