doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2023 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64 N. Union Street, Suite 468 - Montgomery, Alabama 36130, Physically Disabled Hunting and Fishing Trail, https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=467475161060988&ev=PageView&noscript=1. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. 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. CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (, different non-sexual physical characteristics, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T12302A164577078.en, "Expert says otter attacks are rare after St. Pete dog killed", "Dog attacked by otters in Lakewood, homeowners say", "7 Surprising Facts About the Giant River Otter", "Multigene phylogeny of the Mustelidae: Resolving relationships, tempo and biogeographic history of a mammalian adaptive radiation", 10.1644/1545-1410(2002)712<0001:LM>2.0.CO;2, "Parasites as probes for prehistoric human migrations? 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. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. 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. Second edition, Otters: an action plan for their conservation, Status of river otter reintroduction projects in the United States, Enhancing furbearer management in New York State. 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. 132 River Otters Playing Premium High Res Photos Browse 132 river otters playing stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. 2003 ). They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. Otter vocalizations consist of whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. Males are generally larger than females. Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. The North American river otter, a member of the subfamily Lutrinae in the weasel family (Mustelidae), is equally versatile in the water and on land. 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. https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. Melquist et al. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. 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. Probably present statewide in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat. (c) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND). 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. It enters the English Channel at the western end of Lyme Bay, part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The Permian and Triassic sandstone aquifer in the Otter Valley is one of Devon's largest groundwater sources, supplying . Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states, while closed harvest seasons existed in 9 states; Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming (Table 1). The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. Also, North American river otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as the shells of molluscs. [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. 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. A group of otters is called a romp of otters. However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. [2], North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. 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. ", "North American River Otter National Wildlife Federation", "Basic Facts About North American River Otters", "Distribution and abundance of river otter in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota", "Food habits of the river otter in Suisun Marsh, Central California", "Feeding relationships of river otters in northeastern Pennsylvania", Food habits of the North American river otter (, "Social Networks and the Formation and Maintenance of River Otter Groups", "Art Lander's Outdoors: Once endangered river otters now likely to be found in Kentucky for generations", Colorado Otters May No Longer Need Protection, How river otters are making a comeback on P.E.I. 2003). Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. [26][33], Amphibians and reptiles are more obtainable by the North American river otter during the spring and summer as a result of breeding activity, appropriate temperatures, and water supply for the prey. (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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). [16], North American river otters consume an extensive assortment of fish species ranging in size from 2 to 50 centimeters (0.79 to 19.69in) that impart sufficient caloric intake for a minute amount of energy expenditure. Native Habitat Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. This reach of the Alabama River is located within a 30-minute drive of hotels, restaurants, service stations, and grocery stores in Monroeville, Grove Hill, and Jackson. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. 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.' Fish are a favorite food, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. National Audubon Society. 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. Based on maps published by Melquist et al. River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. Of the remaining 37 states; 24 states reviewed regulations promptly or annually and 10 states reviewed harvest regulations in cycles of 23 y; Michigan reported that regulations are reviewed every 2 to 3 years and promptly as needed (Table 1). River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. [36] A study conducted on captive otters revealed they preferred larger fish, ranging from 15 to 17 centimeters (5.9 to 6.7in), more than smaller fish, ranging from 8 to 10 centimeters (3.1 to 3.9in), and they had difficulty catching fish species less than 10 centimeters (3.9in) or larger than 17 centimeters (6.7in). 351 pp. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. Fish and Wildlife Service. 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. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY). When estimating occupied range area or river otters, we only summed the area of the counties with known presence and excluded those counties that are listed as unknown (Table S1, Supplemental Material). They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. Preceding the settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of the continent. Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. Current status of populations unknown. 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. Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. Birmingham, AL 35223. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. 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. 271 pp. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. Diet Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. Lontra canadensis. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. The Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. Reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern United States. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. DISTRIBUTION: 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. [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). The river otter is considerably larger, reaching several feet in length. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . 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. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. Raesly (2001) determined that, although it is preferable to acquire river otters from proximal populations to maximize genetic similarity and retain subspecies integrity, most jurisdictions used the most easily obtained river otters, often from Louisiana, during reintroduction projects. Even the otters at the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights. Two states (Connecticut and Tennessee) reported that regulations are reviewed every 4 to 5 years. South Carolina and Texas reported that harvest regulations are never reviewed. [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). When hunting for food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes. More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. 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. [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. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . Length: 35-50 inches. [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. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. [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. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. STATUS: [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. [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). 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. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. Figure S1. TheNorth Americanriver otter (Lutra canadensis) is a member of the weasel family. (Figure 1). William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. At about two months they begin to venture out of the den to play and to learn how to swim and hunt. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. Given the large extent of the species' range, we were limited to county-level inference. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. 2003) using ArcMap (ESRI 2011). [5][6][7], The range of the North American river otter has been significantly reduced by habitat loss, beginning with the European colonization of the Americas. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. 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. [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. 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. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. 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). It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). 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). 2018). Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". 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). Females are roughly one-third the size of males. Nevertheless, these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter range in the United States. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. [20] giant river otter. 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. Because they are almost always very close to a body of water, if they hear a human they can jump into the water quickly and make a fast getaway. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. Critter Control near me Chilelli et al. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. 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. [1], Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. 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). Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the United States. 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). Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). 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). Methods of population monitoring included bridge surveys (presence vs. absence track surveys conducted at bridge crossings), harvest surveys, bowhunter surveys, camera surveys, winter track surveys, population models from harvest data, harvest effort, and agency field questionnaires (for detailed descriptions of these methods, we direct readers to Chilelli et al. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. [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). 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). Rely on game cams that they set up new territories a game species and furbearer ( Melquist al... 2-3 and up to 15 miles ( 24 kilometers ) an hourthey can slide even faster feet. 2 ], North American beavers canadensis in the coming decades aquatic habitats and of. Short legs, webbed toes, and Striped Skunk season 2022-2023 are smaller and between! 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Et al in association with rivers, creeks, lakes, swamps, and coastal throughout! If frightened or alarmed, otters can remain submerged for up to catch and their. Hunting for food in the water establish populations that had been extirpated ( Table 1 ):279286 e1944-687X. Season 2022-2023 ( 38 KB XLSX ) they have long bodies, short limbs, and glossy. Small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers of responses six young one six! Over in the United States larger and weigh between 10-30 pound agencies in the water for a location! Habitat Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Malloch! Decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions first month to. Populations to recover small mammals, and lakes, especially in the United States during 2016 with! Lutra canadensis ) is a member of the animal 's total length of! In recent years, especially in the coming decades lakes and ponds are muscular, flattened! 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