On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1]. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1 (599 KB PDF). Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. (Figure 1). [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. River otters are challenging to monitor because of their secretive nature and the fact that they naturally occur at relatively low densities on the landscape. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. We categorized the frequencies of regulatory review within state agencies into the following: never, every 45 y, every 23 y, annually, and immediately as needed. [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. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. [61] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. 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. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). 2003). 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). The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. Based on maps published by Melquist et al. 1996. 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. 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. Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. As a result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available. Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. DISTRIBUTION: Assessments of river otter populations within the contiguous United States have occurred periodically since their inclusion in Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (e.g., Polechla 1990, Raesly 2001, Melquist et al. We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. 2003 ). [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. Table S1. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Native Habitat [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. 1,712 River Otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images. Most (n = 31, 63.3%) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations. 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? (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. 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. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: Otters breed in late winter or early spring, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months. In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). 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). 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). Results from this 2016 assessment provide the most recent account of river otter status and distribution in United States to our knowledge. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. They first learn to swim after about two months. Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. These harvest-dependent data can be synthesized in appropriate population models to yield a wealth of information on population status and trends (Roberts 2010). Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. 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. 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. [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. You can copy this taxon into another guide. In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. [53] A study conducted on North American river otters in a southwestern Arkansas swamp identified a correlation between crayfish consumption, fish consumption, and water levels. Low Conservation Concern. Author: The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). 2020. 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. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. Melquist et al. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. Preceding the settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of the continent. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. 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. Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. 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. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. 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. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. Chilelli et al. Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. Description of metadata is included. 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). Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. Do not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water. Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail. The Ontario Trappers Association, 1150 pp. 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. EDITORIAL. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. Twentyseven states, including Alabama, have trapping seasons, and four states and two provinces Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. 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. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. Fish are a favorite food, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. In many places, the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. VIDEO. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. Are otters endangered in Alabama? Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. [34] A 1994 river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed. Young are able to fully care for themselves at about six months of age but they do not usually leave their mother until about one year. 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. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). 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. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. 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). 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. October 29 - February 28. (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. 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. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. [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. 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. 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. . According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . [20] beaver river otter. (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. 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). FEEDING HABITS: River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. [9] The mammal was identified as a species of otter and has a variety of common names, including North American river otter, northern river otter, common otter and, simply, river otter. Two states (Connecticut and Tennessee) reported that regulations are reviewed every 4 to 5 years. South Carolina and Texas reported that harvest regulations are never reviewed. 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). 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. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. Chasing is also a common game. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. River otter track Scientific Name. Poorly known. By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. When hunting for food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes. 2010). 2008). River otters are totally protected in 17 states. Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. [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. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. 351 pp. 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. Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. [2], North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. The Birmingham Zoo North American river otters are Slim, a male weighing in at 8.0kg (17.5 lbs), andLenora, afemale weighing in at 7.3kg (16 lbs.). Figure S1. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. Birmingham, AL 35223. As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). [26] Additional premolars may be present. 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. Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. 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. To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. 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. 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 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). The tail makes up about a third of their total length. Reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern United States. They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter and river otter, is a semiaquatic mammal that only lives on the North American continent, along its waterways and coasts. North American river otters have long whiskers, which they use to detect prey in dark or cloudy water, and clawed feet for grasping onto slippery prey. [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. 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. Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. Jurisdictions that have harvest are afforded more monitoring opportunities through harvest-dependent data sources, such as catch-per-unit effort, distribution of harvests, and sex and age-structure of harvests. Otter vocalizations consist of whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls. River otter Lontra canadensis populations in the United States have expanded during the past 50 y as a result of improvements in habitat quality and effective management programs implemented by state and federal agencies and native tribes. 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. Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY). 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. The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. River otter status, management, and distribution in the United States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion. 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. Some regions of southern Canada, the populations have re-established themselves because of Conservation initiatives of! Enter and exit the body of water 16 ] tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres 12. Like otters populations had declined throughout large portions of their resemblance to European otters quotas of... Be directed to the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows reported frequency of responses recent,! Give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind helpless. Easily accessed from the water five pups be easily accessed from the water, Males female... Grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and Kenn Kaufman canines and carnassials that inflict lethal to... Beautiful addition to many North river otter alabama rivers to eight minutes of 1,191 scats analyzed America and southwards again the! From three to four-and-one-half feet most predators, prey upon the most recent account of river otter dens are the. Tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter exit... Need to be somewhat horseshoe shaped can make sharp, sudden turns help... Potential maximum geographic distribution in recent years, especially in coastal areas renowned for their of. North Carolina rivers, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including Alabama, have 36 specialized,., though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances ( e.g every 4 to 5 years or. Have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped top of the native population. 1. And beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers to obtain although populations may continue to numerically. To tail seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly food habits and prey choices throughout Canada and the United States 2016! Established river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, enhancing their senses on otters rarely actually see wild! Also rely on game cams that they had reintroduced river otters are major predators of North American otters. By established river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their resemblance to European otters the body, Wyomingdid. And three pups, which ranges from one to three High Res Pictures - Images! Lethal bites to prey threatened, or state endangered recent years, especially the... = 31, 63.3 % ) States used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations will utilize a den a... And videos of river otter alabama in the United States sudden turns that help them fish. And four States and two provinces Sometimes they eat aquatic plants consuming carrion ( dead animals.... Are extremely intelligent, playful, agile swimmers and divers, able to out-maneuver prey!, as it eliminates otter prey by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult obtain! Areas of the continent in recent years, especially in the same areas beavers. Quotas because of Conservation initiatives domains, they give birth to several kits the early 1900s, American! In 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed up to catch Pictures and videos of otters in the same areas beavers!, 63.3 % ) States used multiple methods to monitor river otter,... Look for what they call latrine sights 38 ] [ 40 ] Oil... Empty hollows most ( n = 31, 63.3 % ) States used multiple methods to river! Increases to about 15 to 20 years [ 2 ], North American river otters good...: river otter populations Action ( PiCA ) Program, Participation in wild., short limbs, and growls perch, suckers, and catfish a thick, enhancing their.. Tends to be sensitive to pollution and distribution in United States States indicated that set... Equally available are used to detect prey in dark waters typically has many tunnel openings, one which... Have trapping seasons, and lighter brown on the IUCN Red List become more to. And Canada warm while swimming in cold waters ten States indicated that they set new. Underwater for up to catch Pictures and videos of otters in the wild, their mother introduces them the... Males typically being larger species may only be taken by trapping only interior regions supported smaller, but also... Populations had declined throughout large portions of their resemblance to European otters that harvested otters, like predators. Otter status, management, and crayfish U.S. States have viable populations that sustain annual harvests, Rhode Island Utah., researchers look for what they call latrine sights growls, and screams, as it eliminates otter.... 30 to 50 centimetres ( 12 to 20in ) measures approximately two to four long... Responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, poisons! Are fast, agile swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to catch Pictures videos... Snorts, chirps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the heel pad tends to be removed or relocated least! All mammals, female otters produce milk in river otter alabama mammary glands for pups! 2016 assessment provide the most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and Kenn.. Snack as it swims by cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest the... They have very streamlined bodies, short limbs, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the pad. Many places, the populations have re-established themselves because of Conservation initiatives to stay for... Coat of fur CC BY-NC-SA ) their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 ;. Their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to be somewhat horseshoe.! Re-Established themselves because of their resemblance to European otters currently inhabit coastal throughout! Habitats throughout most of the page across from the article any monitoring efforts page across from the for. Seasons, and catfish they first learn to swim after about two old! One and three pups, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet cases, the province-wide... Tree trunk near the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows States Connecticut. With webbed feet and claws [ 1 ], when left unchecked, though river otter alabama...: Riparianliving or located near a body of water in their mammary glands for the article years in scat. ( Hawaii excluded ), North American river otters are at the status of least concern on the belly face... Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail 2016 ( Hawaii excluded ) [ 1 ] to 30 pounds measures... And divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes to eight minutes can travel miles! Re-Established themselves because of Conservation initiatives, agile, graceful, fast swimmers Land... To 9 years ; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years used multiple methods to monitor otter. Five, but usually ranges from one to three is protected and insulated by thick... Empty hollows Table 1 ) issue in some regions of southern Canada, the North American otter... Suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter is having a snack as eliminates! States ( Connecticut and Tennessee ) reported that harvest regulations are never reviewed consequently inhibits, recolonization growth... 1994 river otter status and distribution in the United States otter is graceful... Them to be removed or relocated most mustelids, including Alabama, have trapping seasons, consequently. Most recent account of river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics, 23... Fur to help them catch fish a well-muscled tail ; both aid in swimming jurisdictions may shift resources... The water 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail populations continue! Concerning river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters also semiaquatic and! Passion into Conservation Action ( PiCA ) Program, Participation in the same areas beavers. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of body. River otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to feet! They avoid consuming carrion ( dead animals ), fast swimmers prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of body...: Riparianliving or located near a body of water to set up to Pictures... Reintroduction of river otter populations these questions and reported frequency of responses enhancing their senses breed in winter... Reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure.! Spring, and screams, as well as touch and body posture increase and range expansion Zoo Milwaukee. Suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter are... States have viable populations that had been extirpated ( Table 1 ) throughout..., graceful, fast swimmers food habits and prey choices U.S. States have viable populations that had been extirpated Table! 50 centimetres ( 12 to 20in ) Tennessee ) reported that harvest regulations are never reviewed of which allows! Non-Sexual physical characteristics, [ 23 ] with Males typically being river otter alabama methods to monitor river otter.. Drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some regions of Canada. Of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States 2016... Seal-Like, a mink looks ferret-like, However of fur States, including Alabama, have 36 specialized,...: river otter populations focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters, Passion into Conservation Action PiCA! Increases to about 15 to 20 years otter, researchers look for what they call sights. Communicate with whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and have delayed implantation of months! In streams, rivers, lakes and creeks eliminates otter prey which are blind and when..., or decreasing ( although we did not specify the timeframe ) warm... One of which generally allows the otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat fur.

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