You can copy this taxon into another guide. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. 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. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. The Ontario Trappers Association, 1150 pp. 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. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. 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. Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. Figure S1. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. These harvest-dependent data can be synthesized in appropriate population models to yield a wealth of information on population status and trends (Roberts 2010). Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. Herein we provide an updated account, as of 2016, of river otter population status and distribution in the United States and discuss conservation priorities. The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . River otter Lontra canadensis population and regulatory status, population monitoring methods used, intent and outcome of reintroduction efforts, and frequency of harvest regulation reviews in 49 states (Hawaii excluded) within the United States in 2016. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. [61] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. HABITAT: Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. 2008). We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. 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.' For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. 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. 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. [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. 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. [16], North American river otters consume an extensive assortment of fish species ranging in size from 2 to 50 centimeters (0.79 to 19.69in) that impart sufficient caloric intake for a minute amount of energy expenditure. You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. In 1980, an examination conducted on U.S. river otter populations determined they were locally extinct in 11 states, and lost significant population in 9 other states. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1]. 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][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. (Figure 1). [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. CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (, different non-sexual physical characteristics, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T12302A164577078.en, "Expert says otter attacks are rare after St. Pete dog killed", "Dog attacked by otters in Lakewood, homeowners say", "7 Surprising Facts About the Giant River Otter", "Multigene phylogeny of the Mustelidae: Resolving relationships, tempo and biogeographic history of a mammalian adaptive radiation", 10.1644/1545-1410(2002)712<0001:LM>2.0.CO;2, "Parasites as probes for prehistoric human migrations? North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. 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. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. 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. [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. [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. Probably present statewide in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat. Now they are gone from the central and eastern United States, and extinct or rare in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia. This continued numeric and geographic expansion was fostered by conservation management programs by state and federal agencies, natural dispersal and expansion of existing populations into increasingly suitable habitats, and reintroduction efforts by state wildlife agencies and conservation partnerships (Raesly 2001). Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. Catch-per-unit effort, population models, and presence vs. absence indices, such as bowhunter surveys and track surveys, were used less frequently (Table 1). 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. 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. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. Results from this 2016 assessment provide the most recent account of river otter status and distribution in United States to our knowledge. They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. 2006. Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. 1980. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. 2010). Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. 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. (c) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND). In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. Jurisdictions that have harvest are afforded more monitoring opportunities through harvest-dependent data sources, such as catch-per-unit effort, distribution of harvests, and sex and age-structure of harvests. 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). The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. Identification. Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail. 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. Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. CREATIVE. [30][32] They are less likely to be prey for the North American river otters since they are fast-swimming and can find good escape cover. 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). North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. River otters are totally protected in 17 states. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Harvest regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest (Table 1). [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. 2003 ). Males are generally larger than females. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. [1996], Roberts et al. [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. 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. 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. Most (n = 31, 63.3%) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). [33] Crustaceans (crayfish), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters. [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. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. They first learn to swim after about two months. Current status of populations unknown. 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. Like fishers, martens, and mink, they have long, slender bodies, short limbs, and a short face, plus a set of adaptations for their aquatic lifestyle: an oily, waterproof coat, webbed toes, and small external ears. [29] In Georgia, crayfish accounted for two-thirds of the prey in the summer diet, and their remnants were present in 98% of the summer spraint. ); and perches (Perca spp.). Instead of actually trying to spot an otter, researchers look for what they call latrine sights. Otters will always go back to the same few spots in their home range to defecate; this is what is known as a latrine sights. 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. Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. 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). FEEDING HABITS: 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. 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. 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. in hatcheries or other fish culture facilities). Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. North American river otters were hunted and trapped extensively for their fur in the 19th and 20th centuries, and are still hunted in some places. Field Guide to Mammals, North America. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. 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