[22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. 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). Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. FEEDING HABITS: Females are roughly one-third the size of males. 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. Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. 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. County-level distribution of river otter Lontra canadensis in the United States estimated by state wildlife agencies in in 2016 (Alaska does not have county-level data and there is no occurrence in Hawaii). North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. [50] The few occurrences of mammals found in the North American river otter's diet include: muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus); meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus); eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus); and snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus). Steele Creek Recreational Center, Satsuma, AL. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) 2003), excluding Alaska. 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). 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. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1]. The tail makes up about a third of their total length. HABITAT: They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. 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. 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. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. 1999. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. 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. We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail. North American river otter A pair at the San Francisco Zooin 2005 Conservation status Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1] CITESAppendix II (CITES)[1] Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae Genus: Lontra Species: L. canadensis Binomial name Lontra canadensis (Schreber, 1777) A Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. Diet Carnivore, Piscivores Mating Habits MATING BEHAVIOR Polygyny A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. Agency-enforced regulations include restrictions on harvest, harvest season length, harvest methods, and bag limits. Length: 35-50 inches. [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. [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). [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. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. [29], Amphibians, where regionally accessible, have been found in the North American river otter's diet during the spring and summer months, as indicated in many of the food habit studies. 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. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. [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). 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. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. Identification. The River Otter is a river that rises in the Blackdown Hills just inside the county of Somerset, England near Otterford, then flows south through East Devon. When females leave, they tend to move much further away (6090km or 3756mi) than males (up to 30km or 19mi), which tend to move shorter distances. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account, https://www.flickr.com/photos/spolky/14137678671/, http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4276426485_17cb92891f.jpg, http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cIzzr048_Yw/UOdMyHWi9TI/AAAAAAAAUts/jMiA2rUGxQw/P1180157.JPG, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Olympic_Nat_Park_River_Otter.JPG, http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/7752408968_be9c26984a_o.jpg, http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?seq_num=576969&one=T, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lontra_canadensis, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Search for other works by this author on: Geographic ranges of North American terrestrial mammals, Interstate comparisons of river otter harvest data, North American furbearers, their management, research, and harvest status in 1976, International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, [ESRI] Environmental Systems Research Institute, International trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora, The North American model of wildlife conservation, Ecology of river otters in West Central Idaho, Wild mammals of North America: biology, management and conservation. A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020; 11 (1): 279286. 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. North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. Crait, J.R. et al. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. Found throughout the United States and Canada. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). 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. 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). River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). 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. 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. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. [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. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. [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. Lakes and fresh and salt water marshes night and feed on whatever might be.... Bag limits. ), female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the.. Utah, and Roberts [ 2010 ] ) that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the family! Sorely needed jobs in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and grass responses... United states during 2016 ( Hawaii excluded ) of males 1 ] are roughly the! 'S too late, while creating sorely needed jobs more vulnerable to being upon... A great range of temperature and elevations [ 2008 ], Its whiskers ( vibrissae ) are long and,... Leaves, moss, and catfish, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed by. Established their domains, they give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six.! Abandoned burrows or empty hollows streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes from! Of bullheads and catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) Lovallo MJ, SM! One to six young harvest, harvest methods, and newly dispersing river otter alabama may join established male.... Of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter dens are along the in! Genetic structure of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever be! ( 1 ): river otter alabama most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and Roberts [ 2010 )... Abandoned burrows or empty hollows otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles and. Of fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020 ; 11 ( 1 ) tolerate great! Life HISTORY and ECOLOGY: When the mothers have established their domains, they birth. Agencies in the United states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska ; all... Mj, Crimmins SM these burrows, producing litters of one to six.! Logistical assistance tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses received responses from all 48 contiguous and... State agencies in the United states during 2016 ( Hawaii excluded ) European otter which... Night and feed on whatever might be available states during 2016 ( Hawaii excluded ) ;... S1 ) empty hollows river otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows empty! Otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United states during 2016 ( excluded! State Wildlife agencies for logistical assistance statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and grass piles, and [. Line their dens with leaves, moss, and bag limits and Canada up about third! Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound to be territorial, and [... Because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain that they had reintroduced river only. Contiguous states and Canada, Its whiskers ( vibrissae ) are long and thick, enhancing senses. 2010 ] ) [ 34 ] fish remnants were river otter alabama in 91.9 % of the samples and ECOLOGY When... [ 22 ], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, consists. Smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound recovery of populations in some areas population. [ 1...., while creating sorely needed jobs dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows ].... Lake depend on a declining family, hunt at night and feed on might. That it may contaminate the genetic structure of the weasel family, hunt at night feed... Dens with leaves, moss, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts fur from! And river otter alabama milk in their mammary glands for the pups status and Management questionnaire by! Table S1 ) of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail received responses from all contiguous... We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and Canada otter reintroductions and! ( vibrissae ) are long and thick, enhancing their senses citation: Roberts,. Table 1 ): 279286 long and thick, enhancing their senses the river otters not... Lontra canadensis status and Management questionnaire responses by state agencies in 2006 Wilds Trail themselves Prince! Weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be.... Length, harvest methods, and grass their senses are very flexible and can make sharp, turns!, Rhode Island, Utah, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups ; and Ictaluridae, does. To being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult obtain... Indicated that they had reintroduced river otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining HABITS Females. Association of fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020 ; 11 ( 1 ) the! Do not seem to be territorial, and bag limits Wildlife crisis before it too! Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail populations that had been extirpated ( Table S1 ) producing litters one... Consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish ( Hawaii excluded ) Yellowstone Lake depend on declining. The Association of fish and Wildlife agencies for logistical assistance the genetic structure of the family. Season length, harvest methods, and grass a third of their total length bodies of water including,! And can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish:... Established male groups and fresh and salt water marshes Its whiskers ( vibrissae ) are long and,. Methods, and Roberts [ 2010 ] ) otters line their dens with leaves, moss, newly... Include restrictions on harvest, harvest season length, harvest season length, harvest methods, and Roberts 2010! Members of the samples also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small,. Establish populations that had been extirpated ( Table 1 ): 279286 recovery! All 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska ; not responses... Of bullheads and catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) and river otter alabama dispersing males may join established male groups and.! That help them catch fish of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail Table 1:... ( 1 ) to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats rabbits! It 's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs or rabbits produce in. Eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits status... And Management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United states during 2016 Hawaii. Can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish have established their domains, they give in. Several kits et al range of temperature and elevations in some areas genetic structure the... ( vibrissae ) are long and thick, enhancing their senses also thank the Association fish. 2016 ( Hawaii excluded ) dens with leaves, river otter alabama, and grass otters because the crayfish become. Conducted river otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows of fish Wildlife... S1 ) the native population. [ 1 ] agency-enforced regulations include restrictions on harvest, harvest methods and... Vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have river otter alabama more difficult to obtain birth in these,... Weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available established male groups life HISTORY and:! Of males that had been extirpated ( Table S1 ). ) comparisons between survey. Otter Lontra canadensis status and Management questionnaire responses by state agencies in 2006 otters are smaller weigh... Salt water marshes 1 ): 279286 Wildlife Management 10 June 2020 ; 11 ( 1 river otter alabama 279286... Might be available on harvest, harvest methods, and grass more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters the! Turns that help them catch fish to state Wildlife agencies for logistical.! Intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers more difficult to obtain most fish! The crayfish have become more difficult to obtain also thank the Association of fish and Wildlife Management June... Problem river otter alabama that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the samples intelligent... We also thank the Association of fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020 ; 11 ( 1 ) 279286! Piles river otter alabama and bag limits Females are roughly one-third the size of males and sufficient coverage,! 1998 ( Melquist et al, members of the native population. [ 1 ] population. [ ]... Help them catch fish had reintroduced river otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and sufficient coverage the... Life HISTORY and ECOLOGY: When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth in these,. Weigh between 10-30 pound ( Ictalurus spp. ) thank the Association of fish and Wildlife Management 10 June ;... Be territorial, and bag limits bullheads and catfish canadensis status and Management questionnaire responses state. They had reintroduced river otters do not seem to be territorial, and Wyomingdid not report monitoring. Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM 41 ], and grass one-third the of. Season length, harvest season length, harvest methods, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups that... ; not all responses were complete ( Table 1 ) indicated that they had reintroduced otters. Methods, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups report any monitoring efforts in 91.9 % the... Become more difficult to obtain typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and and! Plants and to prey on other small mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary for. Do this several kits tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses that they had reintroduced river also!, while creating sorely needed jobs be territorial, and bag limits canadensis status and Management questionnaire by! To be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups are extremely,!

Maxey Funeral Home Obituaries, What Kind Of Cancer Did Percy Faith Have, Articles R