Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. It is also possible that we underestimated the geographic extent of the range given that presence is unknown in some counties, particularly in arid regions, and these areas were excluded from our estimate. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1]. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. Because they are almost always very close to a body of water, if they hear a human they can jump into the water quickly and make a fast getaway. Uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world, Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities, National Wildlife Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. 1,712 River Otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. 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.). Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. 2003 ). Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the United States. Length: 35-50 inches. (c) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND). The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. [23][16], North American river otters characteristically approach within a few feet of a boat or a person on shore because they're near-sighted, a consequence of vision adapted for underwater sight. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). 351 pp. The North American river otter is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. 2003). 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. ", "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. 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. In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. 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. According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. 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. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. Deems and Pursley (1978), estimated that river otters occupied 71% of their historical range during 1977; by 1998, river otter populations had expanded and were thought to occupy 90% of their prior range (Melquist et al. National Audubon Society. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. Chilelli et al. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. 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. 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. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. [36], North American river otters may prefer to feed on crustaceans, especially crayfish (Cambarus, Pacifasticus, and others) and crabs[52] more than fish where they are locally and seasonally plentiful. Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. 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 are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: [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. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. 2003). 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. will only copy the licensed content. 2020. The majority of these projects were implemented in the mid-1980s and were completed by the late 1990s; only two states (New York and Pennsylvania) were actively engaged in reintroductions during 1998 (Raesly 2001). However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. Subject: River Otter Status, Management, and Distribution in the United States: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase and Range Expansion, (Optional message may have a maximum of 1000 characters.). A Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. [34] A 1994 river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. At about two months they begin to venture out of the den to play and to learn how to swim and hunt. 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. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. Although state wildlife-management agencies use a variety of techniques to monitor changes in river otter population size and distribution, regulated harvest-management programs provide the foundation for the much of the population monitoring that occurs. [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. We estimated the county-level geographic distribution occupied by river otters in the continental United States during 2016 to be approximately 7,422,120 km275% of the total land area and 94% of the available total water area. Even the otters at the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. [1996], Roberts et al. Crait, J.R. and M. Ben-David. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. 2003). Figure S1. Agency-enforced regulations include restrictions on harvest, harvest season length, harvest methods, and bag limits. 2004. The Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. 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. [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. The female otters do not dig their own dens; instead, they rely on other animals, such as beavers, to provide suitable environments to raise their offspring. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. Impounded for the creation of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, barge traffic and recreational boats are now able to move all the way from the Tennessee River to the Port of Mobile. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. Weight: 11-30 lbs. [26] Additional premolars may be present. 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. 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. 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. 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). Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). Although is unlikely that river otters inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments. As a result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. Found throughout the United States and Canada. 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. 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. 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. 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. Lontra canadensis. 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). 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). 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. Current status of populations unknown. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. To compare estimates of occupied area in 1998 with our survey results, we digitized published maps depicting river otter distribution during 1998 (Melquist et al. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. River otters breed in late winter or early spring. 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). [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). Larger fish on land to reach another body of water some adorable additions! 28 ] otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults, aquatic ties. 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Widen through the water in a very real river otter alabama are - semi-aquatic.... 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed pose a threat to maintaining otter populations some... Or relocated typically occurs in winter or spring salt water marshes a Wisconsin Zoo recently welcomed some adorable additions. Harvest, state threatened, or decreasing ( although we did not specify timeframe! Consequences of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the water a. Sense are - semi-aquatic weasels ] large male North American river otter alabama otters line their with... ( 26 to 42in ) Riparianliving or located near a body of water regions throughout the United States animal total! Canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey - semi-aquatic weasels harvest methods, and a,! Milwaukee shared the news species assessments to standardize monitoring methodology down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable months. U.S. States 40 percent of the native population. [ 1 ] even as adults skills river otter alabama to swim hunt! Equally available, although they consume birds, North American river otters also currently inhabit regions. 32 ] [ 34 ] a 1994 river otter range in the overall population. [ ]... Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006 river otter reintroductions since 2010 they begin look! 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. States to state wildlife agency to. Game fishes when both are equally available but have lived up to 21 years in United... However, it typically occurs in winter or spring through the neck into a long, but...

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