[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. 2630 Cahaba Road 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). ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius 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). https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. 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). (2003) suggested that in 1998, as a result of wetland conservation and restoration efforts, river otters had expanded and inhabited approximately 90% of their former range. [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. 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.). [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. Crait, J.R. et al. 2003 ). In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. 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 . We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. 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). 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) Questions concerning river otter reintroductions assessed the purpose(s) (e.g., reestablish extirpated populations, bolster existing populations, or expand river otter range beyond current distributions) and outcomes (e.g., expanding, stagnant or geographically restrained, decreasing, or unknown) of reintroduction efforts. 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. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. 2006. In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. We reiterate Chilelli et al. The Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. River otter status, management, and distribution in the United States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion. Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. [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). 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). 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. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. 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. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. 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. However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). 1999. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. 2015). Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. 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. [54], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. Fish is a favored food among the otters, but they also consume various amphibians (such as salamanders and frogs[3]), freshwater clams, mussels, snails, small turtles and crayfish. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. 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. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Birmingham, AL 35223. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. 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. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). 1987. 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. Based on maps published by Melquist et al. [54], During the winter and spring, when the water levels were higher, North American river otters had a greater tendency to prey upon crayfish (73% of scats had crayfish remains) rather than fish. [26] Additional premolars may be present. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. [4] Occasional reports also show the river otter eating other small animals, such as mice, squirrels, birds, and even dogs that they've attacked and drowned. [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). [30][38] North American river otters do not generally handle prey of a large size relative to themselves but there are occasions where they've been observed ambushing and killing adult common snapping turtles while the large turtles (which are roughly equal in average body weight to a North American river otter) are hibernating. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. 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. 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. River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. Lontra canadensis. 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. They use their sensitive whiskers which help them locate prey and catch their prey with their mouth, using their paws to hold on to the prey if needed. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable.

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