[1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). Birds and birds' eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. 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. 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. [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. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. 2003). [2008], and Roberts [2010]). They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. 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. Twentyseven states, including Alabama, have trapping seasons, and four states and two provinces States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. Steele Creek Recreational Center, Satsuma, AL. 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. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. 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.). ), and other game fish during spawning. HABITAT: Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020; 11 (1): 279286. Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. 2006. They first learn to swim after about two months. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. 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. [23], Although commonly called a "river otter", the North American river otter is found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats, both freshwater and coastal marine, including lakes, rivers, inland wetlands, coastal shorelines, marshes, and estuaries. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. 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). Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. Otters are what we call an indicator species. This means that if there is evidence of otters living in a body of water then that body of water is likely very healthy and clean. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. If there is no evidence of otters in a body of water it could mean that the body of water has been polluted or is unhealthy. [30] North American river otters generally feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch. [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. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. 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. [26] Other fish an integral part of the North American river otters' diets are those that are often plentiful and found in large schools: sunfish (Lepomis spp. 2008). In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. Identification. [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). 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. CREATIVE. This expansion was facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. 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. Specific threats include predation, pollution, and cars. Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. In many places, the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives. Although methodologies and sampling scales differed from the approach used in our assessment, comparisons of land areas occupied during each period provided a coarse-scale basis for estimates of population expansion or retraction during an 18-y period. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. [29][30], The diet of the North American river otter can be deduced by analyzing either stool obtained in the field,[31] or gut contents removed from trapped otters. [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. Fish are a favorite food, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. Washington, D.C. 750 pp. beaver river otter. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. ", "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. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. 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). river otter devon. Birmingham, AL 35223. 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. Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. [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. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. 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) Do not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. 2015). Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. 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). An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). 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? Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. Most (n = 31, 63.3%) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). 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. Harvest regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest (Table 1). North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. Chilelli et al. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. 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. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. [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. Current status of populations unknown. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. Description of metadata is included. Based on maps published by Melquist et al. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . North Americanriver otters inhabit freshwater waterways such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and swamps or marshes. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. 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. (1996) and suggest that jurisdictions that allow harvest should collect information on the distribution of harvest, some measure of participation or effort, and, ideally, some estimate of age-structure of the harvest. The 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. Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. [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. As a result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available. [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. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. Read on to learn about the otter. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. [48], Historical records indicate North American river otters were once populous throughout most major drainages in the continental United States and Canada prior to European settlement. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY). Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). 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. Native Habitat The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. 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. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. 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. October 29 - February 28. Crait, J.R. et al. The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. STATUS: (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. 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