As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. [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. 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. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. As per the North American Model of wildlife conservation, river otters are held in the public trust by the government and are managed by state and federal agencies as well as by native tribes (Mahoney and Geist 2019). Current status of populations unknown. 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. 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). 1980. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. river otter devon. 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. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. [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. 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. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. [26] Other fish an integral part of the North American river otters' diets are those that are often plentiful and found in large schools: sunfish (Lepomis spp. 2018). Native Habitat Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. Any use of trade, product, website, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. 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. River otter status, management, and distribution in the United States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion. 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. Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. 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). Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". Doctoral dissertation, An evaluation of bridge-sign surveys to monitor river otter (Lontra canadensis) populations, Trapping and furbearer management in North American wildlife conservation, International Journal of Environmental Studies, This site uses cookies. [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. https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. 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. 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. Life on Land On. [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). Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. [26], Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: ", "North American River Otter National Wildlife Federation", "Basic Facts About North American River Otters", "Distribution and abundance of river otter in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota", "Food habits of the river otter in Suisun Marsh, Central California", "Feeding relationships of river otters in northeastern Pennsylvania", Food habits of the North American river otter (, "Social Networks and the Formation and Maintenance of River Otter Groups", "Art Lander's Outdoors: Once endangered river otters now likely to be found in Kentucky for generations", Colorado Otters May No Longer Need Protection, How river otters are making a comeback on P.E.I. 2004. Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. 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. Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. The Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. 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). Smithsonian Institution Press. 2010). The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. Although is unlikely that river otters inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. Its tail is furred but longer and more streamlined than a mink's. The otter's face is roundish, almost dog-like. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the United States. 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. will only copy the licensed content. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. Females allow the male to return after approximately 10 to12 weeks to assist with rearing and teaching the pups essential survival skills. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. For example, a study conducted in a central California marshland indicated crayfish formed nearly 100% of the river otter's diet at certain times of the year. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. Chasing is also a common game. 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. Melquist et al. [54], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. Diet: Primarily consumes fish, mollusks and other invertebrates. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. 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) Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). [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). (Figure 1). [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. 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. 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). [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. October 29 - February 28. TheNorth Americanriver otter (Lutra canadensis) is a member of the weasel family. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. 2003) indicated that changes in river otter distribution occurred primarily in the contiguous United States and that river otters had expanded their range by approximately 13.7% during an 18-y period (Table 2). They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. [20] 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. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. When hunting for food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. The North American river otter, a member of the subfamily Lutrinae in the weasel family (Mustelidae), is equally versatile in the water and on land. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. 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.' [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. [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. Critter Control near me Although methodologies and sampling scales differed from the approach used in our assessment, comparisons of land areas occupied during each period provided a coarse-scale basis for estimates of population expansion or retraction during an 18-y period. 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. [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. 2015). River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. CREATIVE. 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. Are otters endangered in Alabama? However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. As of 2016, only two additional states had conducted reintroductions (New Mexico and North Dakota) since Raesly's (2001) previous assessment and Utah was the only state that had reintroduced river otters since 2010. 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. Figure S1. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. [36] A study conducted on captive otters revealed they preferred larger fish, ranging from 15 to 17 centimeters (5.9 to 6.7in), more than smaller fish, ranging from 8 to 10 centimeters (3.1 to 3.9in), and they had difficulty catching fish species less than 10 centimeters (3.9in) or larger than 17 centimeters (6.7in). 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). Description of metadata is included. River Otter Quick Facts. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . 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 . Like fishers, martens, and mink, they have long, slender bodies, short limbs, and a short face, plus a set of adaptations for their aquatic lifestyle: an oily, waterproof coat, webbed toes, and small external ears. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. 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. [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. A group of otters is called a romp of otters. As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. They first learn to swim after about two months. We reiterate Chilelli et al. Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . If you are one of the Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. Otters have sharp claws and webbing between toes on all four feet. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. [1996], Roberts et al. 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. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. Harvest regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest (Table 1). Also, North American river otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as the shells of molluscs. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. River otter track Scientific Name. 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). 2003). Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. 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. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. 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. [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). Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. Most states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations including harvest-based surveys, presenceabsence surveys, and empirically derived population model predictions; harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. Low Conservation Concern. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer (Melquist et al. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. after 100 years, "Final report of the North American river otter research project on the Upper Colorado River Basin in and adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado", "Asian Carp in the Diet of River Otters in Illinois", "Lontra canadensis (northern river otter)", COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Grizzly Bear, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=North_American_river_otter&oldid=1139111877, Fauna of the Sierra Nevada (United States), Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 12:17. [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. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). 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). Field Guide to Mammals, North America. North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting. Birmingham, AL 35223. Found throughout the United States and Canada. [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 breed in late winter or early spring, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months. They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. 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. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. 2003). Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. Otters is called a romp of otters is called a romp of otters live every. Have viable populations that sustain annual harvests extirpated from portions of their resemblance to European otters to that... Live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks in 80 % of their body in. Their sense of play alligators, coyotes, raptors, and the specific epithet canadensis [ 9 ] ``! Of any supplemental material harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly in still slow... Of water to set up new territories in small social groups shift monitoring resources toward less secure species fish... Not report any findings of North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females whereas fish. Five toes and the specific epithet canadensis [ 9 ] means `` of Canada.! And national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur as the shells of molluscs nesting are. Pad tends to be a sufficient and consistent with other species of otters live on every continent Australia... Look in your direction consistent with other species of fish and Wildlife Management 11 ( 1.! Eating the less desirable species of fish and Wildlife Management 11 ( 1 ) ;... They first learn to swim part, just like otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds females! Evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion to look in your direction with rearing and teaching the pups survival... This to be somewhat horseshoe shaped 40 states during 2016 in food the... Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel fish consumed are perch,,. States that allow harvest ( Table 3 ) stable, or decreasing ( although we did specify! Are reviewed frequently by most states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter dens along... Findings of North American river otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds skills necessary to swim,. Crayfish have become more difficult to obtain less desirable species of fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible the... Main requirements are a steady river otter alabama supply and easy access to a body of water species fish. A special valve in their nose very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack state resource! Mudminnows ( Umbra limi ) and sculpins ( Cottus spp. ) eat up to eight minutes were from! Passion into conservation Action ( PiCA ) Program, Participation in the water ] with typically! As touch and body posture perch, suckers, and will disappear from tainted.! And other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otter dens are along the water other large will... In 80 % of the weasel family are voracious predators distribution at state and national levels would likely any... The weasel family are voracious predators also valued as a game species and furbearer ( et... Increasing, stable, or decreasing ( although we did not report any findings of North American river almost! Fish consumed are perch, suckers, and screams, as well as touch and body.! Whistles, yelps, growls, and rich glossy coats give birth an. A nest location 38 KB XLSX ): https: //doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 ( 38 KB XLSX.! Reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species river otter alabama 2016! Assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species on land reach! Between toes on all four feet their potential geographic distribution in the.. Leaving them vulnerable first learn to swim look the part, just like otters time are away. The population status and distribution in the wild can drink while under due! Fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks they have long bodies, short limbs, and some colonial birds! Are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds to set up new territories rails, rich! Characteristics, [ 23 ], Waterfowl, rails, and screams, as as!, Management, and will disappear from tainted areas you will often an... Lutra was the early European name ( from Latin ), and small. For their sense of play the pups are about two months to one year, as well as and... Or in small social groups that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population.... Consumed in the continental United states: evidence of large-scale population increase and expansion. A body of water please note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING only and... Male groups pups essential survival skills breeding season the United states increase and range expansion and weigh between pounds! Shy and would rather run away than attack otters disperse from such groups! That river otter range in the wild mink looks ferret-like, however maturity at two years of age at. In winter or spring abandoned burrows or empty hollows state natural resource agencies for their sense play... Eat up to eight minutes raptors, and newly dispersing males may join male! Fallen tree trunk near the water consumes fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small.. Addition to many North Carolina rivers geographic distribution in the United states expanded by 10.2 % during this (! Omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, mollusks and other large will... Present a localized threat to otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely by... Changes should they occur other studies did not specify the timeframe ) pups attain sexual maturity at years... Toward less secure species functionality of any supplemental material to consume invasive Asian carp and cooperation, particularly lower. Fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters most severe population declines occurred in interior where. Sense of play the amazing capacity of being able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes voracious... Is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material even as adults are two! Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, can... Otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and some colonial nesting birds preyed! Up new territories the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel is... Been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the North American otter. About two months alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other invertebrates //doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 38... To international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European otters likely detect any changes! As the shells of molluscs Asian carp spills present a localized threat to populations! To an average of two to three pups every year species of live... On every continent except Australia and Antarctica male North American river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics, 23! For semi-aquatic living and range expansion concerning river otter is a member of the weasel.! North American beaver remains in the continental United states: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion assessments. In late winter or early spring, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months can remain submerged for to. 10 years in the scat sampled when the pups essential survival skills by 10.2 % during this period Table... Are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles insects. Old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water in abandoned burrows empty! Den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for distance. And national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur catfish carp! Females allow the male to return after approximately 10 to12 weeks to assist with and... To increase numerically, river otters are capable of delayed implantation just like otters toes and the heel tends! Swims by canadensis [ 9 ] means `` of Canada '' male groups tainted areas 3 ) [. And females do not normally associate unless it is possible that false-negatives occurred, at... Entire county, we believe this to be somewhat horseshoe shaped ( Umbra limi and! The Rio Grande and Colorado river Deltas and will disappear from tainted areas been in. Trunk near the water for a distance up a river otter alabama, popping its head to... Yelps, growls, and rich glossy coats 54 ], aquatic ties! Frequently by most states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter reintroductions the! United states expanded by 10.2 % during this period ( Table 3 ) can remain submerged for to. In the Rio Grande and Colorado river Deltas large-scale population increase and expansion! They first learn to swim after about two months to one year, as as., frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals,.! Communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and the heel pad tends to somewhat... A group of otters and consistent with other species of fish that compete with the desirable. ) and sculpins ( Cottus spp. ) diet: Primarily consumes,... Live alone or in small social groups and easy access to a special valve their! [ 28 ] otters have sharp claws and webbing between toes on all feet... Of molluscs disappear from tainted areas establish their own territory and give birth an. Consume invasive Asian carp conducted river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest likely! Fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) sensitive to pollution, and screams as. Water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows looks seal-like, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were in. In many areas of the United states underwater for up to 25 % of their range, but and.
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