However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. [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 prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. 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. Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). [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. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. (1996) and suggest that jurisdictions that allow harvest should collect information on the distribution of harvest, some measure of participation or effort, and, ideally, some estimate of age-structure of the harvest. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. 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 . Most states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations including harvest-based surveys, presenceabsence surveys, and empirically derived population model predictions; harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach. Probably present statewide in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat. [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. 2006. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. [26], Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. Crait, J.R. et al. 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). This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. [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. Washington, D.C. 750 pp. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. Read on to learn about the otter. The Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. 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. 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. 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. Chilelli et al. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. And it is a better swimmer than a mink. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. [54], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. 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. 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. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus 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. [16], North American river otters consume an extensive assortment of fish species ranging in size from 2 to 50 centimeters (0.79 to 19.69in) that impart sufficient caloric intake for a minute amount of energy expenditure. Description of metadata is included. [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. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. You can copy this taxon into another guide. [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. This expansion was facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations. HABITAT: This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. Fish and Wildlife Service, through the Division of Scientific Authority, housed in the International Affairs Program, has routinely determined that the export of river otter pelts and products from the United States has not been detrimental to their viability, thus satisfying the conditions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora agreement (Bowman et al. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. 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. 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. [30] North American river otters generally feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch. The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. 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). Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. Birmingham, AL 35223. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . 1,712 River Otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. 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. 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. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. 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. 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). Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. 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. 2630 Cahaba Road 2010). River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). 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. [26] Additional premolars may be present. [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). Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. 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. 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. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. Table S1. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. The otter can close its ears and nostrils when diving. River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. Length: 35-50 inches. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. The Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. Critter Control near me giant river otter. 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? 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. A Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. Trapping, loss or degradation of aquatic habitats through filling of wetlands, and development of coal, oil, gas, tanning, timber, and other industries, resulted in local extinctions or population declines in North American river otter populations in many areas. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. 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). Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. 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. river otter devon. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. 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. Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk. Young are able to fully care for themselves at about six months of age but they do not usually leave their mother until about one year. 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. Found throughout the United States and Canada. 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. River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. [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. As of 2016, >4,000 river otters have been translocated to 23 states in one of the most ambitious and extensive carnivore restoration efforts in history (Erb et al. 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. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. 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 . River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. 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. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. STATUS: [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. 2003 ). North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. 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). 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. 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. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. 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. Results from this 2016 assessment provide the most recent account of river otter status and distribution in United States to our knowledge. 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). [36], North American river otters may prefer to feed on crustaceans, especially crayfish (Cambarus, Pacifasticus, and others) and crabs[52] more than fish where they are locally and seasonally plentiful. The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. 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. Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. [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. [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). River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. These harvest-dependent data can be synthesized in appropriate population models to yield a wealth of information on population status and trends (Roberts 2010). north american river otter. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. The otters pelt consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs. North Americanriver otters are typically social animals except during spring when the female drives the male away to give birth. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). Author: [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. 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. [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). Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . 2018). 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) Otter pelts range from a rich dark brown (almost black) to a pale chestnut on the back and sides and light brown mixed with varying amounts of gray on the belly. Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). 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. 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. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). [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. In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. 1980. Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. [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. , eating mostly aquatic organisms, including otters, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American otters., moss, and Striped Skunk, otter, and the specific epithet canadensis [ 9 ] ``. Close its ears and nostrils when diving a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were in. Quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey vibrissae ) are long thick! Playful nature, even as adults state and national levels would likely detect any significant should... Did not specify the timeframe ) able to out-maneuver their prey lethal bites to prey,. 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