river otter alabama

River otters are totally protected in 17 states. [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. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. north american river otter. 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. Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. [34] A 1994 river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed. Still these animals are commercially harvested: 20,000 - 30,000 are taken annually for their lustrous fur.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account, (c) Discover Life and original sources, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC-SA). We reiterate Chilelli et al. Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). Reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern United States. Diet: Primarily consumes fish, mollusks and other invertebrates. 2018). Chasing is also a common game. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. 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. 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. 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. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. [1], Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. 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. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . River otters were legally harvested in 40 states, while closed harvest seasons existed in 9 states; Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming (Table 1). We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. The river otter is considerably larger, reaching several feet in length. 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 . [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. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. [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). Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. 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. (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. VIDEO. River otter status, management, and distribution in the United States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion. 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. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. Fish and Wildlife Service. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. Questions concerning river otter reintroductions assessed the purpose(s) (e.g., reestablish extirpated populations, bolster existing populations, or expand river otter range beyond current distributions) and outcomes (e.g., expanding, stagnant or geographically restrained, decreasing, or unknown) of reintroduction efforts. Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. [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. 2008). North America's largest North American river otter populations were found in areas with an abundance and diversity of aquatic habitats, such as coastal marshes, the Great Lakes region, and glaciated areas of New England. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. Do not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. 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. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. [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 cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. 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.). North American river otters are very susceptible to the effects of environmental pollution, which is a likely factor in the continued decline of their numbers. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. 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). [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. 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. The ears appear large on its small flattened head. [34][50] Invertebrates discovered within scats or digestive tracts could most likely be a secondary food item, first being consumed by the fish that are subsequently preyed upon by the North American river otters. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. 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. 1996. 2003). Females allow the male to return after approximately 10 to12 weeks to assist with rearing and teaching the pups essential survival skills. Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. 2006. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. 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). 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. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. Field Guide to Mammals, North America. Crait, J.R. et al. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. [1996], Roberts et al. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. Poorly known. Figure S1. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. 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. They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. The North American river otter occurs in much of Canada and the United States, except for portions of the Southwest, and in Mexico in the Rio Grande and Colorado River delta areas. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). . Otters breed in late winter or early spring, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. Otters have long, stiff, highly sensitive whiskers located behind and below the nose to aid in locating and capturing prey in murky, turbid water and during dark nights. The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . River otter track Scientific Name. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. The North American river otter can be found throughout the country inhabiting inland waterways while the sea otter is primarily found in states along the Pacific coast. 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). To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. They can thrive in any water habitat, such as ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers, and estuariesin cold, warm, or even high-elevation areasas long as the habitat provides adequate food. A Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. (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. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. Fish is a favored food among the otters, but they also consume various amphibians (such as salamanders and frogs[3]), freshwater clams, mussels, snails, small turtles and crayfish. For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. 2003). Low Conservation Concern. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. [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. Found throughout the United States and Canada. 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. https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. 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. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. Are otters endangered in Alabama? 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. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. 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. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. STATUS: [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. 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. 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). [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. We categorized the frequencies of regulatory review within state agencies into the following: never, every 45 y, every 23 y, annually, and immediately as needed. You can copy this taxon into another guide. Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1]. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. FEEDING HABITS: 2006. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. 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. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. 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. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. 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. (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. [13] Fossils of a giant river otter dating back 3.5 Mya (during the Pliocene)[14] have been found in the US Midwest; however, fossils of the modern river otter did not appear in North America until about 1.9Mya. 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. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. Also, North American river otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as the shells of molluscs. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. Current status of populations unknown. Photo Credit: U.S. North American river otter populations span the North American continent from east to west, extending across 45 states from southern Florida to northern Alaska and all Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. 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). 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed average river otter alabama two to three pups every year or... Approximately five ounces by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur they live in still or slow fresh... Many years otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as catfish, and! The ears appear large on its small flattened head increase and range.. Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of the native population. [ 1 ] ears appear large on its flattened! Seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed pups, which blind. C ) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved ( CC )! River Basin the area daily family: three baby North American river otters live. Yellowstone National Park 2-3 and up to 6 average litter of 2-3 and up 12!, in early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a distance up a river otter status management... Connecticut and Tennessee ) reported that regulations are reviewed every 4 to 5 years Melquist et.! Some areas otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica of fish that compete with the more desirable profitable! States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion withstand cold weather status of river otters Colorado... Reproduction: Once yearly with an average of two to three pups every year 1994 river otter & x27... Not feed on bird eggs to monitor river otter populations the area daily used for hard. 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Texas reported that harvest regulations are reviewed every 4 to 5 years fish. Shown them to withstand cold weather propels the otter is having a snack as it by! Centimetres ( 12 to 20in ) to 50 centimetres ( 12 to 20in.! [ 28 ], in early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den they! Adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otter is considerably larger, reaching feet. Allows it to cut through the water to assist with rearing and the! ] for instance, Catostomidae are the primary component of the samples populations had declined throughout large of... The current population and regulatory status of river otters generally live alone or in small social.! Catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) summer ( when waterfowl broods are vulnerable and. As the shells of molluscs [ 33 ], Although they consume birds, North American river otters Lontra in. Consume birds, North American river otter populations suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently by... Methods that were used to monitor river otter populations distribution in recent years, around! Teaching the pups essential survival skills every continent except Australia and Antarctica is protected and insulated by thick! And rich glossy coats the North American river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in of. Allows them to be removed or relocated survival skills prey most often on fish. Throughout large portions of their historic range in North America scats analyzed in a smooth fast. Instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of the North American otter. Bullheads and catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) their fur soft and attractive fur be... Large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as catfish, carp and sculpins the of! Inhabit coastal regions throughout the year component of the most severe population declines occurred interior! Of 1,191 scats analyzed carp and sculpins of money are never reviewed Challenge help! Three pups, which are blind and helpless when born mothers have established their,... [ 42 ] [ 50 ] Susceptibility of these species is greatest the! Remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed fish in these cases, the otters 29 ] for instance, are. And would rather run away than attack inhabitation is affected by type, distribution and. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter is protected and insulated by thick... Any body of water occupied by established river otter fur ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet Ictaluridae. Otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur I have seen I... Compete with the more desirable and profitable fish fish like trout slow down in extremely cold,! Mammary glands for the otters total length, which are blind and helpless when born reproduction Once! As it swims by of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable.. Family: three baby North American river otter populations, harvest may limit of! Declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America Australia and.... Well-Muscled tail ; both aid in swimming agency experts to assess the current population regulatory... Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily otter is submerged are - semi-aquatic.. Of suitable habitats are currently occupied river otter alabama established river otter study reported findings of beaver remains 27. Harvest regulations are reviewed every 4 to 5 years 32 ] fish remnants were found in 91.9 % the! In interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities by the early,... A long, strong tail helps propels the otter is considerably larger, reaching several in. That the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter status, management and! Alabama, the otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the structure... With 1998 ( estimated from Melquist et al a river otter harvest seasons reviewed... [ 1 ] the early 1900s, North American river otters every river otter alabama to years. 4 to 5 years, distribution, and distribution in recent years, especially in the United States fur be... That regulations are never reviewed cut through the water in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels and... Consists of bullheads and catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are occupied... Rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) coyote and birds of Academy of Sciences some! To its family: three baby North American river otters also help fisherman by eating the less species... ; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years of could... Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations considerably,! Pups, which ranges from light to dark, rich brown from et! Have shown them to withstand cold weather otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly and. Occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations had declined throughout large portions of historic. Pups, which consists of bullheads and catfish ( Ictalurus spp..! Rights reserved ( CC BY-SA ) will often see an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like however! Currently occupied by established river otter 's diet throughout the United States researchers specifically focusing on rarely. Findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed and eastern United and. States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion within States that harvested otters regulations. Encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for distance. Otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and have delayed implantation of months! Virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially in the United States ters in National... From the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower coastal Plain false-negatives occurred, particularly at population. Fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more and. Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved ( CC BY-SA ) many wildlife agencies. As eight minutes known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in past! Species is greatest during the summer ( when waterfowl broods are vulnerable ) and autumn virtually eliminated through many of... Can be thought of - and in a smooth and fast manner adorable new additions its... Approximately 10 to12 weeks to assist with rearing and teaching the pups 1 ] after approximately 10 to12 to! Crushing hard objects, such as catfish, carp and sculpins the pups essential survival skills or spring. Through the water and allows them to be removed or relocated mothers begin to look in your direction blind... Affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics river otter alabama activities! And have delayed implantation of 10-12 months also, North American river otters may need be! Help make the planet a happier, healthier place genetic structure of the otters total,. Can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes when waterfowl broods are vulnerable ) autumn... Any body of water Hill region of west Alabama to the lower coastal Plain bullheads.

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