Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). ); and perches (Perca spp.). River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . 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. [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. Males sometimes form a group with other young males until breeding season; otherwise a group of otters is typically a female with her young pups or pups from the previous litter. 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. [28] CREATIVE. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. 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. beaver river otter. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. Found throughout the United States and Canada. Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. Otters are what we call an indicator species. This means that if there is evidence of otters living in a body of water then that body of water is likely very healthy and clean. [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. Lontra canadensis. Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. 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. 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). [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. 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. The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). 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. Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. Critter Control near me National Audubon Society. [36], North American river otters may prefer to feed on crustaceans, especially crayfish (Cambarus, Pacifasticus, and others) and crabs[52] more than fish where they are locally and seasonally plentiful. (Figure 1). Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. Diet Carnivore, Piscivores Mating Habits MATING BEHAVIOR Polygyny 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). Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. 2015). North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. [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. They first learn to swim after about two months. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 2010). They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. 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. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. 1987. Steele Creek Recreational Center, Satsuma, AL. Fish and Wildlife Service. Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). [20] Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. 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). [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. [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. 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. 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. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. 1,712 River Otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images. North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. DESCRIPTION: In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020; 11 (1): 279286. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). 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. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. The Lower Alabama River begins at the Claiborne Lock and Dam and runs south 72.5 miles through Monroe, Clarke, and Baldwin counties where it joins the Tombigbee River. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. EDITORIAL. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. 2006. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. North Americanriver otters inhabit freshwater waterways such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and swamps or marshes. Herein we provide an updated account, as of 2016, of river otter population status and distribution in the United States and discuss conservation priorities. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. River otter status, management, and distribution in the United States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. 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.). Sighting one can be an exciting occasion for boaters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts because of the creature's secretive nature and relative rarity in some waters. States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. The River Otter is a river that rises in the Blackdown Hills just inside the county of Somerset, England near Otterford, then flows south through East Devon. Of the remaining 37 states; 24 states reviewed regulations promptly or annually and 10 states reviewed harvest regulations in cycles of 23 y; Michigan reported that regulations are reviewed every 2 to 3 years and promptly as needed (Table 1). Figure S1. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the United States. Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. Based on maps published by Melquist et al. 2006. 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.). 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). 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. In 1980, an examination conducted on U.S. river otter populations determined they were locally extinct in 11 states, and lost significant population in 9 other states. 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). They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. Catch-per-unit effort, population models, and presence vs. absence indices, such as bowhunter surveys and track surveys, were used less frequently (Table 1). This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. 2008). The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. 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). [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. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. Probably present statewide in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. Most (n = 31, 63.3%) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). HABITAT: 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 continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. 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. 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). 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