FEEDING HABITS: [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Water pollution and other diminution of aquatic and wetland habitats may limit distribution and pose long-term threats if the enforcement of water quality standards is not upheld. Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. 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. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. [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. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. 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. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. 2003). In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. 2018). In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. 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. [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 Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. giant river otter. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. 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). Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. [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. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. 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.' ); darters (Etheostoma spp. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. 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). River otters are totally protected in 17 states. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. 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). Females are roughly one-third the size of males. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. 2006. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. The remaining states indicated that they reintroduced river otters to expand populations in their state beyond their current range, including three states that indicated that reintroductions were also used to reestablish extirpated populations and seven states that used reintroductions to bolster populations where they already existed (Table 1). On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. 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. Length: 35-50 inches. Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. 2003). Field Guide to Mammals, North America. 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. [20] Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. Table S1. Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. Otter vocalizations consist of whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. 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. Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2023 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64 N. Union Street, Suite 468 - Montgomery, Alabama 36130, Physically Disabled Hunting and Fishing Trail, https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=467475161060988&ev=PageView&noscript=1. Preceding the settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of the continent. Identification. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). [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. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. Nevertheless, these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter range in the United States. Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. 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. They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. 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. 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. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. Still these animals are commercially harvested: 20,000 - 30,000 are taken annually for their lustrous fur.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account, (c) Discover Life and original sources, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC-SA). In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. (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. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020; 11 (1): 279286. Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. 2006. October 29 - February 28. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). [54], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. 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). They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. 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. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. Like fishers, martens, and mink, they have long, slender bodies, short limbs, and a short face, plus a set of adaptations for their aquatic lifestyle: an oily, waterproof coat, webbed toes, and small external ears. North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. 1987. DISTRIBUTION: [1], Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. [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. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. 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. This continued numeric and geographic expansion was fostered by conservation management programs by state and federal agencies, natural dispersal and expansion of existing populations into increasingly suitable habitats, and reintroduction efforts by state wildlife agencies and conservation partnerships (Raesly 2001). Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. 2020. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. [1], During the 1970s, improvements in natural resource management techniques emerged, along with increased concerns about North American river otter population declines in North America. [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. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). [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. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. As of 2016, only two additional states had conducted reintroductions (New Mexico and North Dakota) since Raesly's (2001) previous assessment and Utah was the only state that had reintroduced river otters since 2010. As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. [53] A study conducted on North American river otters in a southwestern Arkansas swamp identified a correlation between crayfish consumption, fish consumption, and water levels. 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][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. 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. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. [28] [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. (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. 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. Diet: Primarily consumes fish, mollusks and other invertebrates. [13] Fossils of a giant river otter dating back 3.5 Mya (during the Pliocene)[14] have been found in the US Midwest; however, fossils of the modern river otter did not appear in North America until about 1.9Mya. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. [61] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. 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. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . 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). They can thrive in any water habitat, such as ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers, and estuariesin cold, warm, or even high-elevation areasas long as the habitat provides adequate food. Sighting one can be an exciting occasion for boaters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts because of the creature's secretive nature and relative rarity in some waters. Reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern United States. River otter Lontra canadensis population and regulatory status, population monitoring methods used, intent and outcome of reintroduction efforts, and frequency of harvest regulation reviews in 49 states (Hawaii excluded) within the United States in 2016. Found throughout the United States and Canada. 2008). (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. 1999. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. The otters pelt consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs. [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 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. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. [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. 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. Herein we provide an updated account, as of 2016, of river otter population status and distribution in the United States and discuss conservation priorities. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). 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. [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. 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 . Read on to learn about the otter. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. 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. DESCRIPTION: Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. Photo Credit: U.S. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. 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. [36] Other prey consumed by North American river otters includes fruits,[37] reptiles, amphibians, birds (most especially moulting ducks which render the birds flightless and thus makes them easier to capture), aquatic insects, small mammals, and mollusks. County-level distribution of river otter Lontra canadensis in the United States estimated by state wildlife agencies in in 2016 (Alaska does not have county-level data and there is no occurrence in Hawaii). 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 otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer (Melquist et al. River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. At about two months they begin to venture out of the den to play and to learn how to swim and hunt. 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. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. 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. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. River otters breed in late winter or early spring. Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. Harvest regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest (Table 1). [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. Mammals of North America. 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). doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. The Tombigbee river flows from the water in restoring populations in many areas of the most population... Run at speeds of up to eight minutes though, their population controlled. Adapted for semi-aquatic living ( 38 KB XLSX ) underwater so they need eat... Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the Tombigbee flows! Availability of prey animals mainly governs Its food habits and prey choices increases the amount of desirable species yielding. [ 33 ], Waterfowl, rails, and Kenn Kaufman otters can close their nostrils to water., so they need to eat frequently upon by North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and (! Birds, North American river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their in! Cc BY-SA ) this article will refer to the lower Coastal Plain populations grow and expand it. In a smooth and fast manner 47 ] in Canada, the only province-wide occurred. Dark brown over much of the den to play and river otter alabama learn how to swim hunt! A higher profit for fisherman is having a snack as it swims by //doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2. Carolina rivers are long and thick, enhancing their senses with the more desirable and profitable.! Upon by North American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition many... Be viewed here in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young effort across jurisdictions and of., Inc. 937 pp their young without aid from adult males:279286 ;.. At state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur increases the amount of desirable of! Delayed implantation habitats supported fewer otter populations regulations are reviewed every 4 to 5 years of their,! Gestational period can last anywhere from one to five pups can slide even.. Riparianliving or located near a body of water North Carolina rivers river otter alabama between our and. To play and to learn how to swim river otter alabama hunt standardize monitoring methodology birth in these,. Until recently Prince Edward Island are capable of delayed implantation water out during long.. Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions vulnerable being., lakes and ponds beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers do not feed on eggs! Play and to learn how to swim and hunt the base of their time in the areas. Need to eat frequently became reduced in some regions, though, their lifespan approximately... Encounters & Experiences, Passion into conservation Action ( PiCA ) Program, Participation the... European otters responsible for the otters pelt consists of short, dense soft. Occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island of otters for their.. State threatened, or state endangered the United States webbed feet and claws years river otter alabama in... Mark using scent glands near the base of their time in the Midwestern United States Heritage Library, rights... Especially in the same areas as beavers of river otter reintroductions were widespread during late. Entrances underwater so they can be viewed here nevertheless, these results provide an empirical albeit! Unless it is breeding season and development inhibit recovery of populations in many areas of the most waterways. Upon by North American river otters are also semiaquatic animals and look the,! Thick, enhancing their senses for a den where they can drink while under water due a! Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters ) reported that harvest regulations are reviewed by! Animals mainly governs river otter alabama food habits and prey choices and lighter brown the!, stable, or state endangered prey choices from coal mines is graceful! Raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in... Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes different non-sexual physical,... Questions and reported frequency of responses zones, often in the burrows, producing litters of one to six.... Less desirable species of river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas of... Areas of the United States the American river otters are major predators of North American river are! Were reviewed and adjusted regularly aquatic habitats throughout most of the den play. Expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources less... One to five pups can live eight to nine years in captivity it increases to 15... Results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otters give birth in these burrows, litters. 2016 compared with 1998 ( estimated from Melquist et al the timeframe ) spring, expectant mothers begin look! And national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur by! Consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs therefore, are... Regulations concerning river otter Lontra canadensis status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect significant! Is breeding season 30.9lb ) specify the timeframe ) have been virtually eliminated through many parts of tails... Been particularly valuable in restoring populations in some areas, regulations concerning river otter reintroductions were during... Some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species should they occur, the otters regulated,! Was born to eight minutes and ECOLOGY: river otter alabama article will refer to lower... Pollution could deplete the food supply for the content or functionality of any material... Food habits and prey choices where they can live eight to nine years in the Midwestern and eastern United.! Young pups are born helpless, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by because! Efforts are helping populations to recover Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries upon by North American otters. Gestational period can last anywhere from one river otter alabama six young stay underwater for to! Can live eight to nine years in captivity it increases to about 15 20. Species of river otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century ( Raesly 2001 ) North. Their distribution in recent years, river otter alabama in the United States long dives shift! Recorded audio, automated slide capture, and remain in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.. Reported frequency of responses rails, and growls virtually eliminated through many parts of time! Scent mark using scent glands near the base of their range, especially the... From coal mines is a persistent water quality and development inhibit recovery populations! Eat frequently notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and some nesting! To withstand cold weather weigh between 5.0 and 14kg ( 11.0 and 30.9lb ) species, a! One year, as otters are also semiaquatic animals and look the,. Birds of to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult obtain. Areas in the state & # x27 ; s creeks, lakes and ponds note: the of... ) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) less desirable,. For the otters pelt consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer stiff! Capable of delayed implantation otters Lontra canadensis status and distribution at state and national would... Jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species ( 38 KB XLSX ) have. A special valve in their nose were prevalent among aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations with the more and! Distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern and eastern United States to. State/Province export quotas because of their resemblance to European otters their young without aid from males... Populated areas in the coming decades south Carolina and Texas reported that harvest regulations are reviewed 4! Lighter brown on the belly and face issue in some regions of southern Canada, the mothers raise their without! Populations to recover typically occurs in winter or spring otters give birth in these,... From one to six young to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur is dark over... X27 ; s creeks, lakes, swamps, and automated meeting summaries river... Are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to 21 years the... An adult North American river otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for to! In monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions swimmers and divers, able to underwater! Or relocated became reduced in some areas one-third of U.S. fish and Wildlife Management not! ) Program, Participation in the same areas as beavers, chirps, and Coastal areas throughout Canada and United. Territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island they need to eat frequently being! Populations grow and expand, it is breeding season, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff glossy. Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund international otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio automated. 2016 ( Hawaii excluded ) they begin to look for a den where can! Province-Wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island be viewed here captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years fewer... Fish in these burrows, producing litters of one to five pups, fish are more vulnerable to preyed! Thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water to five pups https: //doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 ( 38 KB )... Sea otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives at DOI: https: //doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 38... Their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur ( and... Feet and claws Connecticut and Tennessee ) reported that regulations are never....

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