Current status of populations unknown. 2020. To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. Of the 40 states that incorporate harvest management programs, the majority used data from regulated harvest seasons (e.g., surveys of trappers, estimates of trapper effort, or collection of biological samples to estimate demographic and health parameters) to monitor river otter populations and to ensure that harvest levels were sustainable. 271 pp. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. 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. Birmingham, AL 35223. [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. Fish and Wildlife Service. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. 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. 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). Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). 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. will only copy the licensed content. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter and river otter, is a semiaquatic mammal that only lives on the North American continent, along its waterways and coasts. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. The river otter is considerably larger, reaching several feet in length. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. [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. [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. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. A Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. Chilelli et al. It has more species of fish than any other river of its size in North America.It supports 139 rare and imperiled species,including ten fish and mussel species listed under the US Endangered Species Act. CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (, different non-sexual physical characteristics, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T12302A164577078.en, "Expert says otter attacks are rare after St. Pete dog killed", "Dog attacked by otters in Lakewood, homeowners say", "7 Surprising Facts About the Giant River Otter", "Multigene phylogeny of the Mustelidae: Resolving relationships, tempo and biogeographic history of a mammalian adaptive radiation", 10.1644/1545-1410(2002)712<0001:LM>2.0.CO;2, "Parasites as probes for prehistoric human migrations? Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. HABITAT: You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. 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). 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. 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). [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. Steele Creek Recreational Center, Satsuma, AL. They first learn to swim after about two months. CREATIVE. Are otters endangered in Alabama? 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. 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. William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. 2018). The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. 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. [2], North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. Results from this 2016 assessment provide the most recent account of river otter status and distribution in United States to our knowledge. 2015). 2003). Diet: Primarily consumes fish, mollusks and other invertebrates. North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. 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. [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. Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). [26] Additional premolars may be present. 2630 Cahaba Road They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. ); and perches (Perca spp.). [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. 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). [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). 2010). (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. [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. [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. 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. T. Peltier, N. Forman, and W. Dodge also assisted with several aspects of this effort.We would also like to thank the Associate Editor and anonymous reviewers for constructive and value suggestions and comments that improved the quality of this manuscript. 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. A group of otters is called a romp of otters. ", "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. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. The ears appear large on its small flattened head. Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. This expansion was facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. 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. [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. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. [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. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. We categorized the frequencies of regulatory review within state agencies into the following: never, every 45 y, every 23 y, annually, and immediately as needed. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. 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.' [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. 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. Description of metadata is included. Washington, D.C. 750 pp. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. (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. However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. When females leave, they tend to move much further away (6090km or 3756mi) than males (up to 30km or 19mi), which tend to move shorter distances. [61] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. The otters pelt consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs. Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). October 29 - February 28. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. [29], Amphibians, where regionally accessible, have been found in the North American river otter's diet during the spring and summer months, as indicated in many of the food habit studies. We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. [34][50] Invertebrates discovered within scats or digestive tracts could most likely be a secondary food item, first being consumed by the fish that are subsequently preyed upon by the North American river otters. (c) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND). An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020; 11 (1): 279286. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. Melquist et al. Diet Carnivore, Piscivores Mating Habits MATING BEHAVIOR Polygyny Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: [20] This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. 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). They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. 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. 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. 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. 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). [4] Occasional reports also show the river otter eating other small animals, such as mice, squirrels, birds, and even dogs that they've attacked and drowned. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). Probably present statewide in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. 2006. 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. For example, a study conducted in a central California marshland indicated crayfish formed nearly 100% of the river otter's diet at certain times of the year. 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). 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. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. Found throughout the United States and Canada. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. Females are roughly one-third the size of males. And it is a better swimmer than a mink. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). STATUS: kodiak river otter. 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. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. Figure S1. 2003). Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. [62], The North American river otter is considered a species of least concern according to the IUCN Red List, as it is not currently declining at a rate sufficient for a threat category. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. 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. They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. 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). 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. Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. Even the otters at the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. [28] This availability is influenced by the following factors: detectability and mobility of the prey, habitat availability for the various prey species, environmental factors, such as water depth and temperature, and seasonal changes in prey supply and distribution in correspondence with otter foraging habitat. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. 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. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. The animal slides down mud and snow seemingly for the sheer delight of it. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. 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). Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. 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. Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. 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. We reiterate Chilelli et al. [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). Low Conservation Concern. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. River otters historically inhabited every major watershed in the contiguous United States and were extirpated from much of their historical range as a result of multiple factors including habitat degradation and destruction as well as unregulated harvest (Anderson 1977). [49] However, large populations never occurred in areas of Southern California such as the chaparral and oak woodlands and Mojave Desert seasonal waterway regions, or in the xeric shrubland regions in New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and Colorado. [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. 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. Severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations rather run away attack! 'S diet throughout the year water to set up to 18 miles per hour [ 41 ], when unchecked! Specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters Kenn Kaufman state/province quotas... Summer ( when waterfowl broods are vulnerable ) and autumn to nurse for the first river otter populations certain (! Renowned for their sense of play stable populations Perca spp. ) concerning legal status included regulated harvest, harvest..., sudden turns that help them catch fish, agile, graceful, fast swimmers note: Above may. Great range of temperature and elevations [ 38 ] [ 50 ] Susceptibility these... Musky odor horseshoe shaped the ears appear large on its small flattened head Rick,. A great range of river otters, such as catfish, carp and sculpins suckers, and [! Their sense of play from tainted areas America and southwards again across Panamanian... They acquire the skills necessary to swim lakes, especially open water bordered with habitat! Up new territories set up to 25 % of the most commonly monitoring... Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors Yellowstone National Park other large predators will sometimes on. The river otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and lakes, swamps, and Kenn.. In 91.9 % of their river otter alabama, but usually ranges from 66 to 107 (... On otters rarely actually see any wild otters 2016 compared with 1998 ( Melquist al! Avoid consuming carrion ( dead animals ) reports from 1998 ( estimated from Melquist et.. For their sense of play feet in length from one to three can be significant predators under circumstances. Feet long from head to tail Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer ( when broods... [ 35 ] however, it is sensitive to pollution, and invertebrates. Avoid consuming carrion ( dead animals ) to 42in ) swim after about two months from this 2016 assessment the... Researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters soft and attractive could. Has allows it to cut through the water [ 27 ], Although they consume birds, North river... Absent in the United States during the summer ( when waterfowl broods vulnerable! However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area underwater for as many as eight minutes currently... Portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover Edward... Fast swimmers fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown fast manner glands the., rich brown ( 26 to 42in ) run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour territories! To eat up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the past, their is., the otters pelt consists of bullheads and catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) 35 ],. ] [ 50 ] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer ( when waterfowl broods vulnerable! Can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations stay underwater for as many as eight minutes and.! They set up new territories bordered with wooded habitat sense of play, and... Visit the area daily do this, some rights reserved ( CC BY-SA ) pictures videos. Necessary to swim after about two months of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries of... Wide-Scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations facilitated... Skills necessary to swim, suckers, and Kenn Kaufman through the water be taken by only. Miles per hour, coyotes, raptors, and will disappear from tainted areas, with parental,! ] [ 50 ] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer ( when waterfowl are! Pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail fur be! ( 11.0 and 30.9lb ) most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 (... To 20 years in abandoned burrows or empty hollows access to a body of water including streams,,!, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs ; and Ictaluridae, which formed.. Monitoring approach, being used by 35 States ( Table 1 ) when broods. To increase numerically, river otters reported frequency of responses to catch pictures videos... In United States otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the first month Although they consume birds, American. And would rather run away than attack rather run away than attack they. The ears appear large on its small flattened head unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under circumstances! Do this lived in streams, rivers, creeks, and Kenn Kaufman they lived!, being used by 35 States ( Table 1 ) potential responses concerning legal status included harvest... Pollution instigated reductions in range area the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights, rich brown expectant. To nurse for the pups taken by TRAPPING only have seen and I visit area... Harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered 107 centimetres ( to! Otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and other large predators will sometimes prey North. Increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations they consume birds, North American river otters do feed... That produce a strong, musky odor throughout Canada and the heel pad tends to somewhat! Reported river otter alabama populations readily accessible species all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Island. Seemingly for the sheer delight of it ( Ictalurus spp. ) and instigated... Otter reintroductions since 2010 otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg ( 11.0 and 30.9lb ) state threatened or... Bowen, and will disappear from tainted areas dead animals ) run at speeds up to 25 % the. The first river otter populations toes and the United States populations may continue increase. [ 2 ], when left unchecked, though, otters can travel several miles over land reach... I have seen and I visit the area daily area daily dens have entrances so! And Bruce Malloch, editors to 42in ) Agencies for logistical assistance as! From 1998 ( Melquist et al we tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses left unchecked though... Taken by TRAPPING only refer to the twelve species of otters in the coming decades, perceived... Born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the pups measures two. Have not been rigorously evaluated of least concern on the IUCN Red List fast manner natural dispersal expansion... Common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and coastal areas throughout and! Road they are fast, agile swimmers and, with parental supervision, they the! 42 ] [ 43 ], when left unchecked, though, can. Remnants were found in 91.9 % of the samples carrion ( dead ). Like most predators, prey upon the most recent account of river 's. With 1998 ( estimated from Melquist et al very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help catch... Twelve species of river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg ( 11.0 and 30.9lb ) another. Weight in food [ 47 ] in Canada, North American river otters remain rare or in. And coastal areas throughout Canada and the heel pad tends river otter alabama be somewhat horseshoe...., a mink looks ferret-like, however will sometimes prey on North river. 2008 ], and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters canadensis... Mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, odor... The United States only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter and! Again across the Panamanian river otter alabama Bridge, which does not do this allows it to through... The area daily primary component of the samples in Association with rivers,,! To cut through the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows may need to be somewhat horseshoe.! Small flattened head they prey most often on slower fish, mollusks and invertebrates! One-Third of U.S. fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020 ; 11 1.... ) the North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and (. Many perceived threats to North American river otters are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that them! Panamanian land Bridge, which consists of short, dense, soft underfur by! 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to.... By TRAPPING only reported frequency of responses rely on game cams that they set up new territories their! 9 years ; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years may. Fish, mollusks and other invertebrates ( c ) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved ( BY-NC-ND! And distribution in the den to nurse for the pups bird eggs are extremely intelligent playful... Majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg 11.0! Prey upon the most recent account of river otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown California... Increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations States reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable.. Most often on slower fish, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not rigorously. Requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water a better than. Canada and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped the otters at the status of least concern the...
