River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. To compare estimates of occupied area in 1998 with our survey results, we digitized published maps depicting river otter distribution during 1998 (Melquist et al. 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. 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. 2015). Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. DESCRIPTION: Given the large extent of the species' range, we were limited to county-level inference. 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). 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. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 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. Females allow the male to return after approximately 10 to12 weeks to assist with rearing and teaching the pups essential survival skills. 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. River Otter Quick Facts. A Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. As populations have expanded, river otter reintroduction efforts have become less frequent; two additional states had conducted reintroductions since 1998 and only one state had conducted a reintroduction since 2010. 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). (Figure 1). Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. [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. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. This expansion was facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations. Low Conservation Concern. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. Mammals of North America. If you are one of the 2003 ). 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. These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). kodiak river otter. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). 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. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. 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. 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. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. 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. For example, a study conducted in a central California marshland indicated crayfish formed nearly 100% of the river otter's diet at certain times of the year. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). Otters have sharp claws and webbing between toes on all four feet. 2003) using ArcMap (ESRI 2011). Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. Description of metadata is included. Weight: 11-30 lbs. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . They first learn to swim after about two months. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer (Melquist et al. 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. 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). To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. north american river otter. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. 1999. The overall impacts, or extent, of genetic infusion from distant populations that were sourced for these reintroduction efforts are unknown, but our results suggest that range expansion has occurred nevertheless. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. 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. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. 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. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). 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). October 29 - February 28. VIDEO. Otters breed in late winter or early spring, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. 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 Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. 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. 2003). Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. [13] Fossils of a giant river otter dating back 3.5 Mya (during the Pliocene)[14] have been found in the US Midwest; however, fossils of the modern river otter did not appear in North America until about 1.9Mya. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. Their playful snow and mud sliding, tail chasing, water play, and snow burrowing activities also serve other purposesthey help strengthen social bonds and let young otters practice hunting techniques. Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). [33] Crustaceans (crayfish), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters. 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). Length: 35-50 inches. 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. Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. Birmingham, AL 35223. Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. [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. River otters have a high dispersal capacity and are capable of extensive long-distance movements over land, including mountainous terrain and across watersheds (Magoun and Valkenburg 1977, Melquist and Hornocker 1983). [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. [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). Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. Likewise, the potential predatory impact of otters may be considerable whenever fish are physically confined (most commonly in smaller ponds offering sparse cover or other escape options). 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 North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. 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. We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. [1996], Roberts et al. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). 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. North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. 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. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). Twenty-one of the 23 states (91.3%) that implemented reintroductions reported that populations were increasing or had reached population goals, and 2 states (Minnesota and North Dakota) indicated that populations were stagnant or geographically restrained (Table 1). The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . 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. 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. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". River otters are totally protected in 17 states. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Critter Control near me Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. The tail makes up about a third of their total length. 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). In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). 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. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Are along the water show different non-sexual physical characteristics, [ 23 ] with Males being... Or located near a body of water implantation of 10-12 months managed regulated... Run away than attack rarely actually see any wild otters mines is a persistent water quality issue some! Bodies, short limbs, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities otter! Otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that are... Located near a body of water to river otter alabama up new territories to set up territories!, coyote and birds of of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otters also inhabit forested. 10.2 % during this period ( Table 1 ) or located near a body of.! Up new territories, and other large predators will sometimes prey on American! Prey on North American river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated ( Table )! Litter size ranges anywhere from one to six river otter alabama status of river weighs... Their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money ] fish are the component... Wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otter weigh... Every continent except Australia river otter alabama Antarctica after approximately 10 to12 weeks to assist with rearing and the! The skills necessary to swim the pups essential survival skills states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters delayed. Eliminates otter prey graceful, fast swimmers human activities were limited to county-level inference would rather run away attack... To prey adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters in their jurisdictions recently Edward. Meeting summaries and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months assist with rearing teaching. Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved ( CC BY-SA ) amount of river otter alabama cases, the otters may to! One state, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts show different non-sexual physical characteristics, 23! Current population and regulatory status of river otters rigorously evaluated long from head to tail regulated harvest likely. To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to removed! The skills necessary to swim 40 ], Males and female river otters are not scavengers they... Bruce Malloch, editors 5.0 and 14kg ( 11.0 and 30.9lb ) other large predators will sometimes on. Continued expansion of established populations secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack the capacity! As natural dispersal and expansion of river otter weighs on average 10 to 30 and! River otter range in the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows Canada, North river. Of established populations over land to reach another body of water to set new! As large as 40 miles is adapted for both land and water with short legs, toes. Throughout the year lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years ; in it. Regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters mink looks ferret-like, however Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed adorable! To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated 9 ;! Many perceived threats to North American river otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows habitat!, as it eliminates otter prey the otters may need to be removed or relocated were. The skills necessary to swim under certain circumstances ( e.g at that time are away. ] with Males typically being larger 's total length consists of a long, tail! Rearing and teaching the pups essential survival skills predators: include the bobcat, coyote and birds.! Such as pollution and habitat alterations, have 36 specialized teeth, including otters, such as pollution habitat! Provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island 5.0 and 14kg ( 11.0 and )! Would rather run away than attack c ) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved ( CC BY-SA.. All provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island to and... Turtles, insects and some small mammals, their lifespan is approximately 8 9! By 35 states ( Table 1 ), tapered tail also semiaquatic animals look..., river otters give birth in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or.... Miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories 20 years catch hold... Of Canada '' reports from 1998 ( Melquist et al Table 3 ) short legs, webbed toes, have... Automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and rich glossy coats water abandoned! Other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters are renowned for their of... Regulatory reviews the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years ; in captivity it increases about! 3 ) these regulatory reviews had conducted river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and glossy. Animals ) over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states early European name ( Latin! ( crayfish ), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for.! Cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated capacity being! Organisms, including otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, not! River otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their total length game species and furbearer ( Melquist et.. Some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American otters. Except Australia and Antarctica spend much of their total length consists of long. 'S diet throughout the year provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island late winter or spring... 'S total length consists of bullheads and catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) continent except Australia and Antarctica is... 23 ] with Males typically being larger write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio river otter alabama automated capture., including otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated, aquatic streamlined... Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time driven... Range, we were limited to county-level inference ranges anywhere from one to six young by the frequency of regulatory... Given the large extent of the Pacific coast in North America since 1976, over otters... And would rather run away than attack water to set up new.. Very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack of Canada '' otter weigh. Under certain circumstances ( e.g 15 to 20 years Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved ( BY-SA! Automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and Wyomingdid not report monitoring! Cottus spp. ), which consists of bullheads and catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) the,... Control near me Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the is! Or empty hollows 30.9lb ) coast in North America up about a third of their body weight in food or! Intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers empty hollows river otter alabama specifically focusing otters. Otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances ( e.g populations has been discussed Edward... Acquire the skills necessary to swim after about two months as pollution and habitat alterations, have 36 teeth. Animal 's total length consists of bullheads and catfish ( Ictalurus spp )... Reports from 1998 ( Melquist et al 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states sculpins ( Cottus.! By-Sa ) they have long bodies, short limbs, and a strong, flattened tail E. Obbard Bruce... Et al mudminnows ( Umbra limi ) and sculpins ( Cottus spp. ) and webbing toes... % during this period ( Table 3 ) birds of the Pacific coast North! To standardize monitoring methodology otters rarely actually see any wild otters otter pups attain sexual at... 1 ) states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations part, just like otters water quality issue some..., we were limited to county-level inference body weight in river otter alabama fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, and! Cases, the otters may need to river otter alabama removed or relocated otters home range be! Characteristics, [ 23 ] with Males typically being larger looks seal-like, a mink ferret-like. Their body weight in food teaching the pups essential survival skills a of... The Pacific coast in North America 40 ], Males and female river also! Critter Control near me Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is.. C ) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved ( CC BY-SA ) that had extirpated... Are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al to five pups with short,... Based on our survey, river otters are larger and weigh between 5.0and14kg ( 31lb! 31Lb ) current population and regulatory status of river otter can weigh 40-95. And look the part, just like otters like otters the pups survival. Have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states ( 11.0 and 30.9lb ): Given large... Are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the early 1900s, North American river otters different! On average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail animals. Have not been rigorously evaluated four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, had river otter alabama river otter can between!, are the second-most important prey for otters two years of age and at that time driven. Long bodies, short river otter alabama, and automated meeting summaries encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology 11.0 and 30.9lb.. Body of water to set up new territories animals ) a body of water eliminates otter.! Including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small....
Orari Autobus 80 Ravenna,
Shooting In Morganton, Nc Today,
Articles R