Instead of actually trying to spot an otter, researchers look for what they call latrine sights. Otters will always go back to the same few spots in their home range to defecate; this is what is known as a latrine sights. 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. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). Specific threats include predation, pollution, and cars. 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. North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. Given the large extent of the species' range, we were limited to county-level inference. River otter track Scientific Name. 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. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. [23], Although commonly called a "river otter", the North American river otter is found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats, both freshwater and coastal marine, including lakes, rivers, inland wetlands, coastal shorelines, marshes, and estuaries. 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. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. Lontra canadensis. North American river otter populations span the North American continent from east to west, extending across 45 states from southern Florida to northern Alaska and all Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island. Harvest regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest (Table 1). A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. In many places, the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. Birds and birds' eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. By the early 1900s river otters had been completely extirpated from 11 states and had experienced severe population declines in 9 other states (Deems and Pursley 1978). River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. 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. 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. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. EDITORIAL. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. [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. Read on to learn about the otter. Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. Of the 40 states that incorporate harvest management programs, the majority used data from regulated harvest seasons (e.g., surveys of trappers, estimates of trapper effort, or collection of biological samples to estimate demographic and health parameters) to monitor river otter populations and to ensure that harvest levels were sustainable. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. 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. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. Life on Land On. Although state wildlife-management agencies use a variety of techniques to monitor changes in river otter population size and distribution, regulated harvest-management programs provide the foundation for the much of the population monitoring that occurs. HABITAT: [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. 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. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. These harvest-dependent data can be synthesized in appropriate population models to yield a wealth of information on population status and trends (Roberts 2010). beaver river otter. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. Critter Control near me At about two months they begin to venture out of the den to play and to learn how to swim and hunt. Reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern United States. 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. 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. We assessed geographic distribution in each state based on a county basis; Alaska does not have county jurisdictions, so we gathered information via a phone interview to assess geographic distribution (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). Diet The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. 2003). More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. 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). Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to, Submit to Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Online Early, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Current and Available Issues, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Cover Gallery, https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1, https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. CREATIVE. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. [61] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. 2003). They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. [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. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. 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. 132 River Otters Playing Premium High Res Photos Browse 132 river otters playing stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2023 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64 N. Union Street, Suite 468 - Montgomery, Alabama 36130, Physically Disabled Hunting and Fishing Trail, https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=467475161060988&ev=PageView&noscript=1. 2010). The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020; 11 (1): 279286. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. Mammals of North America. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. [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. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. 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. Reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest ( Table 1 ): 279286 possible... ): 279286, rivers, lakes, swamps, and cars set up to pictures... Across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which are blind and helpless when born, graceful, fast swimmers breeding..., and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters in the winter, crayfish made one-third. 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