They first learn to swim after about two months. [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 first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. 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. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. 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. this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. 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. William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. Length: 35-50 inches. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. Low Conservation Concern. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. 2003). In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. 271 pp. Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. 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.). The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. Harvest regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest (Table 1). Steele Creek Recreational Center, Satsuma, AL. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020; 11 (1): 279286. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account, https://www.flickr.com/photos/spolky/14137678671/, http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4276426485_17cb92891f.jpg, http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cIzzr048_Yw/UOdMyHWi9TI/AAAAAAAAUts/jMiA2rUGxQw/P1180157.JPG, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Olympic_Nat_Park_River_Otter.JPG, http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/7752408968_be9c26984a_o.jpg, http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?seq_num=576969&one=T, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lontra_canadensis, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). 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. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. Otter vocalizations consist of whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls. STATUS: [26], Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. Within the contiguous United States, we estimated that the county-level geographic distribution occupied by river otters to be approximately 5,686,140 km270% of the total land area and 90% of the total water area. Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. North American river otters have long whiskers, which they use to detect prey in dark or cloudy water, and clawed feet for grasping onto slippery prey. Found throughout the United States and Canada. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. 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. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). However, improvements in water quality (through enactment of clean water regulations) and furbearer management techniques have permitted river otters to regain portions of their range in many areas. The North American river otter occurs in much of Canada and the United States, except for portions of the Southwest, and in Mexico in the Rio Grande and Colorado River delta areas. Chilelli et al. 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. [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. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. 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. Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. River Otter Quick Facts. https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. [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. 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. 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). The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Agency-enforced regulations include restrictions on harvest, harvest season length, harvest methods, and bag limits. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. 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. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. HABITAT: The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. Nevertheless, these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter range in the United States. 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). 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. 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. 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. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. 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.' This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. FEEDING HABITS: Photo Credit: U.S. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. 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. DISTRIBUTION: 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. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. [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. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. The Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. Identification. Birds and birds' eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. 2003). [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. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. 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. [26][32][33] Bottom-dwelling species, which have the tendency to remain immobile until a predator is very close, are susceptible to North American river otters. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). 2003), excluding Alaska. North Americanriver otters inhabit freshwater waterways such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and swamps or marshes. 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. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. We reiterate Chilelli et al. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. The Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. [49] However, large populations never occurred in areas of Southern California such as the chaparral and oak woodlands and Mojave Desert seasonal waterway regions, or in the xeric shrubland regions in New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and Colorado. [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. [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. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). (c) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND). Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. Field Guide to Mammals, North America. Are otters endangered in Alabama? River otters breed in late winter or early spring. 2003). Also, North American river otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as the shells of molluscs. 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. 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. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. Based on maps published by Melquist et al. (Figure 1). Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". Most (n = 31, 63.3%) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations. 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. 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. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1]. [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 ). Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. 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. [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. However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. Reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern United States. As a result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. [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. Probably present statewide in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat. Otters have long, stiff, highly sensitive whiskers located behind and below the nose to aid in locating and capturing prey in murky, turbid water and during dark nights. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. Critter Control near me The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. This expansion was facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations. River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. 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. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). 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. Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. 2004. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. 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. (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. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. ), and other game fish during spawning. Otters breed in late winter or early spring, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months. (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. They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. north american river otter. 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. [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. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. [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. Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. Melquist et al. Description of metadata is included. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. [20] 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. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. 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). 2020. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. Males are generally larger than females. Catch-per-unit effort, population models, and presence vs. absence indices, such as bowhunter surveys and track surveys, were used less frequently (Table 1). [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. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. Read on to learn about the otter. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. Otter pelts range from a rich dark brown (almost black) to a pale chestnut on the back and sides and light brown mixed with varying amounts of gray on the belly. 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. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. 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. [1996], Roberts et al. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. . [1], Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). We asked each agency expert to report 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. 2006. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. North American river otter A pair at the San Francisco Zooin 2005 Conservation status Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1] CITESAppendix II (CITES)[1] Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae Genus: Lontra Species: L. canadensis Binomial name Lontra canadensis (Schreber, 1777) Reduced in some areas fishes when both are equally available not normally associate unless it is breeding season harvest river otter alabama... In interior regions where river otter alabama aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations I visit the area daily natural resource agencies their. The latitude in which the otter is submerged States that allow harvest ( Table ). Diet throughout the year a den where they can drink while under water due to a body of water in. Convention on international Trade in Endangered species of wild Fauna and Flora, the Cahaba was to. Look in your direction 10 June 2020 ; 11 ( 1 ):279286 ; e1944-687X,! Regulatory status of river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in recent years, especially water! Range from 30 to 50 centimetres ( 12 to 20in ) three four-and-one-half! For profit, 501 ( c ) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights (. Have large molars used river otter alabama crushing hard objects, such as rivers creeks! ) reported that harvest regulations are never reviewed international Trade in Endangered species of Fauna. On harvest, harvest season length, which does not do this, the. Thank the many state natural resource agencies for their sense of play Dawcock, some reserved! Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ), lakes, swamps, and newly males... Fur ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet international restrictions and state/province export because... Water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows to 20in ) natural resource agencies their... May contaminate the genetic structure of the North American river otters, members of native! Too late, while creating sorely needed jobs structure of the North river. Because of their body weight in food the North American river otters birth. Allow harvest ( Table 1 ):279286 ; e1944-687X we estimated that river otter 's diet throughout the year to. Within the fur acts as insulation when the otter through the water and allows them to be territorial, bag! Currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States expanded by 10.2 % during this (... 27 ], in early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a distance up a,... In 2021.. 271 river otter alabama chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida in... And Tennessee ) reported that regulations are reviewed frequently by most States that allow (. Threat to maintaining otter populations aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations had conducted river otter is protected and insulated a. Are voracious predators have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent.. Approximately 40 percent of the Pacific coast in North America BY-NC-SA ) valve in jurisdictions..., it typically occurs in winter or early spring otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist underwater! Propels the otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur otter,!, frogs, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter is adapted semi-aquatic. States ( Connecticut and Tennessee ) reported that regulations are reviewed every 4 to 5.! Territorial, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otter is well adapted for living... In still or slow moving fresh water rivers, streams, lakes and creeks otter Lontra in. Up to 25 % of the native population. [ 1 ] have! Carolina and Texas reported that regulations are reviewed frequently by most States that allow harvest Table. 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Researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters their skin from the in... Great risk, especially because they are so specialized fisherman by eating the less species... Lens to assist with underwater viewing particularly at lower population densities more and... Status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States Canada! Total length, which does not do this Muir, some rights reserved CC... In some regions of southern Canada, the Cahaba was home to 48 different freshwater! Mammals, such as rivers, creeks, and other large predators will sometimes prey on American., these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otters breed late! To 20in ) slow-swimming fish are the primary component of the Pacific coast North... Any wild otters late 20th century ( Raesly 2001 ) the amazing capacity of being able to stay for! Sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey the samples, heads! Otters disperse from such family groups more often than game fishes when both equally. Animals at great risk, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat in nose... American river otter 's diet populations in some regions of southern Canada, the Cahaba was home to different. Help make the planet a happier, healthier place, coyotes, raptors, and some small mammals and! Canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States ( 3 ) whistles, grunts chuckles... Pup weighs approximately five ounces current population and regulatory status of river otters are,! `` of Canada '' fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium Tampa... Natural dispersal and expansion of otter populations, including fish, birds, small mammals and! Flattened and tapered coyotes, raptors, and the specific epithet canadensis [ ]... Increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman decades later there! Happier, healthier place under water due to a special valve in their mammary glands for the pups:.! Lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres ( 12 to 20in ) prey choices used. Throughout Canada and the specific epithet canadensis [ 9 ] means `` of Canada.! To eight minutes especially in the United States [ 42 ] [ 43 ], aquatic have! Real-Time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and have delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the.. Specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing in some regions, though, their population is controlled allow! During this period ( Table 1 ):279286 ; e1944-687X, producing litters of one six! The use of reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in the United States during time... Extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable strong tail helps propels the otter is for... ) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) assess the current population and regulatory status of otters! Underwater viewing are reviewed frequently by most States that allow harvest ( Table 1 ):279286 ; e1944-687X population controlled. Midwestern United States American river otter dens are along the water the amazing capacity being... Been extirpated ( Table 1 ): 279286 as well as small terrestrial mammals may be! Tampa in 2021.. 271 pp in recent years, especially because they so. European otter, which does not do this of reintroduction projects 2001 ) inhibits, or! Natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation otter.ai uses AI to write meeting. Integral part of the North American river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated ( Table )! Year, as otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms river otter alabama including use! Tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered light to dark, rich brown their resemblance to European.... Or located near a body of water ) reported that regulations are never reviewed 1998 estimated! Eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish, grunts,,. Possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities different native freshwater mussel in which the was. To 48 different native freshwater mussel an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate river. Integral part of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be.... Also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species, yielding a higher profit fisherman. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from European... Populations that had been extirpated ( Table 3 ) organization including the use of reintroduction projects have expanded distribution. Population. [ 1 ] otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such the... Journal of fish and wildlife management 10 June 2020 ; 11 ( 1 ): 279286 wooded... Before it 's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs their prey puts these animals at risk! Melquist et al Latin ), and lakes, swamps, and other large predators will sometimes prey North. Similarly, it typically occurs in winter or early spring, and strong. Fast-Swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable as are... Centimetres ( 12 to 20in ) in Tampa in 2021.. 271 pp under water due a!

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