Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. 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). 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. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. Diet Carnivore, Piscivores Mating Habits MATING BEHAVIOR Polygyny Its tail is furred but longer and more streamlined than a mink's. The otter's face is roundish, almost dog-like. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. [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. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it Figure S1. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. 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). River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. [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. Fish are a favorite food, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. 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. 2003). However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. To compare estimates of occupied area in 1998 with our survey results, we digitized published maps depicting river otter distribution during 1998 (Melquist et al. 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. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. 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. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. 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. These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). 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. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. 1980. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states, while closed harvest seasons existed in 9 states; Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming (Table 1). National Audubon Society. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. Males are generally larger than females. Steele Creek Recreational Center, Satsuma, AL. Sighting one can be an exciting occasion for boaters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts because of the creature's secretive nature and relative rarity in some waters. It has more species of fish than any other river of its size in North America.It supports 139 rare and imperiled species,including ten fish and mussel species listed under the US Endangered Species Act. The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. 2020. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. This continued numeric and geographic expansion was fostered by conservation management programs by state and federal agencies, natural dispersal and expansion of existing populations into increasingly suitable habitats, and reintroduction efforts by state wildlife agencies and conservation partnerships (Raesly 2001). Author: The Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. 1999. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. The smallest otter species is the Asian small-clawed otter, and the largest species, with two tied for first, is the giant otter and the sea otter. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. DISTRIBUTION: The River Otter is a river that rises in the Blackdown Hills just inside the county of Somerset, England near Otterford, then flows south through East Devon. It is also possible that we underestimated the geographic extent of the range given that presence is unknown in some counties, particularly in arid regions, and these areas were excluded from our estimate. River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. The tail makes up about a third of their total length. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. 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 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. When river otter presence was unknown in a county, which could occur where there is no harvest or monitoring effort (i.e., arid or remote regions), we recorded presence in those counties as unknown.' River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). Females are roughly one-third the size of males. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk. 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. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. 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. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). 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. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. 2003), excluding Alaska. [34] Other species of birds found within their diets include: northern pintail (Anas acuta); mallard (Anas platyrhynchos); canvasback (Aythya valisineria); ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis); and the American coot (Fulica americana). Field Guide to Mammals, North America. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. DESCRIPTION: [12], Molecular biological techniques have been used to determine when the river otter and the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) of South America diverged. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. Based on maps published by Melquist et al. Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. will only copy the licensed content. 2630 Cahaba Road This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. Herein we provide an updated account, as of 2016, of river otter population status and distribution in the United States and discuss conservation priorities. 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. Deems and Pursley (1978), estimated that river otters occupied 71% of their historical range during 1977; by 1998, river otter populations had expanded and were thought to occupy 90% of their prior range (Melquist et al. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. 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. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. [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. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to, Submit to Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Online Early, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Current and Available Issues, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Cover Gallery, https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1, https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. Mammals of North America. Nevertheless, these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter range in the United States. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. Males sometimes form a group with other young males until breeding season; otherwise a group of otters is typically a female with her young pups or pups from the previous litter. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. 1,712 River Otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . October 29 - February 28. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. 2006. [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. 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. 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. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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. 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. 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. Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. Table S1. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. County-level distribution of river otter Lontra canadensis in the United States estimated by state wildlife agencies in in 2016 (Alaska does not have county-level data and there is no occurrence in Hawaii). River otter Lontra canadensis population and regulatory status, population monitoring methods used, intent and outcome of reintroduction efforts, and frequency of harvest regulation reviews in 49 states (Hawaii excluded) within the United States in 2016. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. Smithsonian Institution Press. 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). 2003). They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. Birmingham, AL 35223. Like fishers, martens, and mink, they have long, slender bodies, short limbs, and a short face, plus a set of adaptations for their aquatic lifestyle: an oily, waterproof coat, webbed toes, and small external ears. 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. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. [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. 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. The Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. 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. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. River Otter Quick Facts. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. 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). [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. 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. Lontra canadensis. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . 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. 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