kodiak river otter. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. 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. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. [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. [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. 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. When hunting for food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes. Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. 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. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. 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. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius 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. 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. [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. [15][16] The New World river otters originated from the Old World river otters following a migration across the Bering Land Bridge, which existed off and on between 1.8million and 10,000 years ago. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. Periodic assessments of river otter status, population trends, and geographic distribution are needed to detect changes in populations, assess management approaches, and to identify and prioritize conservation efforts. Also, North American river otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as the shells of molluscs. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. Reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern United States. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). 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. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. October 29 - February 28. National Audubon Society. Most (n = 31, 63.3%) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. [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. They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. 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. Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. [36], North American river otters may prefer to feed on crustaceans, especially crayfish (Cambarus, Pacifasticus, and others) and crabs[52] more than fish where they are locally and seasonally plentiful. [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. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer (Melquist et al. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). north american river otter. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. HABITAT: 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. The ears appear large on its small flattened head. 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. Results from this 2016 assessment provide the most recent account of river otter status and distribution in United States to our knowledge. Diet: Primarily consumes fish, mollusks and other invertebrates. 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). They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. 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. 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. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. 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. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. The otters pelt consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs. Diet 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. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. 1996. Do not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water. Critter Control near me DESCRIPTION: Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. 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. In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). [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. Crait, J.R. et al. Even the otters at the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights. 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. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. 2003). 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). (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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). Young are able to fully care for themselves at about six months of age but they do not usually leave their mother until about one year. 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. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. Smithsonian Institution Press. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). [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. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. Although is unlikely that river otters inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments. 2003) using ArcMap (ESRI 2011). [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. FEEDING HABITS: The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. 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. 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