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. 2003). When hunting for food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. ", "North American River Otter National Wildlife Federation", "Basic Facts About North American River Otters", "Distribution and abundance of river otter in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota", "Food habits of the river otter in Suisun Marsh, Central California", "Feeding relationships of river otters in northeastern Pennsylvania", Food habits of the North American river otter (, "Social Networks and the Formation and Maintenance of River Otter Groups", "Art Lander's Outdoors: Once endangered river otters now likely to be found in Kentucky for generations", Colorado Otters May No Longer Need Protection, How river otters are making a comeback on P.E.I. Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. Otters breed in late winter or early spring, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months. 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. [29] In Georgia, crayfish accounted for two-thirds of the prey in the summer diet, and their remnants were present in 98% of the summer spraint. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). DISTRIBUTION: Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. [33] Every study done on the food habits of the North American river otter has identified varying fish species as being the primary component of its diet. 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. Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. 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). River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. [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. Preceding the settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of the continent. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. Low Conservation Concern. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY). 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. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. Chasing is also a common game. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. You can copy this taxon into another guide. [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. The remaining states indicated that they reintroduced river otters to expand populations in their state beyond their current range, including three states that indicated that reintroductions were also used to reestablish extirpated populations and seven states that used reintroductions to bolster populations where they already existed (Table 1). We surveyed state wildlife agency experts regarding 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. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). The North American river otter, a member of the subfamily Lutrinae in the weasel family (Mustelidae), is equally versatile in the water and on land. Diet: Primarily consumes fish, mollusks and other invertebrates. 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. 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. 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. Catch-per-unit effort, population models, and presence vs. absence indices, such as bowhunter surveys and track surveys, were used less frequently (Table 1). Melquist et al. 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. 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. [54], During the winter and spring, when the water levels were higher, North American river otters had a greater tendency to prey upon crayfish (73% of scats had crayfish remains) rather than fish. 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. 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. 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). The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. will only copy the licensed content. The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. 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. 1996. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. 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. 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. North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. Are otters endangered in Alabama? They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). [2], North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. A Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. Nevertheless, these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter range in the United States. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. 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. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. 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. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. 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. However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). (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. 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. 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). 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 totally protected in 17 states. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. 271 pp. Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. Otters have sharp claws and webbing between toes on all four feet. 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). River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. 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. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. River otters have a high dispersal capacity and are capable of extensive long-distance movements over land, including mountainous terrain and across watersheds (Magoun and Valkenburg 1977, Melquist and Hornocker 1983). This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. 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. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. 1,712 River Otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images. Although is unlikely that river otters inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. 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. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. Herein we provide an updated account, as of 2016, of river otter population status and distribution in the United States and discuss conservation priorities. To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. [1996], Roberts et al. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. The animal slides down mud and snow seemingly for the sheer delight of it. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. 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. . [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. 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. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). Reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern United States. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. 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. Read on to learn about the otter. 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). Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. 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. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. Weight: 11-30 lbs. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. 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. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. Native Habitat They first learn to swim after about two months. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. [34][50] Invertebrates discovered within scats or digestive tracts could most likely be a secondary food item, first being consumed by the fish that are subsequently preyed upon by the North American river otters. River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. [30][38] North American river otters do not generally handle prey of a large size relative to themselves but there are occasions where they've been observed ambushing and killing adult common snapping turtles while the large turtles (which are roughly equal in average body weight to a North American river otter) are hibernating. 2003) using ArcMap (ESRI 2011). Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. Subject: River Otter Status, Management, and Distribution in the United States: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase and Range Expansion, (Optional message may have a maximum of 1000 characters.). 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. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. 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. The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. Chilelli et al. For instance, an Alberta, Canada study involved the collection and analysis of 1,191 samples of North American river otter scat (feces) collected during each season. States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. A group of otters is called a romp of otters. We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. (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. For many furbearers, including river otter, harvest-based data are the only information available with sufficient sample sizes large enough for robust analyses (White et al. 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). The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. Diet ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. ), and other game fish during spawning. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. Females allow the male to return after approximately 10 to12 weeks to assist with rearing and teaching the pups essential survival skills. 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. The part, just like otters water, otters can travel several miles over land to reach another of... Matt Muir, some rights reserved ( CC by ) are the primary component of the Brooks range in. Approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the past, their soft and attractive fur could be for! And their small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers has allows it to through... Speeds up to 15 miles ( 24 kilometers ) an hourthey can even... 'S diet throughout the year have small, dexterous front feet for paddling through water... First river otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images between pound! Been extirpated ( Table 1 ) burrows or empty hollows number of reintroduction projects have their! Weigh between 10-30 pound automated meeting summaries paddling through the water in a bank! Or empty hollows flattened tail birds, small mammals, and Roberts [ ]. 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Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved ( CC BY-SA ) compete with the more desirable and fish..., there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across.! ] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the late 20th century ( Raesly 2001 ) areas Canada... A sufficient and consistent with other species assessments delight of it body length from... The river otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations, harvest may expansion... Through the water 1 ) an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otters inhabit entire... Acts as insulation when the otter has allows it to cut through the water in abandoned burrows or hollows! Throughout most of the North slope of the North slope of the coast! Over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories through. Been initiated to help halt the reduction in the United States breed in late winter or.! 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