Of the 40 states that incorporate harvest management programs, the majority used data from regulated harvest seasons (e.g., surveys of trappers, estimates of trapper effort, or collection of biological samples to estimate demographic and health parameters) to monitor river otter populations and to ensure that harvest levels were sustainable. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. 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. 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. [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. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. [26], Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. [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. River otter status, management, and distribution in the United States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion. 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. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. [28] This availability is influenced by the following factors: detectability and mobility of the prey, habitat availability for the various prey species, environmental factors, such as water depth and temperature, and seasonal changes in prey supply and distribution in correspondence with otter foraging habitat. [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. 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. [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. 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. 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. 2010). October 29 - February 28. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. DESCRIPTION: They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. 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. William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. The otters pelt consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs. 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. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. [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. 271 pp. Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. 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. Chilelli et al. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. Weight: 11-30 lbs. [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. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. Smithsonian Institution Press. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. 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. You can copy this taxon into another guide. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. [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. A group of otters is called a romp of otters. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). At about two months they begin to venture out of the den to play and to learn how to swim and hunt. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Crait, J.R. and M. Ben-David. They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. Identification. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. Diet: Primarily consumes fish, mollusks and other invertebrates. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). 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). 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. Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. The Lower Alabama River begins at the Claiborne Lock and Dam and runs south 72.5 miles through Monroe, Clarke, and Baldwin counties where it joins the Tombigbee River. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). 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.). [20] Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. Found throughout the United States and Canada. giant river otter. 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. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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). Recipient(s) will receive an email with a link to 'River Otter Status, Management, and Distribution in the United States: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase and Range Expansion' and will not need an account to access the content. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. 1999. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. 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. 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). [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). Their playful snow and mud sliding, tail chasing, water play, and snow burrowing activities also serve other purposesthey help strengthen social bonds and let young otters practice hunting techniques. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. 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. [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. 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). 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. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1]. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . 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