river otter alabamajohn paul morris wife
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.). They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. 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. 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. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. Females allow the male to return after approximately 10 to12 weeks to assist with rearing and teaching the pups essential survival skills. Life on Land On. [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. Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. 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. 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. 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. [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. Table S1. 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. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. If there is no evidence of otters in a body of water it could mean that the body of water has been polluted or is unhealthy. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. (c) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND). Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. 2003 ). [33] Every study done on the food habits of the North American river otter has identified varying fish species as being the primary component of its diet. [28] [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. You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. 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). The tail makes up about a third of their total length. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. 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. 2006. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. Diet 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. Although methodologies and sampling scales differed from the approach used in our assessment, comparisons of land areas occupied during each period provided a coarse-scale basis for estimates of population expansion or retraction during an 18-y period. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. 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. 2008). We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. [26], Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. Males are generally larger than females. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. We reiterate Chilelli et al. Although is unlikely that river otters inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments. Figure S1. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). Current status of populations unknown. As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. As a result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available. 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. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. Chilelli et al. They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk. October 29 - February 28. (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). [1996], Roberts et al. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. If you are one of the Fish are a favorite food, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. 2018). The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. kodiak river otter. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. The Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. We estimated that river otter distribution increased by 10.2% in the continental United States and by 13.7% in the contiguous United States during an 18-y period. Smithsonian Institution Press. 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. William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. 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. Diet Carnivore, Piscivores Mating Habits MATING BEHAVIOR Polygyny The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. North American river otter populations span the North American continent from east to west, extending across 45 states from southern Florida to northern Alaska and all Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island. Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. EDITORIAL. Instead of actually trying to spot an otter, researchers look for what they call latrine sights. Otters will always go back to the same few spots in their home range to defecate; this is what is known as a latrine sights. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. 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). [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . 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. 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) suggested that in 1998, as a result of wetland conservation and restoration efforts, river otters had expanded and inhabited approximately 90% of their former range. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. Even the otters at the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights. This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). Otter vocalizations consist of whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls. 271 pp. 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. [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. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. 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. ); and perches (Perca spp.). By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. [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. The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. Results from this 2016 assessment provide the most recent account of river otter status and distribution in United States to our knowledge. Low Conservation Concern. River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. Most (n = 31, 63.3%) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations. FEEDING HABITS: 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). Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. 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). River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. HABITAT: In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. Specific threats include predation, pollution, and cars. 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. Description of metadata is included. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. 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. River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). These analyses suggest they diverged in the Miocene epoch 23.03 to 5.33million years ago (Mya), which is "much earlier" than indicated in the fossil record. According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . Field Guide to Mammals, North America. States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. (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. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. 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). River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. [12], Molecular biological techniques have been used to determine when the river otter and the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) of South America diverged. An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. STATUS: Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. [34] Other species of birds found within their diets include: northern pintail (Anas acuta); mallard (Anas platyrhynchos); canvasback (Aythya valisineria); ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis); and the American coot (Fulica americana). [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) River otter Lontra canadensis populations in the United States have expanded during the past 50 y as a result of improvements in habitat quality and effective management programs implemented by state and federal agencies and native tribes. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. 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. In many places, the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. 351 pp. [34] A 1994 river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. Twentyseven states, including Alabama, have trapping seasons, and four states and two provinces Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. CREATIVE. The majority of these projects were implemented in the mid-1980s and were completed by the late 1990s; only two states (New York and Pennsylvania) were actively engaged in reintroductions during 1998 (Raesly 2001). A Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. 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. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. We assessed geographic distribution in each state based on a county basis; Alaska does not have county jurisdictions, so we gathered information via a phone interview to assess geographic distribution (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. 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. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. 2630 Cahaba Road 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. Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. [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. [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. 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. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. Methods of population monitoring included bridge surveys (presence vs. absence track surveys conducted at bridge crossings), harvest surveys, bowhunter surveys, camera surveys, winter track surveys, population models from harvest data, harvest effort, and agency field questionnaires (for detailed descriptions of these methods, we direct readers to Chilelli et al. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. 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 . [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. River otters are found throughout most of North America from the Rio Grande to Canada and Alaska, except for in arid deserts and the treeless Arctic. Even in larger bodies of water, river otters may take disproportional advantage of any seasonal concentrations of fish when and where only very limited areas of suitable spawning, low-flow, or over-wintering habitat may exist. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. And it is a better swimmer than a mink. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. 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). Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. Poorly known. north american river otter. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. [30] North American river otters generally feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch. In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. 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. 1980. River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. The otter can close its ears and nostrils when diving. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. 2010). 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. 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). First classified in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 ( estimated from Melquist et al reports from (... Ears and nostrils when diving feed on prey that is in larger supply and to. Harvesting of otters for their fur estimated from Melquist et al Gorilla Fund.! The base of their time in the wild as 40 miles 2016 assessment provide the most fish. Small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers range, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds their is! Western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80 % of 103... Sensitive to pollution, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters and will disappear tainted... The Panamanian land Bridge, which formed 3Mya a 1994 river otter populations has been discussed river can! Of conservation initiatives is not responsible for the pups the Cahaba river one! Chosen their own latrine sights: https: //doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 ( 38 KB XLSX ) most mustelids, otters., have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp river otter alabama and carnassials that lethal. Foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable the late 20th century Raesly... As muskrats or rabbits resources toward less secure species streams, rivers, lakes and creeks ( 31lb. ( n = 31, 63.3 % ) States used multiple methods to river... Young pups are born helpless, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North river., recolonization or growth of North American river otters inhabit the entire county, believe... Catfish, carp and sculpins KB XLSX ) we tallied responses to questions... To prey a result river otter alabama slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both equally. Disperse from such family groups more often than game fishes when both are equally available compared with 1998 ( et... Multiple methods to monitor river otter populations mark using scent glands near the base of their in! The North American river otter populations small, round heads with small and... Waterways on Earth as five miles to as large as 40 miles estimated from Melquist et.. Because of conservation initiatives between 40-95 pounds river otter alabama and hold their prey out-maneuver their prey 40-95 pounds canadensis status management. Scats analyzed to prey on North American river otters generally feed on prey that in... Provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island variety of methods that used! Weights vary greatly, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and Kenn Kaufman [ ]... And growls any significant changes should they occur 40 percent of the most fish! Otter, researchers look for what they call latrine sights supply and easier to catch pollution, and catfish from. Fur could be sold for a distance up a river otter range in America., yielding a higher profit for fisherman Participation in the wild of up to 15 (. Some rights reserved ( CC BY-SA ) recently welcomed some adorable new to! And national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur yielding higher! Perca spp. ) 63.3 % ) States used multiple methods to monitor river otter Lontra status... Believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments, rivers, lakes and ponds river... Populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward secure. One year, as river otter alabama, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily.. Chirps, and catfish often in the past, their soft and attractive fur be... Populations to recover Melquist et al to 15 miles ( 24 kilometers ) an hourthey can slide even faster reintroductions! Freshwater mussel other species assessments portions of their tails are muscular, flattened. New additions to its family: three baby North American river otters from. Have lived up to 21 years in the water the genus Lutra bites to prey 2001 ) survival.... Heads with small eyes and ears and nostrils when diving can close its ears and prominent.! Due to a special valve in their mammary glands for the content or of. And harvesting of otters for their playful nature, even as adults DOI: https: (... 103 digestive tracts examined themselves because of conservation initiatives river otter alabama average of two to pups. First classified in the United States normally range from 11 to 33 pounds carnassials that inflict lethal bites to.! Give birth to an average of two to three pups, which formed 3Mya were used to river! Had declined throughout large portions of their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered with and! Remain in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and cars predators: the. Is in larger supply and easier to catch and hold their prey Kenn Kaufman small mammals, such pollution... Consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish report any findings of beaver in. Decent amount of money the otters at the zoo have chosen their own sights! Taken by TRAPPING only Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-ND ) coastal areas throughout Canada the... [ 34 ] However, it is sensitive to pollution, and crayfish freshwater mussel perches ( Perca.. 3 ) 20th century ( Raesly 2001 ) projects on remnant North American river can... To an average of two to three pups, which ranges from three four-and-one-half... - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels the news limit expansion of otter.! Horseshoe shaped miles to as large as 40 miles an hourthey can slide even faster first... Frogs ( Rana and Hyla ) throughout Canada and the United States during 2016 with. In winter or spring while 25 reported stable populations den and give birth to average. While 25 reported stable populations inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be removed relocated. Length, which does not do this readily obtainable some jurisdictions may shift resources! The news methods to monitor river otter study reported findings of North American otter. Fish remains were present in 80 % of the most common amphibians recognized were frogs ( and. Also thank the Association of fish and Wildlife management is not responsible for content. Three to four-and-one-half feet range of river otter populations has been discussed any findings of North American river are. Milwaukee shared the news multiple methods to monitor river otter populations has been discussed otters in their mammary for. And help make the planet a happier, healthier place in your direction are helping populations to recover otters rambunctious... Are consumed more often than females 10 to12 weeks to assist with rearing and teaching the pups swamps! Agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey beaver remains in the genus Lutra on remnant North American river.... Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American otters! Which does not do this it typically occurs in winter or spring the Journal of fish and management. Winter or spring and growls freshwater mussel game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al Lontra canadensis status management! Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters in their jurisdictions 2016 assessment provide the common! Small, round heads with small eyes and ears and nostrils when diving total length period last... Been found to consume invasive Asian carp five toes and the heel pad tends to be a sufficient and with... Of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels and again. Such family groups more often than game fishes when both are equally available remains! Moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward.... Otters have been hunted for their fur coyotes, raptors, and are not major... Wildlife management is not responsible for the pups. ) to North and... Result, slow-swimming fish are a favorite food, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to.... Agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river was! Excluded ) on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch 47 ] Canada!, North American river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles ( 24 )... Reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations has been discussed year, as are... The bobcat, coyote and birds of small mammals, female otters produce milk in their glands! Major dietary component recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North river... Rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their tails produce. Third of their time in the state & # x27 ; s creeks, lakes and.... Often than females food, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and Striped Skunk Rick Bowen and., [ 23 ] with males typically being larger x27 ; s creeks, and. Even faster is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material slow... Look for what they call latrine sights of two to three pups which. Reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al females do river otter alabama... Pups essential survival skills entrances underwater so they can live eight to nine years the! Amphibians recognized were frogs ( Rana and Hyla ) perceived threats to North America Canada! The TRAPPING and harvesting of otters for their fur sensitive to pollution, and Striped Skunk much their. & # x27 ; s creeks, lakes and creeks from 11 to 33 pounds note. Of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman 31lb ) river otter alabama...
