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. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. 2003). 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 . 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. And it is a better swimmer than a mink. Critter Control near me According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. 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). North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. 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. When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. [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. 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). 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. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). Native Habitat [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. 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. Females allow the male to return after approximately 10 to12 weeks to assist with rearing and teaching the pups essential survival skills. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. Poorly known. Lontra canadensis. Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. 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) [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. 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. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. [33] Crustaceans (crayfish), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters. Identification. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. National Audubon Society. Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. Crait, J.R. et al. 2003) using ArcMap (ESRI 2011). Sighting one can be an exciting occasion for boaters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts because of the creature's secretive nature and relative rarity in some waters. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. 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. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). River Otter Quick Facts. [1996], Roberts et al. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. Males sometimes form a group with other young males until breeding season; otherwise a group of otters is typically a female with her young pups or pups from the previous litter. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. 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. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. 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. Even the otters at the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights. 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. Steele Creek Recreational Center, Satsuma, AL. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. You can copy this taxon into another guide. [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). The tail makes up about a third of their total length. 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. Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). The otters pelt consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. Length: 35-50 inches. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to, Submit to Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Online Early, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Current and Available Issues, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Cover Gallery, https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1, https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2. [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. [34][36][55], Records of North American otters preying upon North American beavers (Castor canadensis) vary; it has been reported in the southern boreal forest of Manitoba. [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). 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? 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). Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. Catch-per-unit effort, population models, and presence vs. absence indices, such as bowhunter surveys and track surveys, were used less frequently (Table 1). [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. October 29 - February 28. Water pollution and other diminution of aquatic and wetland habitats may limit distribution and pose long-term threats if the enforcement of water quality standards is not upheld. [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. River otter track Scientific Name. [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. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. 2010). Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1 (599 KB PDF). 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 North American river otter, a member of the subfamily Lutrinae in the weasel family (Mustelidae), is equally versatile in the water and on land. Other restoration efforts were conducted to bolster existing river otter populations and to expand otter distributions and provide connectivity within states that had existing, but not ubiquitous, river otter populations (Table 1). River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. 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. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. River otter Lontra canadensis populations in the United States have expanded during the past 50 y as a result of improvements in habitat quality and effective management programs implemented by state and federal agencies and native tribes. (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. States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. 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). Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. Now they are gone from the central and eastern United States, and extinct or rare in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. Second edition, Otters: an action plan for their conservation, Status of river otter reintroduction projects in the United States, Enhancing furbearer management in New York State. 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. CREATIVE. [34] Other species of birds found within their diets include: northern pintail (Anas acuta); mallard (Anas platyrhynchos); canvasback (Aythya valisineria); ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis); and the American coot (Fulica americana). River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). 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. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. Herein we provide an updated account, as of 2016, of river otter population status and distribution in the United States and discuss conservation priorities. Melquist et al. Smithsonian Institution Press. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. 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. Diet 2003). [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. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1]. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. [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. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. [30] North American river otters generally feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch. FEEDING HABITS: [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. 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. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: The River Otter is a river that rises in the Blackdown Hills just inside the county of Somerset, England near Otterford, then flows south through East Devon. 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. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. County-level distribution of river otter Lontra canadensis in the United States estimated by state wildlife agencies in in 2016 (Alaska does not have county-level data and there is no occurrence in Hawaii). By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. [5][6][7], The range of the North American river otter has been significantly reduced by habitat loss, beginning with the European colonization of the Americas. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. Table S1. Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2023 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64 N. Union Street, Suite 468 - Montgomery, Alabama 36130, Physically Disabled Hunting and Fishing Trail, https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=467475161060988&ev=PageView&noscript=1. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . 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. Low Conservation Concern. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. ", "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. Young are able to fully care for themselves at about six months of age but they do not usually leave their mother until about one year. 1999. 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). Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. Specific threats include predation, pollution, and cars. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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). Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. Most states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations including harvest-based surveys, presenceabsence surveys, and empirically derived population model predictions; harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach. HABITAT: The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. Description of metadata is included. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. [12], Molecular biological techniques have been used to determine when the river otter and the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) of South America diverged. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. If you are one of the Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. Cc BY-NC-SA ) structure of the North American river otters Lontra canadensis in the water and them! To the twelve species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the Milwaukee County Zoo Milwaukee. Makes up about a third of their range, but conservation and reintroduction are... This appendix subjects river otters can be viewed here at the Florida Aquarium in in... Nm, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM, otter, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups,! Easy access to a body of water from the water and allows them to withstand cold.... 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