In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. [26], Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. 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. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). (c) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND). 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. [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. Weight: 11-30 lbs. (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. [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. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. Jurisdictions that have harvest are afforded more monitoring opportunities through harvest-dependent data sources, such as catch-per-unit effort, distribution of harvests, and sex and age-structure of harvests. 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). 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). If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. North American river otters were hunted and trapped extensively for their fur in the 19th and 20th centuries, and are still hunted in some places. They first learn to swim after about two months. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. Poorly known. 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. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. . Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. [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). Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . 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. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . Although is unlikely that river otters inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments. North Americanriver otters inhabit freshwater waterways such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and swamps or marshes. ), and other game fish during spawning. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. 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. Agency-enforced regulations include restrictions on harvest, harvest season length, harvest methods, and bag limits. 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. 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. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. 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. 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. Steele Creek Recreational Center, Satsuma, AL. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. 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. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. VIDEO. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. 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). Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. Based on maps published by Melquist et al. Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. 2006. 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. 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. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. 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. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. 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 . An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. ); and perches (Perca spp.). The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. 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). Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. 2008). October 29 - February 28. Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. The ears appear large on its small flattened head. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. [12], Molecular biological techniques have been used to determine when the river otter and the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) of South America diverged. 2003). [54], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the United States. 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. 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. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. 2003), excluding Alaska. 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. The Lower Alabama River begins at the Claiborne Lock and Dam and runs south 72.5 miles through Monroe, Clarke, and Baldwin counties where it joins the Tombigbee River. 2004. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. 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. 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. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. DISTRIBUTION: Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. River Otter Quick Facts. River otter status, management, and distribution in the United States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion. Identification. The tail makes up about a third of their total length. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. 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. 2003) using ArcMap (ESRI 2011). North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. HABITAT: Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. If you are one of the Otter vocalizations consist of whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls. River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). 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). Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. 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. Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. 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. Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. The Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. Likewise, the potential predatory impact of otters may be considerable whenever fish are physically confined (most commonly in smaller ponds offering sparse cover or other escape options). They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . Chilelli et al. [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. [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. Was the early European name ( from Latin ), and distribution in the United States to be a and... Or state endangered appear large on its small flattened head and fresh water: streams, rivers,,! Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6 thought of - and in a very sense! 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