Identification. [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. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. 2630 Cahaba Road They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. 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. The remaining states indicated that they reintroduced river otters to expand populations in their state beyond their current range, including three states that indicated that reintroductions were also used to reestablish extirpated populations and seven states that used reintroductions to bolster populations where they already existed (Table 1). 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. Although is unlikely that river otters inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. Given the large extent of the species' range, we were limited to county-level inference. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. 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. 2003). Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. Otters are what we call an indicator species. This means that if there is evidence of otters living in a body of water then that body of water is likely very healthy and clean. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. 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). 1996. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. Diet: Primarily consumes fish, mollusks and other invertebrates. Even the otters at the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights. Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. Otter vocalizations consist of whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . [30][32] They are less likely to be prey for the North American river otters since they are fast-swimming and can find good escape cover. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. 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. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. Likewise, the potential predatory impact of otters may be considerable whenever fish are physically confined (most commonly in smaller ponds offering sparse cover or other escape options). 2003), excluding Alaska. 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) 2003 ). In many places, the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives. As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. [26], Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. Weight: 11-30 lbs. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. 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. ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. 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. Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. Fish and Wildlife Service. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. 2018). 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. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. River otters have a high dispersal capacity and are capable of extensive long-distance movements over land, including mountainous terrain and across watersheds (Magoun and Valkenburg 1977, Melquist and Hornocker 1983). Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. [33] Crustaceans (crayfish), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters. 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. This means they likely arrived in the Americas at a similar time as humans,[17] meaning humans were an important part of their natural ecosystem from the moment otters arrived. 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. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. We reiterate Chilelli et al. Nevertheless, these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter range in the United States. HABITAT: 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. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. This reach of the Alabama River is located within a 30-minute drive of hotels, restaurants, service stations, and grocery stores in Monroeville, Grove Hill, and Jackson. River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. Raesly (2001) determined that, although it is preferable to acquire river otters from proximal populations to maximize genetic similarity and retain subspecies integrity, most jurisdictions used the most easily obtained river otters, often from Louisiana, during reintroduction projects. The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. River otter track Scientific Name. Poorly known. These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. 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. 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. Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. (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. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. 1,712 River Otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images. 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