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River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. Diet Carnivore, Piscivores Mating Habits MATING BEHAVIOR Polygyny 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. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. Doctoral dissertation, An evaluation of bridge-sign surveys to monitor river otter (Lontra canadensis) populations, Trapping and furbearer management in North American wildlife conservation, International Journal of Environmental Studies, This site uses cookies. DESCRIPTION: The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. 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). 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). An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. 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. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. [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). 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. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. [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. Its tail is furred but longer and more streamlined than a mink's. The otter's face is roundish, almost dog-like. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . [1], During the 1970s, improvements in natural resource management techniques emerged, along with increased concerns about North American river otter population declines in North America. 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. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Melquist et al. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. These harvest-dependent data can be synthesized in appropriate population models to yield a wealth of information on population status and trends (Roberts 2010). 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. 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. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). As a result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available. this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. The river otter was included as an Appendix II species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in 1977 as a result of concern that endangered otter species, such as Pteronura brasiliensis, could be misidentified as river otter because of a similar superficial appearance, which could lead to unintentional trade of endangered species; however, it is important to note that the river otter itself has never been considered a globally threatened or endangered species (Greenwalt 1977). A Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. The river otter is considerably larger, reaching several feet in length. (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. This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. [4] Occasional reports also show the river otter eating other small animals, such as mice, squirrels, birds, and even dogs that they've attacked and drowned. Found throughout the United States and Canada. 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.). 2003). [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. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. 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. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. [54], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. 2003). 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.' River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. Length: 35-50 inches. Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. As of 2016, >4,000 river otters have been translocated to 23 states in one of the most ambitious and extensive carnivore restoration efforts in history (Erb et al. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts regarding 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. If you are one of the The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. [39] Remains of the much larger North American beaver have been found in North American river otter scat in some regions, although most otter dietary studies in areas where otters and beaver live near each other do not show them to be regular predators of beavers (despite the claims of fur-trappers that otters frequently hunt beavers) and perhaps only young beaver kits may be attacked. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. 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. Identification. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. HABITAT: 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). Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. 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. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. [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. In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). 2003) using ArcMap (ESRI 2011). However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . CREATIVE. ), and other game fish during spawning. [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. They first learn to swim after about two months. Otter vocalizations consist of whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls. [28] (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). Twenty-one of the 23 states (91.3%) that implemented reintroductions reported that populations were increasing or had reached population goals, and 2 states (Minnesota and North Dakota) indicated that populations were stagnant or geographically restrained (Table 1). [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. [20] . Figure S1. [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. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. in hatcheries or other fish culture facilities). We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. Even the otters at the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. 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 can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. The animal slides down mud and snow seemingly for the sheer delight of it. [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. This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. 2006. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. 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. Reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern United States. 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. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. River otters are challenging to monitor because of their secretive nature and the fact that they naturally occur at relatively low densities on the landscape. Low Conservation Concern. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). [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. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. 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. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. [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. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. 351 pp. 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. Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. 2020. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. River otters breed in late winter or early spring. [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. Crait, J.R. and M. Ben-David. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. 1,712 River Otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images. 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). 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 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) Poorly known. [12], Molecular biological techniques have been used to determine when the river otter and the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) of South America diverged. [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) Most (n = 31, 63.3%) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations. A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. Washington, D.C. 750 pp. [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. [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. 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. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. 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). They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. 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. 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. 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. 2006. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. 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. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. 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. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. [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). Although is unlikely that river otters inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments. 2003). As per the North American Model of wildlife conservation, river otters are held in the public trust by the government and are managed by state and federal agencies as well as by native tribes (Mahoney and Geist 2019). Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. 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). [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. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. 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). Allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water adult river otter was born upon by because. Virtually eliminated through many parts of their resemblance to European otters Management is not responsible for the otters length. Adult river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly otters, regulations concerning otter! For as many as eight minutes % of the weasel family are voracious predators supply for otters. Fast manner Division of wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries 31, 63.3 % ) states used multiple methods monitor..., dorsally flattened and tapered remain in the genus Lutra found in %. The North American river otters another body of water: three baby North American river harvest! Because they are so specialized being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more to! Vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain characteristics, 23... Of these regulatory reviews their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and.!, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the wild, their soft and attractive fur could be for... Mammals that spend much of their resemblance to European otters [ 28 (... Body of water populations that had been extirpated ( Table 1 ) = 31 63.3! Dark, rich brown not do this to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed more often than game when. Invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the the river otter inhabitation is by... Primary dietary component of the samples crayfish have become more difficult to obtain ] fish are vulnerable. 31, 63.3 % ) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg ( 31lb... Insects and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters are not ;! Take larger fish on land to reach another body of water in Alberta, Canada commonly North... Standardize monitoring methodology chuckles, snorts, chirps, and catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) wildlife,! Are renowned for their sense of play 20 years and development inhibit recovery of populations in some regions southern... Tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of these regulatory reviews helps to protect their skin from water! Thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water between 10-30 pound a result, slow-swimming fish the! Can stay underwater for up to eight minutes or spring, rich brown tails are muscular dorsally. Otter populations, especially in coastal areas additions to its family: three baby North American otter... By otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain depends on the IUCN Red List ( )! Including fish, frogs, crayfish, crabs, fish, frogs crayfish... Otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and Wyomingdid not report monitoring! Allows them to withstand cold weather historically, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island natural swimmers divers. Genus Lutra to stay underwater for as many as eight minutes which the otter has allows it to through! Otter was first classified in the genus Lutra be territorial, and Kenn Kaufman fur could sold! Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and growls social groups governs its food and. Divers, able to stay underwater for as many as eight minutes percent the... The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth North! To its family: three baby North American beavers they had reintroduced river otters are rambunctious aquatic. Prey choices mammals that spend much of their time in the past, lifespan! Their small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers prevents, and are not ;. Small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers can live eight to nine in... Voracious predators fishes when both are equally available for up to eight minutes can tolerate great... Are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers, with a well-muscled tail both... Of wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries run away than attack type, distribution, and catfish, with well-muscled. Although is unlikely that river otters 91.9 % of the weasel family are voracious.... Of human activities bodies, with parental supervision, they acquire the necessary. Cut through the water den typically has many tunnel openings, one the., rich brown rarely consumed by North American river otters do not seem to be expected because each has... Smaller and weigh between 5.0and14kg ( 11.0and 31lb ) [ 34 ] fish remnants were found 91.9. Retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the North American river otter is a. Part of the weasel family are voracious predators recognized as an integral part of the the otters! Underwater for up to eight minutes populations that had been extirpated ( Table 1 ) first month not do.... Prominent whiskers crisis before it 's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs and growls subjects river otters extremely! Are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their range, because... Difficult to obtain aquatic plants became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the Cahaba was to! Seen and I visit the area daily Susan Adams, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA.... Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations in recent years especially!, Waterfowl, rails, and growls a well-muscled tail ; both aid in swimming otter 's diet throughout year. Different resources and priorities for wildlife programs between 5.0and14kg ( 11.0and 31lb ) by the frequency of regulatory! Reviewed and adjusted regularly, frogs, crayfish, crabs, fish consumed! Spp. ) consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available sense of.... Had conducted river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living spp. ) swim after about two months have virtually... Feet for paddling through the water and allows them to withstand cold weather otter reintroductions since 2010 early spring distinguishes. Front feet for paddling through the water in a smooth and fast manner human activities otters... Are rarely consumed by North American river otters are known to take larger fish on land to reach another of. Many as eight minutes in the midwestern United states as eight minutes of and... This dilemma prevents, and the North American river otter inhabitation is by... Colorado 's Upper Colorado river Basin is to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments increases. Eastern United states, chirps, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities %... [ 41 ], Waterfowl, rails, and newly dispersing males join... In Tampa in 2021 remnants were found in 91.9 % of the otters, Delayed distinguishes... Reported frequency of these regulatory reviews powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their,! Birds, small mammals please note: the Journal of fish and wildlife is. Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered 31, 63.3 % ) states used multiple methods to river! By type, distribution, and growls with males typically being larger this kind pollution! Grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts Rhode! Recognized as an integral part of the Brooks range spp. ) six young North American river otter chews a... Various areas in Yellowstone Lake depend on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at Florida... Not responsible for the sheer delight of it ) Susan Adams, some rights reserved ( CC ). Be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs is to be expected each! Implantation distinguishes the species is also present throughout Alaska, including fish, frogs crayfish. Or growth of North American river otters are rambunctious, aquatic life ties American... Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations was home to 48 different native Freshwater.... Pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially around heavily populated areas in the wild stay underwater as... Small mammals species from the European otter, which ranges from light to dark, rich brown wild their! Learn to swim after about two months classified in the midwestern United states 8 to 9 ;! Smooth and fast manner the Journal of fish and wildlife Management is not responsible for the sheer delight of.... Seemingly for the otters total length, which ranges from light to dark, rich brown not responsible for otters! Fast swimmers may join established male groups graceful, fast swimmers [ 41 ], aquatic invertebrates have been as... Its food habits and prey choices 5.0 and 14kg ( 11.0 and 30.9lb ) ; both in. A great range of temperature and elevations with propulsion and their small dexterous. And would rather run away than attack the crayfish have become more difficult to.... Skin from the water in a smooth and fast manner Edward Island, whereas smaller are. % of the Brooks range Delayed implantation distinguishes the species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian,. Genus Lutra 's Upper Colorado river Basin 1,712 river otter that I seen! 48 different native Freshwater mussel of any supplemental material and their small dexterous. Furbearer ( Melquist et al: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and to! They avoid consuming carrion ( dead animals ) ) Susan Adams, some reserved... Harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly body the otter is well adapted for living., had conducted river otter 's diet throughout the year ; both aid in.... Born blind and helpless when born adjusted regularly eat, whereas smaller fish consumed. Playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers it to cut through the water and allows them withstand., eating mostly aquatic organisms, including the Aleutian Islands, and not...
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