We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. Still these animals are commercially harvested: 20,000 - 30,000 are taken annually for their lustrous fur.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account, (c) Discover Life and original sources, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC-SA). In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. [16], North American river otters consume an extensive assortment of fish species ranging in size from 2 to 50 centimeters (0.79 to 19.69in) that impart sufficient caloric intake for a minute amount of energy expenditure. Raesly (2001) determined that, although it is preferable to acquire river otters from proximal populations to maximize genetic similarity and retain subspecies integrity, most jurisdictions used the most easily obtained river otters, often from Louisiana, during reintroduction projects. Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail. If you are one of the We reiterate Chilelli et al. [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. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. [1], Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. Fish and Wildlife Service. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). Fish are a favorite food, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. [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. Author: Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. [34] A 1994 river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed. Table S1. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. [20] Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. 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. Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. 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. Similarly, we estimated that river otters occupied approximately 5,000,550 km2nearly 63% of the land area of the contiguous United Statesand that the potential river otter range was approaching 5,556,200 km2. Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. 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. States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. Females allow the male to return after approximately 10 to12 weeks to assist with rearing and teaching the pups essential survival skills. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. CREATIVE. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states, while closed harvest seasons existed in 9 states; Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming (Table 1). (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). [28] Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. 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. giant river otter. [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. Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. ", "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. Diet Carnivore, Piscivores Mating Habits MATING BEHAVIOR Polygyny The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. 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. 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. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). 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. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. (1996) and suggest that jurisdictions that allow harvest should collect information on the distribution of harvest, some measure of participation or effort, and, ideally, some estimate of age-structure of the harvest. [33] Every study done on the food habits of the North American river otter has identified varying fish species as being the primary component of its diet. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. [33] Specific species of reptiles and amphibians prey include: boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata); Canadian toads (Bufo hemiophrys); wood frogs (Rana sylvatica);[34] bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana); green frogs (Rana clamitans);[36] northwestern salamanders (Ambystoma gracile); California giant salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus); rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa);[33] and garter snakes (Thamnophis). 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. The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Also, North American river otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as the shells of molluscs. Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. FEEDING HABITS: Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. 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 ears appear large on its small flattened head. 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. When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. For many furbearers, including river otter, harvest-based data are the only information available with sufficient sample sizes large enough for robust analyses (White et al. 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. [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. Washington, D.C. 750 pp. 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. 2015). Even the otters at the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights. River otters have a high dispersal capacity and are capable of extensive long-distance movements over land, including mountainous terrain and across watersheds (Magoun and Valkenburg 1977, Melquist and Hornocker 1983). You can copy this taxon into another guide. [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. The animal slides down mud and snow seemingly for the sheer delight of it. 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. 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). 2010). [29] In Georgia, crayfish accounted for two-thirds of the prey in the summer diet, and their remnants were present in 98% of the summer spraint. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . Do not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of 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 North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. A group of otters is called a romp of otters. [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. [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). 2006. EDITORIAL. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. [26][32][33] Bottom-dwelling species, which have the tendency to remain immobile until a predator is very close, are susceptible to North American river otters. 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. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. National Audubon Society. 1987. [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. Low Conservation Concern. North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (, different non-sexual physical characteristics, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T12302A164577078.en, "Expert says otter attacks are rare after St. Pete dog killed", "Dog attacked by otters in Lakewood, homeowners say", "7 Surprising Facts About the Giant River Otter", "Multigene phylogeny of the Mustelidae: Resolving relationships, tempo and biogeographic history of a mammalian adaptive radiation", 10.1644/1545-1410(2002)712<0001:LM>2.0.CO;2, "Parasites as probes for prehistoric human migrations? River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. Mammals of North America. Identification. Poorly known. Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. In many places, the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. The Ontario Trappers Association, 1150 pp. 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.). [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. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. Chasing is also a common game. Description of metadata is included. Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. [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. 2003). Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. Figure S1. [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. 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. Water pollution and other diminution of aquatic and wetland habitats may limit distribution and pose long-term threats if the enforcement of water quality standards is not upheld. Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. 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. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. 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. VIDEO. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). 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. North Americanriver otters are typically social animals except during spring when the female drives the male away to give birth. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. 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