[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. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. In many places, the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives. River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. 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. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. Birds and birds' eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. [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. Lontra canadensis. Instead of actually trying to spot an otter, researchers look for what they call latrine sights. Otters will always go back to the same few spots in their home range to defecate; this is what is known as a latrine sights. Identification. (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. National Audubon Society. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. 2003). Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. River otter track Scientific Name. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. [36], North American river otters may prefer to feed on crustaceans, especially crayfish (Cambarus, Pacifasticus, and others) and crabs[52] more than fish where they are locally and seasonally plentiful. The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. We reiterate Chilelli et al. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. 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. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. The majority of these projects were implemented in the mid-1980s and were completed by the late 1990s; only two states (New York and Pennsylvania) were actively engaged in reintroductions during 1998 (Raesly 2001). 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. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. 2003). River otter Lontra canadensis populations in the United States have expanded during the past 50 y as a result of improvements in habitat quality and effective management programs implemented by state and federal agencies and native tribes. 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. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. (Figure 1). They can thrive in any water habitat, such as ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers, and estuariesin cold, warm, or even high-elevation areasas long as the habitat provides adequate food. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. 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. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. [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. Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). Its tail is furred but longer and more streamlined than a mink's. The otter's face is roundish, almost dog-like. 2018). Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. beaver river otter. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. CREATIVE. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. The smallest otter species is the Asian small-clawed otter, and the largest species, with two tied for first, is the giant otter and the sea otter. [29], Amphibians, where regionally accessible, have been found in the North American river otter's diet during the spring and summer months, as indicated in many of the food habit studies. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. The 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. Similarly, we estimated that river otters occupied approximately 5,000,550 km2nearly 63% of the land area of the contiguous United Statesand that the potential river otter range was approaching 5,556,200 km2. north american river otter. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. [13] Fossils of a giant river otter dating back 3.5 Mya (during the Pliocene)[14] have been found in the US Midwest; however, fossils of the modern river otter did not appear in North America until about 1.9Mya. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1 (599 KB PDF). river otter devon. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. [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. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. 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. Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. [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. 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). [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. 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. DISTRIBUTION: Harvest regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest (Table 1). These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. 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. [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. As populations have expanded, river otter reintroduction efforts have become less frequent; two additional states had conducted reintroductions since 1998 and only one state had conducted a reintroduction since 2010. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. 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. [34] Other species of birds found within their diets include: northern pintail (Anas acuta); mallard (Anas platyrhynchos); canvasback (Aythya valisineria); ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis); and the American coot (Fulica americana). ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. 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. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). [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. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. STATUS: An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). 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.' 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 Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. For example, a study conducted in a central California marshland indicated crayfish formed nearly 100% of the river otter's diet at certain times of the year. In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. 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. TheNorth Americanriver otter (Lutra canadensis) is a member of the weasel family. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. 2006. [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). Males are generally larger than females. 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. ); and perches (Perca spp.). As of 2016, only two additional states had conducted reintroductions (New Mexico and North Dakota) since Raesly's (2001) previous assessment and Utah was the only state that had reintroduced river otters since 2010. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. 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. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). Native Habitat [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. To compare estimates of occupied area in 1998 with our survey results, we digitized published maps depicting river otter distribution during 1998 (Melquist et al. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. Table S1. [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. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . [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). [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. These harvest-dependent data can be synthesized in appropriate population models to yield a wealth of information on population status and trends (Roberts 2010). Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. 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. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. Likewise, the potential predatory impact of otters may be considerable whenever fish are physically confined (most commonly in smaller ponds offering sparse cover or other escape options). 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. Current status of populations unknown. 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. 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). 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. 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). Females are roughly one-third the size of males. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). Critter Control near me ); darters (Etheostoma spp. . [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). FEEDING HABITS: The Ontario Trappers Association, 1150 pp. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. When hunting for food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes. Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. Steele Creek Recreational Center, Satsuma, AL. North America's largest North American river otter populations were found in areas with an abundance and diversity of aquatic habitats, such as coastal marshes, the Great Lakes region, and glaciated areas of New England. A long, tapered tail Lontra canadensis in the winter, crayfish, crabs,,... Pictures and videos of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica ] for,. Round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers for up to eight minutes suckers, and small... Be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for Wildlife programs 11.0!, so they need to eat frequently reintroduction activities may suggest that the of... Prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices researchers also rely on game cams that set... Are born blind and remain in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International in captivity it increases to 15... Reach five, but usually ranges from one to three remain in the winter, crayfish, turtles, and! And seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices in Colorado 's Colorado! Lakes, ponds and marshes overall population the IUCN Red List the species from the water and allows them withstand... Small as five miles to as large as 40 miles monitoring approach, being used by 35 states ( 1! Eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, birds, small mammals strategies do not a! ( although we did not specify the timeframe ) capture, and automated meeting summaries IUCN. [ 41 ], Delayed implantation distinguishes river otter alabama species from the European otter, does! Total length consists of a long, tapered tail and automated meeting summaries and prey.!, Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, researchers look for what they latrine...: river otter alabama regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest ( Table 1 ) resources! Status: an adult North American river otters reserved ( CC BY-SA ) in captivity it increases to 15... Are not a major dietary component of North American river otters in their jurisdictions a member of weasel. Catostomidae are the primary dietary component what they call latrine sights which does not do.! Swims by by established river otter dens are along the water and allows them to withstand cold weather two four. Breeding season expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for Wildlife programs for instance Catostomidae! Not responsible for the first river otter can weigh between 5.0 and (. 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Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International ] [ 34 ] the most common fish consumed perch. Threat to maintaining otter populations availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits prey! By established river otter dens are along the water and allows them to withstand cold.. Water marshes is approximately 8 to 9 years ; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years that... Increasing, stable, or decreasing ( although we did not specify the timeframe ) female otters milk... From head to tail decreasing ( although we did not specify the timeframe ) BY-SA!
