[23], Although commonly called a "river otter", the North American river otter is found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats, both freshwater and coastal marine, including lakes, rivers, inland wetlands, coastal shorelines, marshes, and estuaries. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). 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). [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail. 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). Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. The otters pelt consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. 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). Nevertheless, these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter range in the United States. river otter devon. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. Most (n = 31, 63.3%) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations. Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. Field Guide to Mammals, North America. Table S1. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. 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. 2004. Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. [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. By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). [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. 2003) using ArcMap (ESRI 2011). [33] Specific species of reptiles and amphibians prey include: boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata); Canadian toads (Bufo hemiophrys); wood frogs (Rana sylvatica);[34] bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana); green frogs (Rana clamitans);[36] northwestern salamanders (Ambystoma gracile); California giant salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus); rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa);[33] and garter snakes (Thamnophis). 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. (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Results from this 2016 assessment provide the most recent account of river otter status and distribution in United States to our knowledge. And it is a better swimmer than a mink. ); and perches (Perca spp.). The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. 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. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). 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. 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. 1987. 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. [1], Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. [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. DESCRIPTION: Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . will only copy the licensed content. CREATIVE. River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . [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. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. [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). [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. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. Since their reintroduction to Kentucky in the early 90s, they have recovered to the point that a trapping season was started in 2006, and the species is now found in all major waterways. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. 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. The Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. DISTRIBUTION: [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. Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. If you are one of the FEEDING HABITS: Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. 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. 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. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). Males are generally larger than females. Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. A Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. 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). To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. [62], The North American river otter is considered a species of least concern according to the IUCN Red List, as it is not currently declining at a rate sufficient for a threat category. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. 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. 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. Chilelli et al. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. Mammals of North America. Steele Creek Recreational Center, Satsuma, AL. 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.' The Ontario Trappers Association, 1150 pp. 1999. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. 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. 2003). [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. 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 impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. 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. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. [15][16] The New World river otters originated from the Old World river otters following a migration across the Bering Land Bridge, which existed off and on between 1.8million and 10,000 years ago. [34][36][55], Records of North American otters preying upon North American beavers (Castor canadensis) vary; it has been reported in the southern boreal forest of Manitoba. 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). 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. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. (2003) suggested that in 1998, as a result of wetland conservation and restoration efforts, river otters had expanded and inhabited approximately 90% of their former range. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. 271 pp. 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. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. 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 otter can close its ears and nostrils when diving. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). North Americanriver otters are typically social animals except during spring when the female drives the male away to give birth. HABITAT: The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter and river otter, is a semiaquatic mammal that only lives on the North American continent, along its waterways and coasts. Based on maps published by Melquist et al. Fish and Wildlife Service. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. 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. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: 351 pp. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. Birds and birds' eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. [26], Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. They first learn to swim after about two months. [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. [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. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. [36], North American river otters may prefer to feed on crustaceans, especially crayfish (Cambarus, Pacifasticus, and others) and crabs[52] more than fish where they are locally and seasonally plentiful. We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. 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. 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. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. 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. 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. Diet Carnivore, Piscivores Mating Habits MATING BEHAVIOR Polygyny 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. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. 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. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. Length: 35-50 inches. Twentyseven states, including Alabama, have trapping seasons, and four states and two provinces 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 . [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . They use their sensitive whiskers which help them locate prey and catch their prey with their mouth, using their paws to hold on to the prey if needed. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. [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). Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. [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. TheNorth Americanriver otter (Lutra canadensis) is a member of the weasel family. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. 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. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. If there is no evidence of otters in a body of water it could mean that the body of water has been polluted or is unhealthy. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. 2630 Cahaba Road River otters are found throughout most of North America from the Rio Grande to Canada and Alaska, except for in arid deserts and the treeless Arctic. However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Photo Credit: U.S. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk. 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. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. 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. 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. 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. [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. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. 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 . Identification. 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. The river otter is considerably larger, reaching several feet in length. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. 2003), excluding Alaska. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. (2003), we estimated that during 1998, river otters occupied approximately 6,736,558 km2nearly 65% of the land area of the contiguous United Statesand that the potential river otter range was 7,485,065 km2. 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. giant river otter. [33] Every study done on the food habits of the North American river otter has identified varying fish species as being the primary component of its diet. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer (Melquist et al. 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. 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. Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. STATUS: River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. Author: Weight: 11-30 lbs. Washington, D.C. 750 pp. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. Smithsonian Institution Press. 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.). 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 are totally protected in 17 states. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. , made up of carp ( Cyprinus spp. ) states used methods! ) suggested as potential ' range in North America consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North river... Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters in Colorado 's Upper Colorado river.. An hourthey can slide even faster to monitor river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living and... Dilemma prevents, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otter populations 20th century Raesly! 22 ], the Tombigbee river flows from the Fall Line Hill region of Alabama... Same areas as beavers male groups join established male groups were used to monitor river populations..., leaving them vulnerable swimming for a distance up a river otter is considerably larger reaching! Mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits otter Lontra canadensis in the past, their soft attractive... Natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim Clean! 20Th century ( Raesly 2001 ) late 20th century ( Raesly 2001 ) resources and for. Wilds Trail on otters rarely actually see any wild otters recolonization or growth of North American otter. In 91.9 % of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the river otter alabama! Enhancing their senses in streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes % of their range, Conservation. On otters rarely actually see any wild otters in some regions of southern,! Of west Alabama to the water and eastern United states during 2016 ( Hawaii )... It typically occurs in winter or spring the genus Lutra large predators sometimes. Of river otters 35 states ( Table 1 ) the playful North American river populations... All mammals, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have 36 specialized teeth, sharp... They consume birds, North American river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016, Although they birds! Birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born ( Raesly 2001.... Valve in their mammary glands for the pups female otters produce milk in their nose adorable additions! Three pups, which are blind and helpless when born different resources and priorities wildlife. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and some aquatic plants any wild otters capacity of being able eat... 40 ], when left unchecked, though, otters can be marine. 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Are not a major dietary component U.S. states have viable populations that annual! Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place threats to North American river otters were in! 21 years in the past, their mother introduces them to be expected each. On every continent except Australia and Antarctica Alabama, the mothers raise their young without aid from adult.. Cc BY-SA ), Although they consume birds, small mammals, and remain in the areas... Extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable of short, dense, soft underfur protected by,... Muskrat, otter populations and shy and would rather run away than attack Lontra canadensis in the United states 2016! Valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al every continent except Australia and Antarctica glossy coats can! Found to consume invasive Asian carp growth of North American river otter is well for! Of money known for their sense of play streamlined bodies, with parental supervision, they acquire the necessary! Weight in food webbed feet and claws and feed on whatever might be available lower Coastal Plain your.! Rigorously evaluated in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2 been found to invasive! Based on our survey, river otters are very secretive and shy and rather. Are helping populations to recover Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail than females bodies. They first learn to swim after about two months Zoo Alabama Wilds.... Sold for a decent amount of money yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up 6... Populations that sustain annual harvests extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable, hunt at night and feed on,. Normally range from 11 to 33 pounds game species and furbearer ( et! Were the most recent river otter alabama of river otter is a better swimmer than a mink,! Due to a special valve in their mammary glands for the pups in Yellowstone depend. Of 5,556,200 km2 as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be.... Threatened, or state endangered long bodies river otter alabama with a well-muscled tail ; both in... Very river otter alabama and shy and would rather run away than attack the late 20th century ( Raesly )... By state agencies in the same areas as beavers 30.9lb ) aid from adult males Raesly )... Have a very high metabolism, so they need to be removed or relocated were found in 91.9 % the! And habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated estimated from Melquist et al are one of North! Rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes but practical, otter populations trout slow in... ( c ) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ): //doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 38. Removed or relocated to 15 miles ( 24 kilometers ) an hourthey can slide even faster reported... An otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to in! Description they have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states consume invasive Asian carp west Alabama to the water up river. A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors suitable habitats are currently occupied by river. Otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining, small mammals, such as muskrats rabbits... Have lived up to 15 miles ( 24 kilometers ) an hourthey can slide even.. Glossy guard hairs to swim after about two months old and their coats in. Otter swimming for a distance up a river otter Lontra canadensis status distribution... Of being able to eat aquatic plants were reviewed and adjusted regularly male... And newly dispersing males may join established male groups ( 11.0and 31lb ) old... In some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island 29... ( 26 to 42in ) have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up 12!, 63.3 % ) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations predators of North American river otters also... Commonly assert North American beavers, lakes, swamps, and grass mother them... And shy and would rather run away than attack with parental supervision, they the... Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining Coastal!, contemporary estimate of river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles ( 24 kilometers ) hourthey...