[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. Table S1. [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. Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. [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. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: 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. [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. We asked each agency expert to report 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. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. North Americanriver otters inhabit freshwater waterways such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and swamps or marshes. [54], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. 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. 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. Field Guide to Mammals, North America. Its tail is furred but longer and more streamlined than a mink's. The otter's face is roundish, almost dog-like. The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. [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. Washington, D.C. 750 pp. North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. 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. River otters are totally protected in 17 states. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. 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. 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. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. Weight: 11-30 lbs. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. 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). giant river otter. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. 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). Second edition, Otters: an action plan for their conservation, Status of river otter reintroduction projects in the United States, Enhancing furbearer management in New York State. 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. 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. 2003). VIDEO. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. [29] In Georgia, crayfish accounted for two-thirds of the prey in the summer diet, and their remnants were present in 98% of the summer spraint. 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. 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). River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. 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). These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). 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. 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. Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. Fish and Wildlife Service. 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). When hunting for food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes. Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. ), and other game fish during spawning. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. 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). 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. The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. 2008). and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. 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. To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. River otter status, management, and distribution in the United States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion. Herein we provide an updated account, as of 2016, of river otter population status and distribution in the United States and discuss conservation priorities. Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 52 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive. Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Now they are gone from the central and eastern United States, and extinct or rare in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. [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. 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. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting. 2003) indicated that changes in river otter distribution occurred primarily in the contiguous United States and that river otters had expanded their range by approximately 13.7% during an 18-y period (Table 2). [39] Remains of the much larger North American beaver have been found in North American river otter scat in some regions, although most otter dietary studies in areas where otters and beaver live near each other do not show them to be regular predators of beavers (despite the claims of fur-trappers that otters frequently hunt beavers) and perhaps only young beaver kits may be attacked. Americanriver otters inhabit freshwater waterways such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and distribution in the Fossey... Water rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and a strong, flattened tail: Once with. Muskrats or rabbits adapted for both land and water with short legs webbed... 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