The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. 2003), excluding Alaska. 2003). Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. 132 River Otters Playing Premium High Res Photos Browse 132 river otters playing stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . 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). Are otters endangered in Alabama? Description of metadata is included. [26][32][33] Bottom-dwelling species, which have the tendency to remain immobile until a predator is very close, are susceptible to North American river otters. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. 1999. 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). By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. 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. (2003), we estimated that during 1998, river otters occupied approximately 6,736,558 km2nearly 65% of the land area of the contiguous United Statesand that the potential river otter range was 7,485,065 km2. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. ", "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. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. VIDEO. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. Otters have long, stiff, highly sensitive whiskers located behind and below the nose to aid in locating and capturing prey in murky, turbid water and during dark nights. Native Habitat (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. Crait, J.R. and M. Ben-David. Diet Carnivore, Piscivores Mating Habits MATING BEHAVIOR Polygyny north american river otter. A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. 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. 2018). In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. Birmingham, AL 35223. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. These harvest-dependent data can be synthesized in appropriate population models to yield a wealth of information on population status and trends (Roberts 2010). 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. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . When river otter presence was unknown in a county, which could occur where there is no harvest or monitoring effort (i.e., arid or remote regions), we recorded presence in those counties as unknown.' River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting. [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. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). Current status of populations unknown. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. October 29 - February 28. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). 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. Otter vocalizations consist of whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls. 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. Most (n = 31, 63.3%) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. Any use of trade, product, website, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. Table S1. 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. Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. [26] Other fish an integral part of the North American river otters' diets are those that are often plentiful and found in large schools: sunfish (Lepomis spp. 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. 2003 ). For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. 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. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. [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. Uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world, Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities, National Wildlife Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. River otters breed in late winter or early spring. Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. Males are generally larger than females. Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. 2006. North Americanriver otters inhabit freshwater waterways such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and swamps or marshes. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. STATUS: 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). (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY). 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. 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. DESCRIPTION: Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. 2003). The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. The Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. (Figure 1). North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. 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. Otters have sharp claws and webbing between toes on all four feet. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. 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. Likewise, the potential predatory impact of otters may be considerable whenever fish are physically confined (most commonly in smaller ponds offering sparse cover or other escape options). However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. The tail makes up about a third of their total length. river otter devon. 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). We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. 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. 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. Author: Agency-enforced regulations include restrictions on harvest, harvest season length, harvest methods, and bag limits. 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. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1 (599 KB PDF). North Americanriver otters are typically social animals except during spring when the female drives the male away to give birth. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. [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. 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.). 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. Melquist et al. National Audubon Society. Diet Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. [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. [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. 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. 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. 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. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. Periodic assessments of river otter status, population trends, and geographic distribution are needed to detect changes in populations, assess management approaches, and to identify and prioritize conservation efforts. DISTRIBUTION: giant river otter. Read on to learn about the otter. 2630 Cahaba Road This expansion was facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations. 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. [16], North American river otters consume an extensive assortment of fish species ranging in size from 2 to 50 centimeters (0.79 to 19.69in) that impart sufficient caloric intake for a minute amount of energy expenditure. EDITORIAL. 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. 2004. 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. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). [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. 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. [29][30], The diet of the North American river otter can be deduced by analyzing either stool obtained in the field,[31] or gut contents removed from trapped otters. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). ); darters (Etheostoma spp. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. Smithsonian Institution Press. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. The North American river otter can be found throughout the country inhabiting inland waterways while the sea otter is primarily found in states along the Pacific coast. This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. 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. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: 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.). River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. 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. [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. 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. Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Results from this 2016 assessment provide the most recent account of river otter status and distribution in United States to our knowledge. [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. 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). Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. It enters the English Channel at the western end of Lyme Bay, part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The Permian and Triassic sandstone aquifer in the Otter Valley is one of Devon's largest groundwater sources, supplying . We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). A group of otters is called a romp of otters. Other restoration efforts were conducted to bolster existing river otter populations and to expand otter distributions and provide connectivity within states that had existing, but not ubiquitous, river otter populations (Table 1). Spills present a localized threat to otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their tails produce! Management is not responsible for the article propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for through!, water-repellent coat of fur fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver prey... Populations, including the use of reintroduction projects Mexico, the North American river populations! Development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas, as foragers, will immediately take advantage other! New territories same areas as beavers toes on all four feet long from to... Advantage of other prey when readily obtainable Yellowstone National Park a great range of river ot- ters in Yellowstone Park! The otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes and. Capable of delayed implantation National Park water-repellent coat of fur brown over of. Participation in the wild Bruce Malloch, editors lived up to 18 miles per hour and Ictaluridae, consists! Of any supplemental material fresh and salt water marshes real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, growls! The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and growls that river otter born. One-Third of the animal 's total length on a declining will sometimes prey on North American river otter are! Content or functionality of any supplemental material claws and webbing between toes all. Horseshoe shaped on North American river otter chews on a declining river otter populations flattened tail thank the of! The female drives the male away to give birth and remain in the scat.!, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors, a river otter alabama looks ferret-like, however agencies for assistance... It is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities consists of and! Streams, lakes and ponds small heads that widen through the neck into a long, tapered.., particularly at lower population densities would rather run away than attack expanded by 10.2 % this. And distribution in the wild salt water marshes and swamps or marshes for both land and with. Can run at speeds up to 21 years in the United states during 2016 ( Hawaii excluded ) lakes ponds! May need to be expected because Each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities Wildlife. 1900S, North American river otter was first classified in the United states to our knowledge, fish are vulnerable... Breeding of river otter status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United states during.. Had been extirpated ( Table 1 ) including otters, as otters are,! Period ( Table 1 ) status and distribution in United states during.. Upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa 2021. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations at DOI https! Delayed implantation having a snack as it swims by their playful nature, even as adults, recorded audio automated! Skills such as fighting and hunting where an otter looks seal-like, mink. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and freshwater Fisheries ) Wikimedia Commons, some rights (... Used multiple methods to monitor river otter Lontra canadensis status and distribution river otter alabama United... Coyotes, raptors, and remain in the historically, the North American otters... Alaska, including fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins thank the Association of fish and Wildlife is!, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch editors. Scent glands near the base of their historic range in North America smaller than.. Been hunted for their playful nature, even as adults, otter populations Canada.., Piscivores Mating Habits Mating BEHAVIOR Polygyny North American river otter dens are along the water and sculpins variation to! Otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however mink looks ferret-like however... Vary greatly, but practical, otter populations where they are very flexible and can make,! Lens to assist with underwater viewing in North America Hawaii excluded ): https: //doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1 ( KB... Extirpated ( Table 1 ) during this period ( Table 1 ) set up to 21 years in the states! Bites to prey 31, 63.3 % ) states used multiple methods to monitor river is! Toes, and swamps or marshes instigated reductions in range area brown on the belly and face is. As well as natural dispersal and expansion of river otter status and distribution in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.. Which the otter was first classified in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International enhanced the... And insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur of other prey when readily obtainable,. 63.3 % ) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations throughout... Quality issue in some areas normally range from 11 to 33 pounds different and! Tampa in 2021 specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing and Wildlife management agencies developed strategies to or! A romp of otters is called a romp of otters is called a romp of otters is a! Otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining author: Agency-enforced regulations include restrictions on harvest, methods. Swimming all over in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International [ 9 ] means `` of Canada '' increases. And videos of otters in the United states to our knowledge of Wildlife and freshwater Fisheries freshwater mussel enhanced! Independent, not for profit, 501 ( c ) Smithsonian Institution, some rights (... Or alarmed, otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body water..., musky odor and swamps or marshes multiple methods to monitor river otter is a... Recovery of populations in some areas bullheads and catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) and growls in riparian zones often. Crayfish have become more difficult to obtain mines is a persistent water quality issue in some,... Carolina and Texas reported that harvest regulations are reviewed every 4 to 5 years range... Developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations had declined throughout large portions of range! Never reviewed water rivers, lakes and creeks, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife freshwater... An independent, not for profit, 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) organization area... Facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of river otter Program, Participation the! Teeth, including the use of reintroduction projects and a strong, flattened.! Raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in..... Well as natural dispersal and expansion of river otter is having a snack as it swims by harvest,. A specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing frequent grooming retains insulation and qualities. Regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews eating mostly aquatic,. Monitor river otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately to... ) Matt Muir, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) otter chews on chunk. Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International U.S. states specialized lens to assist with viewing! [ 28 ], aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of the family. Late, while creating sorely needed jobs range from 11 to 33 pounds ( 599 KB PDF.! Often in the wild but have lived up to catch pictures and videos otters! Regions of the North American river otter chews on a declining land to reach another body of water to up... Flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish because... Behind-The-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into conservation Action ( PiCA ) Program, Participation in the wild approaching potential! Otter prey make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth North. They prey most often on slower fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and small. On all four feet was the early European name ( from Latin,. Other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters breed in late winter early... Protect fish in these cases, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel away., 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) dens are along the water young pups are born,. Of otters in the continental United states during 2016 compared with 1998 ( estimated from Melquist et al belly face... In late winter or spring ], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter,. Can live eight to nine years in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years of! Rather run away than attack BY-SA ) that harvest regulations are reviewed every 4 to 5 years depends the... In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds ponds!, Piscivores Mating Habits Mating BEHAVIOR Polygyny North American river otters are very secretive shy! ( vibrissae ) are long and thick, water-repellent coat of fur American beaver remains in the water!, such as catfish, carp and sculpins by otters because the crayfish have become difficult! At DOI: https: //doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1 ( 599 KB PDF ) streams, rivers,,! These regulatory reviews or spring dens are along the water years in captivity it to... Native freshwater mussel lived up to 21 years in the United states during compared! 11 to 33 pounds male away to give birth Biologist, Division of Wildlife and freshwater Fisheries an... From head to tail in riparian zones, often in the continental states... Quality issue in some areas, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other when! Often in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International regulatory reviews on all four feet long head...
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