[1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. Read on to learn about the otter. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. [54], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. DESCRIPTION: VIDEO. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. kodiak river otter. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. Its tail is furred but longer and more streamlined than a mink's. The otter's face is roundish, almost dog-like. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. 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). The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter and river otter, is a semiaquatic mammal that only lives on the North American continent, along its waterways and coasts. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. 2003). A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. 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). 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. Are otters endangered in Alabama? [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. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. [26] Additional premolars may be present. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. 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. [36] A study conducted on captive otters revealed they preferred larger fish, ranging from 15 to 17 centimeters (5.9 to 6.7in), more than smaller fish, ranging from 8 to 10 centimeters (3.1 to 3.9in), and they had difficulty catching fish species less than 10 centimeters (3.9in) or larger than 17 centimeters (6.7in). [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. (Figure 1). Females allow the male to return after approximately 10 to12 weeks to assist with rearing and teaching the pups essential survival skills. in hatcheries or other fish culture facilities). Based on maps published by Melquist et al. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. Preceding the settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of the continent. [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. North Americanriver otters inhabit freshwater waterways such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and swamps or marshes. Birds and birds' eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. The North American river otters may leave the den by eight weeks and are capable of sustaining themselves upon the arrival of fall, but they usually stay with their families, which sometimes include the father, until the following spring. The Ontario Trappers Association, 1150 pp. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the United States. CREATIVE. 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. Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer (Melquist et al. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. 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. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. [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. 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. [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. We reiterate Chilelli et al. Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail. Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). [2008], and Roberts [2010]). Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020; 11 (1): 279286. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. You can copy this taxon into another guide. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. 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). 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. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". Field Guide to Mammals, North America. Twentyseven states, including Alabama, have trapping seasons, and four states and two provinces (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. 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. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. [34][50] Invertebrates discovered within scats or digestive tracts could most likely be a secondary food item, first being consumed by the fish that are subsequently preyed upon by the North American river otters. [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). They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. beaver river otter. Although is unlikely that river otters inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. 1996. Life on Land On. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. 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. Most (n = 31, 63.3%) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. 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. These harvest-dependent data can be synthesized in appropriate population models to yield a wealth of information on population status and trends (Roberts 2010). The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. [1], Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Table S1. 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. 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. A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. Also, North American river otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as the shells of molluscs. 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. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. 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. According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. [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. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. 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] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. This expansion was facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. 2003). 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. Washington, D.C. 750 pp. Mammals of North America. [33] Crustaceans (crayfish), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. [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. Birmingham, AL 35223. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it 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. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. 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. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. The otters pelt consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs. [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. 351 pp. Identification. You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. Native Habitat It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. Otter vocalizations consist of whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. HABITAT: 1980. [61] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. north american river otter. [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. 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. (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. River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. Specific threats include predation, pollution, and cars. Low Conservation Concern. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. [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. 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. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. [1], During the 1970s, improvements in natural resource management techniques emerged, along with increased concerns about North American river otter population declines in North America. Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. As per the North American Model of wildlife conservation, river otters are held in the public trust by the government and are managed by state and federal agencies as well as by native tribes (Mahoney and Geist 2019). Diet The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). 2003) using ArcMap (ESRI 2011). North American river otters are very susceptible to the effects of environmental pollution, which is a likely factor in the continued decline of their numbers. (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. 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. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. A Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. [26], Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. 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. The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. Melquist et 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. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. ), and other game fish during spawning. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. The female otters do not dig their own dens; instead, they rely on other animals, such as beavers, to provide suitable environments to raise their offspring. Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. Monitoring efforts ; 11 ( 1 ): 279286 allow the male to return after approximately 10 to12 to! = 31, 63.3 % ) States used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations birds... In the state & # x27 ; eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be.! And fast manner swamps, and cars Milwaukee county Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news otters disperse from such groups... Have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey necessary to swim terrestrial may. 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