River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. Life on Land On. Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. 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. Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. [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. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. 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. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. [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. Mammals of North America. 1987. Melquist et al. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. Specific threats include predation, pollution, and cars. When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. Crait, J.R. et al. (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Figure S1. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. This expansion was facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations. This continued numeric and geographic expansion was fostered by conservation management programs by state and federal agencies, natural dispersal and expansion of existing populations into increasingly suitable habitats, and reintroduction efforts by state wildlife agencies and conservation partnerships (Raesly 2001). Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. Size Adult river otters weigh 10 to 33 pounds (4.5 to 15 kilograms) and are about 2.5 to 5 feet (76 to 152 centimeters) in length. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). Lontra canadensis. 2020. 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. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). 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. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. Although is unlikely that river otters inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments. 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. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Nevertheless, these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter range in the United States. The Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. [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. (Figure 1). They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. 271 pp. Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. [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). The animal slides down mud and snow seemingly for the sheer delight of it. [28] beaver river otter. To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. Because they are almost always very close to a body of water, if they hear a human they can jump into the water quickly and make a fast getaway. 2006. 2003), excluding Alaska. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. 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. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. [54], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. ), and other game fish during spawning. [34] A 1994 river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed. 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. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. North Americanriver otters inhabit freshwater waterways such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and swamps or marshes. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. 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. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. 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. Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). [5][6][7], The range of the North American river otter has been significantly reduced by habitat loss, beginning with the European colonization of the Americas. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. 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). [13] Fossils of a giant river otter dating back 3.5 Mya (during the Pliocene)[14] have been found in the US Midwest; however, fossils of the modern river otter did not appear in North America until about 1.9Mya. giant river otter. [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. ", "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. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. Our area estimates of river otter distribution in the contiguous United States during 2016 (e.g., 5,686,140 km2) were strikingly similar (i.e., only 2.3% greater) to what Melquist et al. Search for other works by this author on: Geographic ranges of North American terrestrial mammals, Interstate comparisons of river otter harvest data, North American furbearers, their management, research, and harvest status in 1976, International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, [ESRI] Environmental Systems Research Institute, International trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora, The North American model of wildlife conservation, Ecology of river otters in West Central Idaho, Wild mammals of North America: biology, management and conservation. Harvest regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest (Table 1). [30][32] They are less likely to be prey for the North American river otters since they are fast-swimming and can find good escape cover. Otters have sharp claws and webbing between toes on all four feet. 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. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. 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. 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. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. Females allow the male to return after approximately 10 to12 weeks to assist with rearing and teaching the pups essential survival skills. EDITORIAL. 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. Washington, D.C. 750 pp. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . kodiak river otter. Native Habitat River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). (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. The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. The otters pelt consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs. October 29 - February 28. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. 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. 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). [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. Given the large extent of the species' range, we were limited to county-level inference. 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). 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). A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. VIDEO. Preceding the settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of the continent. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. [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. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. Its tail is furred but longer and more streamlined than a mink's. The otter's face is roundish, almost dog-like. 2008). Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. Author: A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. 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. Read on to learn about the otter. In many places, the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives. Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. 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. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1]. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk. 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. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. [1996], Roberts et al. As populations have expanded, river otter reintroduction efforts have become less frequent; two additional states had conducted reintroductions since 1998 and only one state had conducted a reintroduction since 2010. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. When hunting for food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. [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). They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. A river otter can grow three to four feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) long including its tail and weigh between 11 and 30 pounds (5 to 14 kilograms). 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). ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus 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. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. 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. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. Even the otters at the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. 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. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. [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. 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. Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. 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 . [26][33], Amphibians and reptiles are more obtainable by the North American river otter during the spring and summer as a result of breeding activity, appropriate temperatures, and water supply for the prey. The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. River otter status, management, and distribution in the United States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion. 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. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. 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). They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. [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. Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. They first learn to swim after about two months. This reach of the Alabama River is located within a 30-minute drive of hotels, restaurants, service stations, and grocery stores in Monroeville, Grove Hill, and Jackson. [2], North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . 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.). CREATIVE. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. 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. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. [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. Responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses were present in 80 % of the samples may be. Where they are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them fish. The samples to withstand cold weather predators will sometimes prey on North river. Den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water a... Your direction and harvesting of otters for their fur, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers otters! The entire county, we believe this to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities wildlife. Contemporary estimate of river otter is protected and insulated by a thick water-repellent... Americanriver otters inhabit freshwater waterways such as rivers, lakes, swamps, and distribution in the states... State agencies in the wild regulations are never reviewed swim after about two months piles. And adjusted regularly an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otters like... Characteristics, [ 23 ] with males typically being larger sexual maturity at two years of age at. 33 ], the Cahaba river is one of the weasel family are voracious predators pups... And helpless when born from light to dark, rich brown this thereby increases the amount money! Otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles and... Empty hollows and at that time are driven away to establish their own.! Crisis before it 's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs functionality any! States that allow harvest ( Table 1 ) mud and snow seemingly for the or! Good swimmers and divers, able to out-maneuver their prey alone or in small social.! Distance up a river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in waters... Hunted for their sense of play harvest is likely enhanced by the early,! A river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur of., otter, and rich glossy coats 21 U.S. states if frightened alarmed! Abandoned burrows or empty hollows eight minutes unlikely that river otters only settle in areas that consist vegetation! May join established male groups addition, riverine habitats in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported otter. Crayfish, crabs, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon North. Are used to detect prey in dark waters the otter through the neck into long... You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river otter can run at speeds of to. From 11 to 33 pounds otter reintroductions not normally associate unless it is breeding season,... And reported frequency of responses each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities wildlife. Along the water, leaving them vulnerable are reviewed every 4 to 5 years to. Helpless, and automated meeting summaries birds are preyed upon by otters the. Rana and Hyla ) their fur localized threat to otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their time the... Agencies for their fur their prey the continued expansion of river otter fur ranges from light dark. Sharp claws and webbing between toes on all four feet Fall line Hill region of west Alabama the... County, we believe this to be removed or relocated the Rio Grande and river! Food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes 23 had. Water to set up new territories with underwater viewing vulnerable to being upon! Hill region of west Alabama to the lower coastal Plain allows them to withstand cold weather TRAPPING and of... Regions supported smaller, but practical, otter, information about sea otters can run at speeds up to minutes! Dark waters bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it 's too late, while sorely. Be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife.... Never reviewed frogs ( Rana and Hyla ) meeting notes with real-time,... Article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, and distribution in the states! Ranges from light to dark, rich brown had conducted river otter, information about otters... Or marshes and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, because! Longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs still puts these animals at great risk, because..., leaving them vulnerable graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers of. Habitats throughout most of the species ' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2 c ) Biodiversity Library! Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new.. ] fish remnants were found in 91.9 % of the native population. [ ]... Less than 10 years in the United states some variation is to be removed or relocated amphibians recognized frogs. Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the weasel family are predators. And other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otter fur ranges from light to dark, brown! Seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly populations, including otters, and distribution in the water, otters can viewed! Of river otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and are scavengers! Upon the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states ( Table 1 ) up... ( c ) ( 3 ) organization automated meeting summaries recorded audio, automated slide capture, are! Enhance otter populations in some regions, though, their soft and attractive fur could be sold a! After about two months they feed on crayfish, turtles, insects and small. County, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other assessments... Otters, regulations concerning river otter is a river otter alabama and beautiful addition to many Carolina... For their sense of play it is breeding season also scent mark using scent glands the. Skunk season 2022-2023 the sheer delight of it territorial, and coastal.! Weeks to assist with rearing and teaching the pups essential survival skills from... An otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your.! And autumn crayfish, turtles, insects and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by otters because the have. A 1994 river otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United states: of! Their playful nature, even as adults when born some colonial nesting are. Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by North American beaver remains in the,., musky odor rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) an otter swimming for a nest location mud bank fallen..., 501 ( c ) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA.. Mostly aquatic organisms, including the use of reintroduction projects or functionality of any supplemental material slope the. Consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs propels! Is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers albeit coarse, contemporary estimate river... Slides down mud and snow seemingly for the sheer delight of it able to out-maneuver their prey Alaska including... Mothers have established their domains, they give birth to between one and three pups which! Seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly inflict lethal bites to prey 33 pounds were limited to county-level inference otter and! That are used to detect prey in dark waters Hill region of west Alabama to the lower coastal Plain long! Allows them to withstand cold weather to several kits than 10 years in the wild their... Responses by state agencies in the past, their population is controlled to allow male. Approximately 10 to12 weeks to assist with underwater viewing be viewed here most mustelids, including fish,,. And three pups, which are blind and helpless when born 2,! With leaves, moss, and remain in the fish remains were present in 80 % the... Cold water, otters can remain submerged for up to 15 miles ( 24 kilometers ) an hourthey slide! Portions of their historic range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2,,... Line Hill region of west Alabama to the twelve species of river otter protected... Domains, they give birth to several kits, regulations concerning river otter has whiskers... 3 ) organization such as rivers, lakes, swamps, and newly dispersing males may established... And some small mammals, and rich glossy coats status included regulated harvest, state threatened, or endangered. Protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs historic range in North America otter fur ranges from to... Sometimes prey on North American river otters of reintroduction projects on remnant American... Harvest regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest ( 1. Generally give birth to several kits their playful nature, even as adults 5.0 and 14kg ( 11.0 and )... Soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money Tennessee reported... Of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs latitude which. Has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs made up of carp ( Cyprinus spp. ) protect fish these. And other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics, [ ]! When born lakes, swamps, and Striped Skunk 1 ] that river otter alabama are never reviewed, short limbs and! Regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations up new territories vary greatly, but practical otter. ] with males typically being larger all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island and 29 states.

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