Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. 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. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the United States. (2003) suggested that in 1998, as a result of wetland conservation and restoration efforts, river otters had expanded and inhabited approximately 90% of their former range. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. Diet The river otter is considerably larger, reaching several feet in length. 2003). (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. At about two months they begin to venture out of the den to play and to learn how to swim and hunt. [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. ", "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. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. 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). 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). Catch-per-unit effort, population models, and presence vs. absence indices, such as bowhunter surveys and track surveys, were used less frequently (Table 1). 1996. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. 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. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. We estimated that river otter distribution increased by 10.2% in the continental United States and by 13.7% in the contiguous United States during an 18-y period. North American river otters have long whiskers, which they use to detect prey in dark or cloudy water, and clawed feet for grasping onto slippery prey. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. DISTRIBUTION: TheNorth Americanriver otter (Lutra canadensis) is a member of the weasel family. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. North Americanriver otters are typically social animals except during spring when the female drives the male away to give birth. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. [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. Any use of trade, product, website, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. 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. [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. Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. Poorly known. The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. Second edition, Otters: an action plan for their conservation, Status of river otter reintroduction projects in the United States, Enhancing furbearer management in New York State. [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). Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. HABITAT: Preceding the settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of the continent. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. If you are one of the [29] In Georgia, crayfish accounted for two-thirds of the prey in the summer diet, and their remnants were present in 98% of the summer spraint. (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. 2020. Twenty-one of the 23 states (91.3%) that implemented reintroductions reported that populations were increasing or had reached population goals, and 2 states (Minnesota and North Dakota) indicated that populations were stagnant or geographically restrained (Table 1). They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. [54], During the winter and spring, when the water levels were higher, North American river otters had a greater tendency to prey upon crayfish (73% of scats had crayfish remains) rather than fish. 2003). The ears appear large on its small flattened head. The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. Size Adult river otters weigh 10 to 33 pounds (4.5 to 15 kilograms) and are about 2.5 to 5 feet (76 to 152 centimeters) in length. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. These harvest-dependent data can be synthesized in appropriate population models to yield a wealth of information on population status and trends (Roberts 2010). CREATIVE. [33] Every study done on the food habits of the North American river otter has identified varying fish species as being the primary component of its diet. Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail. [36] Other prey consumed by North American river otters includes fruits,[37] reptiles, amphibians, birds (most especially moulting ducks which render the birds flightless and thus makes them easier to capture), aquatic insects, small mammals, and mollusks. However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. will only copy the licensed content. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. EDITORIAL. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". 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. [1996], Roberts et al. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: Still these animals are commercially harvested: 20,000 - 30,000 are taken annually for their lustrous fur.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account, (c) Discover Life and original sources, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC-SA). [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. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). 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. 271 pp. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. river otter devon. Critter Control near me The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. October 29 - February 28. 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. 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. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. ), and other game fish during spawning. [54], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. 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. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. In 1980, an examination conducted on U.S. river otter populations determined they were locally extinct in 11 states, and lost significant population in 9 other states. 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. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. 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. [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). 2006. Life on Land On. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. Figure S1. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. Otter vocalizations consist of whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls. [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. Are otters endangered in Alabama? In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. Photo Credit: U.S. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. 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. You can copy this taxon into another guide. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. Crait, J.R. et al. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. 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). 2018). These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). 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). We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. VIDEO. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. [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. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). River otters are totally protected in 17 states. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. Melquist et al. 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. 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). Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable 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. Reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern United States. 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). An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). 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). 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. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. 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 rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. The river otter was included as an Appendix II species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in 1977 as a result of concern that endangered otter species, such as Pteronura brasiliensis, could be misidentified as river otter because of a similar superficial appearance, which could lead to unintentional trade of endangered species; however, it is important to note that the river otter itself has never been considered a globally threatened or endangered species (Greenwalt 1977). 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. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. 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. 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. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. Author: They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. The North American river otter occurs in much of Canada and the United States, except for portions of the Southwest, and in Mexico in the Rio Grande and Colorado River delta areas. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. [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. [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. 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? A group of otters is called a romp of otters. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. [26] Additional premolars may be present. 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. North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. The Birmingham Zoo North American river otters are Slim, a male weighing in at 8.0kg (17.5 lbs), andLenora, afemale weighing in at 7.3kg (16 lbs.). This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Most (n = 31, 63.3%) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations.

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