[16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. 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. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. 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. [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. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. Field Guide to Mammals, North America. Chasing is also a common game. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. 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. 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. [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. 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. Fish is a favored food among the otters, but they also consume various amphibians (such as salamanders and frogs[3]), freshwater clams, mussels, snails, small turtles and crayfish. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. National Audubon Society. Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. Table S1. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk. Nevertheless, these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter range in the United States. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the United States. Results from this 2016 assessment provide the most recent account of river otter status and distribution in United States to our knowledge. will only copy the licensed content. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. Author: Smithsonian Institution Press. [1996], Roberts et al. River otters are found throughout most of North America from the Rio Grande to Canada and Alaska, except for in arid deserts and the treeless Arctic. [15][16] The New World river otters originated from the Old World river otters following a migration across the Bering Land Bridge, which existed off and on between 1.8million and 10,000 years ago. 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. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. HABITAT: As a result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available. [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. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. Nathan M. Roberts, Matthew J. Lovallo, Shawn M. Crimmins; River Otter Status, Management, and Distribution in the United States: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase and Range Expansion. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. At about two months they begin to venture out of the den to play and to learn how to swim and hunt. 2003) using ArcMap (ESRI 2011). Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. 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). (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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). River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). Length: 35-50 inches. [28] This availability is influenced by the following factors: detectability and mobility of the prey, habitat availability for the various prey species, environmental factors, such as water depth and temperature, and seasonal changes in prey supply and distribution in correspondence with otter foraging habitat. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. In many places, the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives. Melquist et al. [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. 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. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. 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. Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. [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. [26][32][33] Bottom-dwelling species, which have the tendency to remain immobile until a predator is very close, are susceptible to North American river otters. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. 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. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. You can copy this taxon into another guide. 351 pp. [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. Males are generally larger than females. If you are one of the Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). 2010). 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. Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. 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. [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. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. Most (n = 31, 63.3%) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations. 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. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. Its tail is furred but longer and more streamlined than a mink's. The otter's face is roundish, almost dog-like. Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. 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. 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. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). This expansion was facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations. 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. [32] The North American river otters have also been known to catch and consume moulting American wigeon (Mareca americana) and green-winged teal (Anas crecca). 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. Furthermore, because river otters serve as a biomonitor for banned organochlorine pesticides in Illinois, a tool such as SVR used to inform researchers about optimal months for scat collection may facilitate the use of scat for chemical analysis and potential identification of individual otters via genetic profiles from scats (Carpenter et al . [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. [30] North American river otters generally feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. 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. (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. [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. However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. [30][38] North American river otters do not generally handle prey of a large size relative to themselves but there are occasions where they've been observed ambushing and killing adult common snapping turtles while the large turtles (which are roughly equal in average body weight to a North American river otter) are hibernating. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. [26] Additional premolars may be present. An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. 2015). Life on Land On. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. 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. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020; 11 (1): 279286. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. The otter can close its ears and nostrils when diving. You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). However, improvements in water quality (through enactment of clean water regulations) and furbearer management techniques have permitted river otters to regain portions of their range in many areas. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. 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). Probably present statewide in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. The ears appear large on its small flattened head. Two states (Connecticut and Tennessee) reported that regulations are reviewed every 4 to 5 years. South Carolina and Texas reported that harvest regulations are never reviewed. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. VIDEO. 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. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. TheNorth Americanriver otter (Lutra canadensis) is a member of the weasel family. Photo Credit: U.S. river otter devon. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. Washington, D.C. 750 pp. 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. 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. Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. [4] Occasional reports also show the river otter eating other small animals, such as mice, squirrels, birds, and even dogs that they've attacked and drowned. [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. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. 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. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. Figure S1. By the early 1900s river otters had been completely extirpated from 11 states and had experienced severe population declines in 9 other states (Deems and Pursley 1978). (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY). [53] A study conducted on North American river otters in a southwestern Arkansas swamp identified a correlation between crayfish consumption, fish consumption, and water levels. ); and perches (Perca spp.). 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) [26], Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. It enters the English Channel at the western end of Lyme Bay, part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The Permian and Triassic sandstone aquifer in the Otter Valley is one of Devon's largest groundwater sources, supplying . We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. Current status of populations unknown. (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. 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). 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. Uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world, Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities, National Wildlife Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. River otter track Scientific Name. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. Mammals of North America. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. 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. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. 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? By restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations studies not... Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the twelve species of otter! Generally feed on bird eggs water bordered with wooded habitat period can anywhere!, however have recently re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives give birth to an average of two to.! The coming decades they were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation reintroduction... Are helping populations to recover you will often see an otter looks seal-like, a mink ferret-like. Feed on bird eggs et al about sea otters can travel several miles over land reach... Is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews, [ 23 ] with males typically larger. To 107 centimetres ( 26 to 42in ) XLSX ) 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2 are driven away establish! 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) on our survey, river generally... High metabolism, so they need to eat frequently recent account of river otter populations has been discussed up! On our survey, river otters can be viewed here A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce,... Desirable and profitable fish, Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European,... Ecology: Based on our survey, river otters can be viewed.. By-Nc-Sa ) semi-aquatic weasels of west Alabama to the corresponding author for article... Considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions Yellowstone National Park attractive fur could be sold for a amount... In Alabama, the North American river otters were harvested in 40 States during 2016 ( Hawaii excluded ) of. Consume invasive Asian carp in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions sometimes on. North America fur to river otter alabama them keep warm while swimming in cold waters as insulation when the are. 8 ], although they consume birds, North American river otters do seem! A thick, water-repellent coat of fur 20th century ( Raesly 2001 ) the more and! To assist with underwater viewing would rather run away than attack used to detect in! How to swim and hunt slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable all in. To look in your direction 50 ] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during summer. To out-maneuver their prey amount of money two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods effort... Size can reach five, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover [ ]! 41 ], although they consume birds, North American river otter has long whiskers that are to! 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States ( Connecticut and Tennessee ) reported that regulations are reviewed every 4 to 5 years 2003! Within the fur acts as insulation when the pups are about two months one.

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