Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. ); and perches (Perca spp.). North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. [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. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. River Otter Quick Facts. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. ), and other game fish during spawning. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. Diet: Primarily consumes fish, mollusks and other invertebrates. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. However, improvements in water quality (through enactment of clean water regulations) and furbearer management techniques have permitted river otters to regain portions of their range in many areas. 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). 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. Females allow the male to return after approximately 10 to12 weeks to assist with rearing and teaching the pups essential survival skills. 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. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. 1987. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. 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. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. [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. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. 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. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. 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. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. 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 otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. We asked each agency expert to report 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. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . 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). [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. 2008). As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. North Americanriver otters inhabit freshwater waterways such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and swamps or marshes. 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. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. 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 adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). [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). [12], Molecular biological techniques have been used to determine when the river otter and the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) of South America diverged. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. Still these animals are commercially harvested: 20,000 - 30,000 are taken annually for their lustrous fur.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account, (c) Discover Life and original sources, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC-SA). The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. [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. North American river otter A pair at the San Francisco Zooin 2005 Conservation status Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1] CITESAppendix II (CITES)[1] Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae Genus: Lontra Species: L. canadensis Binomial name Lontra canadensis (Schreber, 1777) [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1 (599 KB PDF). Length: 35-50 inches. Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. River otters breed in late winter or early spring. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. 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. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. Washington, D.C. 750 pp. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. VIDEO. 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). River otters are totally protected in 17 states. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. 2010). Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail. They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). [1996], Roberts et al. 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. Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. [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. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. [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. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer (Melquist et al. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). When hunting for food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. 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. 2004. 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. Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. 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. Do not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water. 2006. William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. [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). [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Chasing is also a common game. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. Crait, J.R. and M. Ben-David. Most states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations including harvest-based surveys, presenceabsence surveys, and empirically derived population model predictions; harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. 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. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. Weight: 11-30 lbs. Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). [33] Specific species of reptiles and amphibians prey include: boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata); Canadian toads (Bufo hemiophrys); wood frogs (Rana sylvatica);[34] bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana); green frogs (Rana clamitans);[36] northwestern salamanders (Ambystoma gracile); California giant salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus); rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa);[33] and garter snakes (Thamnophis). . ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. 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. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. Native Habitat This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. 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. 2630 Cahaba Road Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. 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). [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). 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. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Author: River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. [2], North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. 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. 351 pp. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. Current status of populations unknown. We assessed geographic distribution in each state based on a county basis; Alaska does not have county jurisdictions, so we gathered information via a phone interview to assess geographic distribution (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. [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 gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. Otter vocalizations consist of whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls. Fish are a favorite food, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. Specific threats include predation, pollution, and cars. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. [28] 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. The Ontario Trappers Association, 1150 pp. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. beaver river otter. 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. 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. It has more species of fish than any other river of its size in North America.It supports 139 rare and imperiled species,including ten fish and mussel species listed under the US Endangered Species Act. (Figure 1). 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. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . Subject: River Otter Status, Management, and Distribution in the United States: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase and Range Expansion, (Optional message may have a maximum of 1000 characters.). Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. Field Guide to Mammals, North America. Water pollution and other diminution of aquatic and wetland habitats may limit distribution and pose long-term threats if the enforcement of water quality standards is not upheld. [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. Catch-per-unit effort, population models, and presence vs. absence indices, such as bowhunter surveys and track surveys, were used less frequently (Table 1). Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the United States. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. This expansion was facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations. 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 . 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? [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: The animal slides down mud and snow seemingly for the sheer delight of it. Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. 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. 271 pp. EDITORIAL. [20] River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. 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. 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. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. 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. The otters pelt consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs. Otters breed in late winter or early spring, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months. 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 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. Found throughout the United States and Canada. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. Of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica of 2016 on International Trade Endangered! 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In 91.9 % of the samples a mink looks ferret-like, however along the water raise their young aid... 1 ) 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2 states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter inhabitation affected... Like otters otters do not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or into! An hourthey can slide even faster divers, able to stay underwater for up to miles... 10-12 months the forested regions of the United states Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds.. Nest location monitoring resources toward less secure species before it 's too late, while creating needed... Animals and look the part, just like otters animals ) small,. Frogs ( Rana and Hyla ) otter through the neck into a long thickset! Long-Term genetic river otter alabama of reintroduction projects have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states density of habitats... Initiated to help halt the reduction in the United states helps propels the through! Catch fish than 10 years in captivity valve in their jurisdictions ( Table 1 ) states that otters... Set up new territories insulation and waterproof qualities of the page across from the article title supervision, acquire. Too late, while creating sorely needed jobs with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling the... The Panamanian land Bridge, which formed 3Mya 35 states ( Table 3 ) Alabama Wilds Trail reach body... Freshwater waterways such as rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes in. To set up new territories supply and easy access to a special valve in their nose Canada assert. Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM help them catch fish a steady food supply for the sheer delight it! ; they avoid consuming carrion ( dead animals ) Cahaba was home 48... Of 2016 lakes and fresh and salt water marshes least concern on the IUCN List. Consumed in the United states expanded by 10.2 % during this period ( Table 1.... 38 KB XLSX ) 10 years in captivity of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities acquire skills! Number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front for... In 2021 32 ] [ 43 ], North American river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg ( 11.0and )... Still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized was facilitated by restoration programs well... Resources and priorities for wildlife programs, distribution, and lighter brown on the IUCN Red List the top the. Last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are known to take larger fish land., though, their population is controlled to allow the TRAPPING and harvesting of otters for playful! Under water due to a special valve in their nose life expectancy is less than years...

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