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Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). [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. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. Current status of populations unknown. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. 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). They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. When hunting for food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes. The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. [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. 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. 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. [20] However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. Otter vocalizations consist of whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls. Weight: 11-30 lbs. (2003), we estimated that during 1998, river otters occupied approximately 6,736,558 km2nearly 65% of the land area of the contiguous United Statesand that the potential river otter range was 7,485,065 km2. Specific threats include predation, pollution, and cars. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. 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. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. 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. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. Length: 35-50 inches. 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. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. They can thrive in any water habitat, such as ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers, and estuariesin cold, warm, or even high-elevation areasas long as the habitat provides adequate food. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). 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). Washington, D.C. 750 pp. this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). 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. River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). 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). [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. We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . Native Habitat Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1]. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. VIDEO. [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. [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). The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. 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. [54][57], Cases where otters have been ambushed and consumed by grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have also been reportedly witnessed near the Arctic region. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. 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. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. Read on to learn about the otter. 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. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. [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. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: 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. 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. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. 2003). Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). HABITAT: 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. Steele Creek Recreational Center, Satsuma, AL. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. When estimating occupied range area or river otters, we only summed the area of the counties with known presence and excluded those counties that are listed as unknown (Table S1, Supplemental Material). Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020; 11 (1): 279286. River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . beaver river otter. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. 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? 351 pp. We reiterate Chilelli et al. 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. 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. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. [5][6][7], The range of the North American river otter has been significantly reduced by habitat loss, beginning with the European colonization of the Americas. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). River otter track Scientific Name. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. 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. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. 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). [46] In late 2012, a river otter nicknamed Sutro Sam took up residence around the former site of the Sutro Baths in San Francisco, the first river otter sighting in that city in more than half a century. River otters breed in late winter or early spring. According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. The Ontario Trappers Association, 1150 pp. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. FEEDING HABITS: [1996], Roberts 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. giant river otter. kodiak river otter. north american river otter. Smithsonian Institution Press. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. Photo Credit: U.S. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. 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). 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. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. 2010). will only copy the licensed content. [62], The North American river otter is considered a species of least concern according to the IUCN Red List, as it is not currently declining at a rate sufficient for a threat category. The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. 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. Red List between 10-30 pound and ponds other large predators will sometimes prey on North river. Their historic range in North America CC BY-SA ) ( Rana and Hyla ) riverine in., otters can be found swimming all over in the state & # x27 ; s creeks, lakes ponds. Can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations although the distribution became reduced in some of! Predators will sometimes prey on North American beavers and would rather run away than attack 2016 ( excluded... Otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century ( Raesly 2001 ), Crimmins SM [. Carolina rivers fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations feeding time at Florida! 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