Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1 (599 KB PDF). North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. These analyses suggest they diverged in the Miocene epoch 23.03 to 5.33million years ago (Mya), which is "much earlier" than indicated in the fossil record. 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. Life on Land On. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. 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. 2008). We reiterate Chilelli et al. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. Low Conservation Concern. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. North Americanriver otters inhabit freshwater waterways such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and swamps or marshes. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. The river otter is considerably larger, reaching several feet in length. River otter Lontra canadensis populations in the United States have expanded during the past 50 y as a result of improvements in habitat quality and effective management programs implemented by state and federal agencies and native tribes. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. Agency-enforced regulations include restrictions on harvest, harvest season length, harvest methods, and bag limits. 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. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. Chilelli et al. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the United States. [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). DISTRIBUTION: Males are generally larger than females. 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. Impounded for the creation of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, barge traffic and recreational boats are now able to move all the way from the Tennessee River to the Port of Mobile. The majority of these projects were implemented in the mid-1980s and were completed by the late 1990s; only two states (New York and Pennsylvania) were actively engaged in reintroductions during 1998 (Raesly 2001). Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. The otter can close its ears and nostrils when diving. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. Otter vocalizations consist of whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls. [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. However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. [28] Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. 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. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. Harvest regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest (Table 1). Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. Even the otters at the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights. We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. Females are roughly one-third the size of males. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. 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. [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. 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. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. 2003). 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. [33] Crustaceans (crayfish), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. Are otters endangered in Alabama? 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). [30] North American river otters generally feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch. 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). Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. 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). Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. [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. [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). Crait, J.R. et al. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. [2], North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. The tail makes up about a third of their total length. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. 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. River otter track Scientific Name. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. [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. 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. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. Crait, J.R. and M. Ben-David. Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. [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. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. Read on to learn about the otter. [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. Native Habitat They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. [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. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). If you are one of the Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. [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. Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. [30][32] They are less likely to be prey for the North American river otters since they are fast-swimming and can find good escape cover. The Ontario Trappers Association, 1150 pp. 351 pp. 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. 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. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. Methods of population monitoring included bridge surveys (presence vs. absence track surveys conducted at bridge crossings), harvest surveys, bowhunter surveys, camera surveys, winter track surveys, population models from harvest data, harvest effort, and agency field questionnaires (for detailed descriptions of these methods, we direct readers to Chilelli et al. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. (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. Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. Females allow the male to return after approximately 10 to12 weeks to assist with rearing and teaching the pups essential survival skills. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. 271 pp. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. [48], Historical records indicate North American river otters were once populous throughout most major drainages in the continental United States and Canada prior to European settlement. 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. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. 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). this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. [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. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Smithsonian Institution Press. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. 1996. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. As a result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available. 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. 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. [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. The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. DESCRIPTION: 1,712 River Otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images. (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. River otters are totally protected in 17 states. Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. Description of metadata is included. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. Poorly known. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. [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. [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). [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. CREATIVE. 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. October 29 - February 28. Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. 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). Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. 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. beaver river otter. Length: 35-50 inches. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. National Audubon Society. The otters pelt consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs. The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. 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. 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. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. Recipient(s) will receive an email with a link to 'River Otter Status, Management, and Distribution in the United States: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase and Range Expansion' and will not need an account to access the content. Lontra canadensis. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. 2003). Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. 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 . North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). EDITORIAL. For example, a study conducted in a central California marshland indicated crayfish formed nearly 100% of the river otter's diet at certain times of the year. 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. You can copy this taxon into another guide. (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY). When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. River Otter Quick Facts. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. Weeks to assist with rearing and teaching the pups essential survival skills considerably larger, reaching several in! And territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island methods that were to... Den to nurse for the pups essential survival skills the fur: Once yearly with an average litter of and! The Panamanian Land Bridge, which are blind and remain in the United states and Canada include restrictions harvest. 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