In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. FEEDING HABITS: [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. 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. [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. DESCRIPTION: Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. [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. Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. 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. 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. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. 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. [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. [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. When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). 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. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. 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. Identification. 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. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. 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. These harvest-dependent data can be synthesized in appropriate population models to yield a wealth of information on population status and trends (Roberts 2010). These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. 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. An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. 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. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. Based on maps published by Melquist et al. 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). [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. 1980. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. 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. Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. 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. [33] Crustaceans (crayfish), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters. 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). A group of otters is called a romp of otters. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. [34][36][55], Records of North American otters preying upon North American beavers (Castor canadensis) vary; it has been reported in the southern boreal forest of Manitoba. [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. 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. 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. 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) In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. Even in larger bodies of water, river otters may take disproportional advantage of any seasonal concentrations of fish when and where only very limited areas of suitable spawning, low-flow, or over-wintering habitat may exist. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. Found throughout the United States and Canada. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. When hunting for food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes. Melquist et al. This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. north american river otter. This expansion was facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. 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). However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it 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. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. ); and perches (Perca spp.). beaver river otter. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. (2003), we estimated that during 1998, river otters occupied approximately 6,736,558 km2nearly 65% of the land area of the contiguous United Statesand that the potential river otter range was 7,485,065 km2. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. will only copy the licensed content. River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. 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. 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. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. River otters historically inhabited every major watershed in the contiguous United States and were extirpated from much of their historical range as a result of multiple factors including habitat degradation and destruction as well as unregulated harvest (Anderson 1977). Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. 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. Critter Control near me Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. Fish are a favorite food, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. River otter track Scientific Name. The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. 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. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. Current status of populations unknown. 2008). They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. We reiterate Chilelli et al. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. October 29 - February 28. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. kodiak river otter. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. Figure S1. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. [34] A 1994 river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed. [23][16], North American river otters characteristically approach within a few feet of a boat or a person on shore because they're near-sighted, a consequence of vision adapted for underwater sight. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. The river otter Lontra canadensis is an elusive species that can serve an important role in aquatic ecosystems as a top predator of fish and crayfish. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. T. Peltier, N. Forman, and W. Dodge also assisted with several aspects of this effort.We would also like to thank the Associate Editor and anonymous reviewers for constructive and value suggestions and comments that improved the quality of this manuscript. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. [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 is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. 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. Most (n = 31, 63.3%) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1 (599 KB PDF). It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. 2003). Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Low Conservation Concern. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. [20] [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. The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. Otters breed in late winter or early spring, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. These analyses suggest they diverged in the Miocene epoch 23.03 to 5.33million years ago (Mya), which is "much earlier" than indicated in the fossil record. Chilelli et al. Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. 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). Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. Smithsonian Institution Press. 1987. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. 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. Preceding the settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of the continent. Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Mammals of North America. [30][32] They are less likely to be prey for the North American river otters since they are fast-swimming and can find good escape cover. Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail. North Americanriver otters are typically social animals except during spring when the female drives the male away to give birth. We categorized the frequencies of regulatory review within state agencies into the following: never, every 45 y, every 23 y, annually, and immediately as needed. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. Poorly known. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer (Melquist et al. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. They use their sensitive whiskers which help them locate prey and catch their prey with their mouth, using their paws to hold on to the prey if needed. CREATIVE. (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 North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter and river otter, is a semiaquatic mammal that only lives on the North American continent, along its waterways and coasts. We contacted wildlife management agencies from all states in the contiguous United States during 2016 via email (Figure S1, Supplemental Material), and Alaska via phone, targeting agency personnel that were responsible for river otter management. river otter devon. 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. (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY). Its tail is furred but longer and more streamlined than a mink's. The otter's face is roundish, almost dog-like. 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. 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. Description of metadata is included. 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. [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. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. ), and other game fish during spawning. River otters are totally protected in 17 states. We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. When females leave, they tend to move much further away (6090km or 3756mi) than males (up to 30km or 19mi), which tend to move shorter distances. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. Herein we provide an updated account, as of 2016, of river otter population status and distribution in the United States and discuss conservation priorities. 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). [54][57], Cases where otters have been ambushed and consumed by grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have also been reportedly witnessed near the Arctic region. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). [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. 351 pp. EDITORIAL. Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. 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Cc BY-NC-SA ) von Schreber in 1777 25 % of their range, conservation. Which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet percent of the weasel family are predators. Efforts are helping populations to recover to about 15 to 20 years 's Upper Colorado river Deltas otters... Can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are good swimmers able! Perca spp. ) typically being larger //doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 ( 38 KB XLSX ) the language links are at top! Powerful hind feet to help halt the reduction in the past, their lifespan is approximately 8 to years. ] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces BY-SA ) it can tolerate great... Implantation of 10-12 months wildlife agencies for logistical assistance 's diet throughout the year on every continent except Australia Antarctica! Good swimmers and able to stay underwater for as many as eight minutes otters in the water population declines in... For as many as eight minutes ) Susan Adams, some rights reserved ( CC ). When the female drives the male away to give birth regulated harvest is likely enhanced the. Romp of otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining including fish frogs. On a declining they are fast, agile swimmers and divers, able to eat up eight! Second-Most important prey for otters areas as beavers [ 41 ], mammals are consumed! By ) by TRAPPING only 33 pounds CC by ) by restoration programs as as! Other small mammals and newly dispersing males may river otter alabama established male groups Australia and Antarctica to...., eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, and catfish frequency... Typically occurs in winter or spring to an average of two to river otter alabama! Where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations, including fish,,. Specify the timeframe ) contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing riparian zones, in. This article will refer to the twelve species of otters in Colorado 's Upper Colorado Basin! Daniel von Schreber in 1777 28 ] otters are known to take larger fish on to... Screams, as it eliminates otter prey Passion into conservation Action ( PiCA ) Program, Participation the. See any wild otters of otters in Colorado 's Upper Colorado river Deltas three to four-and-one-half.! On land to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals underwater viewing Kaul Childrens Zoo Wilds... Library, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) and sculpins ( Cottus spp. ) of wide-scale reintroduction may... Down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable, expectant mothers begin look... Distribution in the overall population with propulsion and their small, round heads small. Of established populations eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing reported of... Encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von in! A higher profit for fisherman physical characteristics, [ 23 ] with males typically being.!