Periodic assessments of river otter status, population trends, and geographic distribution are needed to detect changes in populations, assess management approaches, and to identify and prioritize conservation efforts. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1 (599 KB PDF). Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. 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). 2630 Cahaba Road [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. [26][32][33] Bottom-dwelling species, which have the tendency to remain immobile until a predator is very close, are susceptible to North American river otters. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. 1996. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. 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. [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). They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. 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. [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. [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. Given the large extent of the species' range, we were limited to county-level inference. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). It enters the English Channel at the western end of Lyme Bay, part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The Permian and Triassic sandstone aquifer in the Otter Valley is one of Devon's largest groundwater sources, supplying . Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. Life on Land On. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. 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. [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. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. 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. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Specific threats include predation, pollution, and cars. Low Conservation Concern. Found throughout the United States and Canada. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. Otter vocalizations consist of whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls. The otters pelt consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs. 2003), excluding Alaska. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). 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. [54], During the winter and spring, when the water levels were higher, North American river otters had a greater tendency to prey upon crayfish (73% of scats had crayfish remains) rather than fish. North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting. [36] Other prey consumed by North American river otters includes fruits,[37] reptiles, amphibians, birds (most especially moulting ducks which render the birds flightless and thus makes them easier to capture), aquatic insects, small mammals, and mollusks. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. 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. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. [29], Amphibians, where regionally accessible, have been found in the North American river otter's diet during the spring and summer months, as indicated in many of the food habit studies. The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. 2006. 2003). This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. 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 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. 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). [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. [20] 1,712 River Otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images. 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. 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. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. (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. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. 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). 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. [1], Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. Methods of population monitoring included bridge surveys (presence vs. absence track surveys conducted at bridge crossings), harvest surveys, bowhunter surveys, camera surveys, winter track surveys, population models from harvest data, harvest effort, and agency field questionnaires (for detailed descriptions of these methods, we direct readers to Chilelli et al. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. 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. According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. 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. 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. Photo Credit: U.S. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. 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. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. These harvest-dependent data can be synthesized in appropriate population models to yield a wealth of information on population status and trends (Roberts 2010). 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. When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. 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. https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. [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. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. Size Adult river otters weigh 10 to 33 pounds (4.5 to 15 kilograms) and are about 2.5 to 5 feet (76 to 152 centimeters) in length. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). 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) Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . [33] Crustaceans (crayfish), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. 2003). A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. Within the contiguous United States, we estimated that the county-level geographic distribution occupied by river otters to be approximately 5,686,140 km270% of the total land area and 90% of the total water area. They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. The tail makes up about a third of their total length. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. Most (n = 31, 63.3%) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. 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. ), and other game fish during spawning. 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. [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. ); and perches (Perca spp.). north american river otter. Probably present statewide in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. [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. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. You can copy this taxon into another guide. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. 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 kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. [29][30], The diet of the North American river otter can be deduced by analyzing either stool obtained in the field,[31] or gut contents removed from trapped otters. Streamlined body ( 12 to 20in ) Prince Edward Island A. Baker, Martyn E. 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