[20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. 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. River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. 2015). Likewise, the potential predatory impact of otters may be considerable whenever fish are physically confined (most commonly in smaller ponds offering sparse cover or other escape options). [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. 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. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. 2003). Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. Critter Control near me October 29 - February 28. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. Even the otters at the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. [26], Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. ), and other game fish during spawning. We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). Birds and birds' eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. 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). 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). 2018). Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. 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. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. 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). [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). river otter devon. 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). [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. 2003). However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. The North American river otter occurs in much of Canada and the United States, except for portions of the Southwest, and in Mexico in the Rio Grande and Colorado River delta areas. The smallest otter species is the Asian small-clawed otter, and the largest species, with two tied for first, is the giant otter and the sea otter. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. (c) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND). It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. River otter track Scientific Name. The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. Given the large extent of the species' range, we were limited to county-level inference. (Figure 1). Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. [1996], Roberts et al. (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. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . [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. Poorly known. Are otters endangered in Alabama? The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. 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. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. The Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. 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. [12], Molecular biological techniques have been used to determine when the river otter and the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) of South America diverged. You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. Its tail is furred but longer and more streamlined than a mink's. The otter's face is roundish, almost dog-like. Fish and Wildlife Service. Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. River otter status, management, and distribution in the United States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. 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. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. [5][6][7], The range of the North American river otter has been significantly reduced by habitat loss, beginning with the European colonization of the Americas. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). 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. [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). River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. beaver river otter. Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. However, improvements in water quality (through enactment of clean water regulations) and furbearer management techniques have permitted river otters to regain portions of their range in many areas. [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. ); and perches (Perca spp.). Results from this 2016 assessment provide the most recent account of river otter status and distribution in United States to our knowledge. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. Read on to learn about the otter. 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. Found throughout the United States and Canada. Also, North American river otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as the shells of molluscs. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. 2003), excluding Alaska. Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. 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