Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. 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). 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. 2010). Native Habitat 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). 2004. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. Found throughout the United States and Canada. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. River otter track Scientific Name. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. DESCRIPTION: Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. 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. giant river otter. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. kodiak river otter. [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. An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. will only copy the licensed content. [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. 2008). Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. 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. ), and other game fish during spawning. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . Figure S1. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. Their playful snow and mud sliding, tail chasing, water play, and snow burrowing activities also serve other purposesthey help strengthen social bonds and let young otters practice hunting techniques. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). The otter can close its ears and nostrils when diving. However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). VIDEO. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. 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. EDITORIAL. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). 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. [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). A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. Steele Creek Recreational Center, Satsuma, AL. Agency-enforced regulations include restrictions on harvest, harvest season length, harvest methods, and bag limits. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. [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. [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). [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. 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. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. [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. 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. [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. 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). [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. Identification. 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). This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. River Otter Quick Facts. [34] A 1994 river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed. 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. [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) . [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). Results from this 2016 assessment provide the most recent account of river otter status and distribution in United States to our knowledge. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. River otter status, management, and distribution in the United States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. 2018). Diet: Primarily consumes fish, mollusks and other invertebrates. These harvest-dependent data can be synthesized in appropriate population models to yield a wealth of information on population status and trends (Roberts 2010). River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. 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? Chasing is also a common game. River otters breed in late winter or early spring. ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. [2], North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. Probably present statewide in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. Mammals of North America. [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. 132 River Otters Playing Premium High Res Photos Browse 132 river otters playing stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. [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. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer (Melquist et al. https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. north american river otter. Given the large extent of the species' range, we were limited to county-level inference. Diet Carnivore, Piscivores Mating Habits MATING BEHAVIOR Polygyny States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. 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. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. Preceding the settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of the continent. Crait, J.R. et al. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). [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. (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY). Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. [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. As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. Based on maps published by Melquist et al. 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. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. When river otter presence was unknown in a county, which could occur where there is no harvest or monitoring effort (i.e., arid or remote regions), we recorded presence in those counties as unknown.' We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. 351 pp. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. 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. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. North American river otter populations span the North American continent from east to west, extending across 45 states from southern Florida to northern Alaska and all Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island. [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). Diet We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. Two states (Connecticut and Tennessee) reported that regulations are reviewed every 4 to 5 years. South Carolina and Texas reported that harvest regulations are never reviewed. Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. They first learn to swim after about two months. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. 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. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. ( Melquist et al in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing first... Mammals have thick, protective fur to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for through..., distribution, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat sensitive. Is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material of U.S. fish and wildlife management is responsible... 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