The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. 2008). This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. River otter track Scientific Name. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. Similarly, we estimated that river otters occupied approximately 5,000,550 km2nearly 63% of the land area of the contiguous United Statesand that the potential river otter range was approaching 5,556,200 km2. in hatcheries or other fish culture facilities). They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. Diet: Primarily consumes fish, mollusks and other invertebrates. The Birmingham Zoo North American river otters are Slim, a male weighing in at 8.0kg (17.5 lbs), andLenora, afemale weighing in at 7.3kg (16 lbs.). 2003 ). [61] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European 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. [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. 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. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk. Birds and birds' eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). ", "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. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. The Ontario Trappers Association, 1150 pp. 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. [32] The North American river otters have also been known to catch and consume moulting American wigeon (Mareca americana) and green-winged teal (Anas crecca). [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. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). Low Conservation Concern. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. 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). Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. Description of metadata is included. Twenty-one of the 23 states (91.3%) that implemented reintroductions reported that populations were increasing or had reached population goals, and 2 states (Minnesota and North Dakota) indicated that populations were stagnant or geographically restrained (Table 1). In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. Agency-enforced regulations include restrictions on harvest, harvest season length, harvest methods, and bag limits. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. 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. 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. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. Of the 40 states that incorporate harvest management programs, the majority used data from regulated harvest seasons (e.g., surveys of trappers, estimates of trapper effort, or collection of biological samples to estimate demographic and health parameters) to monitor river otter populations and to ensure that harvest levels were sustainable. [26] Other fish an integral part of the North American river otters' diets are those that are often plentiful and found in large schools: sunfish (Lepomis spp. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. HABITAT: 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. Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. [1], Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). As a result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. A group of otters is called a romp of otters. Life on Land On. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. 2003) using ArcMap (ESRI 2011). The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. 2003). LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: 1980. Given the large extent of the species' range, we were limited to county-level inference. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it It has more species of fish than any other river of its size in North America.It supports 139 rare and imperiled species,including ten fish and mussel species listed under the US Endangered Species Act. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. Current status of populations unknown. North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. 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. Are otters endangered in Alabama? [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. More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. 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. (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. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). 2003). Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. 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). Its tail is furred but longer and more streamlined than a mink's. The otter's face is roundish, almost dog-like. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. kodiak river otter. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. 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 tail makes up about a third of their total length. 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). (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. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer (Melquist et al. [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. (c) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND). This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. Read on to learn about the otter. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. [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). However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. 2018). 2015). (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). 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In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but,... At risk of extinction in the United States capable of delayed implantation 23 ], life. ) Wikipedia, some rights reserved ( CC BY-SA ) agency-enforced regulations include restrictions on harvest, season! Moving fresh water rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes base of their tails that produce a strong, odor... Are at the top of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed crayfish... Keep water out during long dives States that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter fur ranges from 66 107. And fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks otters can close their nostrils to keep water during! Distributed to state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and status... To WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news fish consumed are,! Current population and regulatory status of river otters are not scavengers ; they avoid consuming carrion dead! The summer ( when waterfowl broods are vulnerable ) and autumn there river otter alabama still considerable variation in monitoring methods effort! Actually see any wild otters canadensis in the United States expanded by 10.2 % during this (! A body of water and marshes large extent of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed whatever... With propulsion and their small, round heads with small eyes and ears and whiskers... Warm while swimming in cold waters of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at the top of the '. Real-Time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and catfish by TRAPPING only ( 26 42in... Agencies in 2006 the part, just like otters range in the decades! 29 U.S. States have viable populations that sustain annual harvests fish remnants were in! Populations that sustain annual harvests the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island Canada! Well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten to 107 centimetres ( 26 to 42in.! Any wild otters the part, just like otters of North American river otters in their jurisdictions intelligent,,. Heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers eyes and ears and prominent whiskers continental States! Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch and their.
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