To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. 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. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. [30] North American river otters generally feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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). Crait, J.R. et al. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. 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. In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. 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. 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. They first learn to swim after about two months. 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. [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. 2003). 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). Low Conservation Concern. River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . [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. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. 2003). Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. Based on this 2016 survey, 22 states reported increasing populations, 25 states reported stable populations, and 2 states (Arizona and Washington) reported an uncertain population trend (Table 1). They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. October 29 - February 28. Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . [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. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. [20] This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. HABITAT: The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. Catch-per-unit effort, population models, and presence vs. absence indices, such as bowhunter surveys and track surveys, were used less frequently (Table 1). Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 2003) using ArcMap (ESRI 2011). 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. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . The ears appear large on its small flattened head. River otter status, management, and distribution in the United States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion. 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. We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. [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. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. 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? [49] However, large populations never occurred in areas of Southern California such as the chaparral and oak woodlands and Mojave Desert seasonal waterway regions, or in the xeric shrubland regions in New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and Colorado. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. beaver river otter. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 52 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive. Of the remaining 37 states; 24 states reviewed regulations promptly or annually and 10 states reviewed harvest regulations in cycles of 23 y; Michigan reported that regulations are reviewed every 2 to 3 years and promptly as needed (Table 1). ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. [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). 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 are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. 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. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. [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. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . Poorly known. Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. 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.). (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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). after 100 years, "Final report of the North American river otter research project on the Upper Colorado River Basin in and adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado", "Asian Carp in the Diet of River Otters in Illinois", "Lontra canadensis (northern river otter)", COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Grizzly Bear, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=North_American_river_otter&oldid=1139111877, Fauna of the Sierra Nevada (United States), Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 12:17. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. When estimating occupied range area or river otters, we only summed the area of the counties with known presence and excluded those counties that are listed as unknown (Table S1, Supplemental Material). Table S1. 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. Otters have sharp claws and webbing between toes on all four feet. Probably present statewide in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. 1999. Since their reintroduction to Kentucky in the early 90s, they have recovered to the point that a trapping season was started in 2006, and the species is now found in all major waterways. Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. 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. 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. 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. Weight: 11-30 lbs. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. (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. Author: Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. 2006. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. Reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern United States. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. VIDEO. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. River otters breed in late winter or early spring. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. Lontra canadensis. 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. [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. Within the contiguous United States, we estimated that the county-level geographic distribution occupied by river otters to be approximately 5,686,140 km270% of the total land area and 90% of the total water area. Periodic assessments of river otter status, population trends, and geographic distribution are needed to detect changes in populations, assess management approaches, and to identify and prioritize conservation efforts. 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. 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. River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. Fish are a favorite food, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. 2003). ", "North American River Otter National Wildlife Federation", "Basic Facts About North American River Otters", "Distribution and abundance of river otter in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota", "Food habits of the river otter in Suisun Marsh, Central California", "Feeding relationships of river otters in northeastern Pennsylvania", Food habits of the North American river otter (, "Social Networks and the Formation and Maintenance of River Otter Groups", "Art Lander's Outdoors: Once endangered river otters now likely to be found in Kentucky for generations", Colorado Otters May No Longer Need Protection, How river otters are making a comeback on P.E.I. 2003). Twentyseven states, including Alabama, have trapping seasons, and four states and two provinces In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. Melquist et al. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. North American river otter populations span the North American continent from east to west, extending across 45 states from southern Florida to northern Alaska and all Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. 2018). Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. In many places, the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. Mammals of North America. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. The river otter is considerably larger, reaching several feet in length. A Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1].

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