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. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. in hatcheries or other fish culture facilities). The North American river otter occurs in much of Canada and the United States, except for portions of the Southwest, and in Mexico in the Rio Grande and Colorado River delta areas. 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. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist 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. Most states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations including harvest-based surveys, presenceabsence surveys, and empirically derived population model predictions; harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach. William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. 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. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. Even the otters at the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights. River otter Lontra canadensis population and regulatory status, population monitoring methods used, intent and outcome of reintroduction efforts, and frequency of harvest regulation reviews in 49 states (Hawaii excluded) within the United States in 2016. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. The river otter is considerably larger, reaching several feet in length. Since their reintroduction to Kentucky in the early 90s, they have recovered to the point that a trapping season was started in 2006, and the species is now found in all major waterways. Smithsonian Institution Press. 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. 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. [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) The North American river otter is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. [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. When the mothers have established their domains, they give birth to several kits. 2003). 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). Although is unlikely that river otters inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. Within the contiguous United States, we estimated that the county-level geographic distribution occupied by river otters to be approximately 5,686,140 km270% of the total land area and 90% of the total water area. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). Diet [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. 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. 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. [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. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). 1996. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. [54][57], Cases where otters have been ambushed and consumed by grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have also been reportedly witnessed near the Arctic region. Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 52 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive. 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. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). [2008], and Roberts [2010]). This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Critter Control near me [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. As of 2016, >4,000 river otters have been translocated to 23 states in one of the most ambitious and extensive carnivore restoration efforts in history (Erb et al. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: [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. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. 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.). Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk. [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. The North American river otters may leave the den by eight weeks and are capable of sustaining themselves upon the arrival of fall, but they usually stay with their families, which sometimes include the father, until the following spring. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. [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 fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. river otter devon. 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. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. [36] Other prey consumed by North American river otters includes fruits,[37] reptiles, amphibians, birds (most especially moulting ducks which render the birds flightless and thus makes them easier to capture), aquatic insects, small mammals, and mollusks. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. 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. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). ", "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. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. Photo Credit: U.S. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. North American river otters are very susceptible to the effects of environmental pollution, which is a likely factor in the continued decline of their numbers. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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. 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. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. 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