Trapping, loss or degradation of aquatic habitats through filling of wetlands, and development of coal, oil, gas, tanning, timber, and other industries, resulted in local extinctions or population declines in North American river otter populations in many areas. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. 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. 2004. [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). 2003). Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. 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. Identification. Current status of populations unknown. STATUS: Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. 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. Table S1. 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. Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. [61] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. 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. These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. 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. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY). 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. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. 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. Washington, D.C. 750 pp. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. 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. To compare estimates of occupied area in 1998 with our survey results, we digitized published maps depicting river otter distribution during 1998 (Melquist et al. [1996], Roberts et al. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. 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. [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. River Otter Quick Facts. Herein we provide an updated account, as of 2016, of river otter population status and distribution in the United States and discuss conservation priorities. 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. Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. 132 River Otters Playing Premium High Res Photos Browse 132 river otters playing stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. Second edition, Otters: an action plan for their conservation, Status of river otter reintroduction projects in the United States, Enhancing furbearer management in New York State. 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. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . 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. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. [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. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. EDITORIAL. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. [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. Fish and Wildlife Service, through the Division of Scientific Authority, housed in the International Affairs Program, has routinely determined that the export of river otter pelts and products from the United States has not been detrimental to their viability, thus satisfying the conditions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora agreement (Bowman et al. 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. Nathan M. Roberts, Matthew J. Lovallo, Shawn M. Crimmins; River Otter Status, Management, and Distribution in the United States: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase and Range Expansion. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the United States. river otter devon. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. [1], During the 1970s, improvements in natural resource management techniques emerged, along with increased concerns about North American river otter population declines in North America. 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 . [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. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. 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. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. Otters breed in late winter or early spring, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months. [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. Chilelli et al. 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. However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. [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. A river otter can grow three to four feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) long including its tail and weigh between 11 and 30 pounds (5 to 14 kilograms). Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. At about two months they begin to venture out of the den to play and to learn how to swim and hunt. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. 2003). Author: 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.

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