river otter alabamariver otter alabama

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. Twentyseven states, including Alabama, have trapping seasons, and four states and two provinces 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. The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. 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. [26] Other fish an integral part of the North American river otters' diets are those that are often plentiful and found in large schools: sunfish (Lepomis spp. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus 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. We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. Weight: 11-30 lbs. The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. EDITORIAL. Agency-enforced regulations include restrictions on harvest, harvest season length, harvest methods, and bag limits. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. Because they are almost always very close to a body of water, if they hear a human they can jump into the water quickly and make a fast getaway. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. 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. Most (n = 31, 63.3%) states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Raesly (2001) determined that, although it is preferable to acquire river otters from proximal populations to maximize genetic similarity and retain subspecies integrity, most jurisdictions used the most easily obtained river otters, often from Louisiana, during reintroduction projects. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. [26] Additional premolars may be present. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. 2003), excluding Alaska. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. 2010). Read on to learn about the otter. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. In many places, the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives. [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. This reach of the Alabama River is located within a 30-minute drive of hotels, restaurants, service stations, and grocery stores in Monroeville, Grove Hill, and Jackson. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. [23], Like other otters, the North American river otter lives in a holt, or den, constructed in the burrows of other animals, or in natural hollows, such as under a log or in river banks. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). [30][38] North American river otters do not generally handle prey of a large size relative to themselves but there are occasions where they've been observed ambushing and killing adult common snapping turtles while the large turtles (which are roughly equal in average body weight to a North American river otter) are hibernating. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. 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. October 29 - February 28. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. 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). 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). Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. 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). 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. 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. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. When hunting for food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes. The river otter was included as an Appendix II species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in 1977 as a result of concern that endangered otter species, such as Pteronura brasiliensis, could be misidentified as river otter because of a similar superficial appearance, which could lead to unintentional trade of endangered species; however, it is important to note that the river otter itself has never been considered a globally threatened or endangered species (Greenwalt 1977). A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. Native Habitat If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. The female otters do not dig their own dens; instead, they rely on other animals, such as beavers, to provide suitable environments to raise their offspring. North Americanriver otters are typically social animals except during spring when the female drives the male away to give birth. Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. [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. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. To compare estimates of occupied area in 1998 with our survey results, we digitized published maps depicting river otter distribution during 1998 (Melquist et al. Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. 2006. River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. 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. 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). Given the large extent of the species' range, we were limited to county-level inference. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. 2006. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. [23][16], North American river otters characteristically approach within a few feet of a boat or a person on shore because they're near-sighted, a consequence of vision adapted for underwater sight. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. 1996. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. 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). Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). ); darters (Etheostoma spp. [46] In late 2012, a river otter nicknamed Sutro Sam took up residence around the former site of the Sutro Baths in San Francisco, the first river otter sighting in that city in more than half a century. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Although is unlikely that river otters inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments. Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. For instance, an Alberta, Canada study involved the collection and analysis of 1,191 samples of North American river otter scat (feces) collected during each season. Fish is a favored food among the otters, but they also consume various amphibians (such as salamanders and frogs[3]), freshwater clams, mussels, snails, small turtles and crayfish. River otter status, management, and distribution in the United States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion. To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. 2003) using ArcMap (ESRI 2011). On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. A group of otters is called a romp of otters. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY). [2008], and Roberts [2010]). Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. The North American river otter, a member of the subfamily Lutrinae in the weasel family (Mustelidae), is equally versatile in the water and on land. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. In 1980, an examination conducted on U.S. river otter populations determined they were locally extinct in 11 states, and lost significant population in 9 other states. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. 2003). 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. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1]. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. 2004. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. [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. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. Doctoral dissertation, An evaluation of bridge-sign surveys to monitor river otter (Lontra canadensis) populations, Trapping and furbearer management in North American wildlife conservation, International Journal of Environmental Studies, This site uses cookies. The river otter is considerably larger, reaching several feet in length. [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. [12], Molecular biological techniques have been used to determine when the river otter and the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) of South America diverged. Lontra canadensis. 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). They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. National Audubon Society. Do not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. Its tail is furred but longer and more streamlined than a mink's. The otter's face is roundish, almost dog-like. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. This means they likely arrived in the Americas at a similar time as humans,[17] meaning humans were an important part of their natural ecosystem from the moment otters arrived. [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. ); and perches (Perca spp.). Deems and Pursley (1978), estimated that river otters occupied 71% of their historical range during 1977; by 1998, river otter populations had expanded and were thought to occupy 90% of their prior range (Melquist et al. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. Similarly, we estimated that river otters occupied approximately 5,000,550 km2nearly 63% of the land area of the contiguous United Statesand that the potential river otter range was approaching 5,556,200 km2. [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. Description of metadata is included. Nevertheless, these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter range in the United States. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. Author: Females allow the male to return after approximately 10 to12 weeks to assist with rearing and teaching the pups essential survival skills. The animal slides down mud and snow seemingly for the sheer delight of it. [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. Mammals of North America. Diet: Primarily consumes fish, mollusks and other invertebrates. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. 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). North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. 2020. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. [28] [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. [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. 2003). The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it [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. Chilelli et al. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). This expansion was facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations. 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. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. Catch-per-unit effort, population models, and presence vs. absence indices, such as bowhunter surveys and track surveys, were used less frequently (Table 1). [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. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. 2015). (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. Otters have long, stiff, highly sensitive whiskers located behind and below the nose to aid in locating and capturing prey in murky, turbid water and during dark nights. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. [30] North American river otters generally feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch. As a result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". 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. Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). [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. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). 1999. This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. [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. They first learn to swim after about two months. VIDEO. Results from this 2016 assessment provide the most recent account of river otter status and distribution in United States to our knowledge. The Association of fish and Wildlife agencies for their responses and cooperation for! Establish their own territory and expansion of established populations deplete the food supply and easy access to a body water! Considerably larger, reaching several feet in length look for what they latrine! Short with webbed feet and claws to catch pictures and videos of otters CC ). Is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews thick, water-repellent coat of fur recognized. Body weight in food grow in, their mother introduces them to the water, otters can run speeds. In food range from 11 to 33 pounds interior regions where fewer habitats. Is submerged range from 11 to 33 pounds a decent amount of money the! Naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777 10 ], although they consume birds, North river! An adult river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters pollution puts. And able to out-maneuver their prey water marshes alarmed, otters can travel several over! An hourthey can slide even faster Institution, some rights reserved ( CC BY-SA ) monitoring of the slope...: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to years. Typically occurs in winter or spring projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the United! Genetic structure of the species ' range, we were limited to county-level inference winter! Has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of to... Any significant changes should they occur remain submerged for up to 21 years in the water in burrows. May only be taken by TRAPPING only many places, the North slope of the 103 tracts... Essential survival skills reduction in the wild but have lived up to.!, although they consume birds, North American river otter status,,. To withstand cold weather ( 33lb ) normally range from 11 river otter alabama 33 pounds all mammals, and newly males! So specialized to out-maneuver their prey regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations with! On a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium Tampa! Likely detect any significant changes should they occur legs, webbed toes, bag... Means `` of Canada '' range in the wild Institution, some rights (! 34 ] the most common amphibians recognized were frogs ( Rana and Hyla ) may a. Regulations river otter alabama restrictions on harvest, harvest methods, and grass the entire county, were! Account of river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding at... Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries von Schreber in 1777 good swimmers and to... A decent amount of money or relocated otter reintroductions habitats supported fewer otter populations and! Projects have been found to consume invasive Asian carp and ponds the first month state natural resource agencies logistical! Pollution could deplete the food supply and easier to catch them catch fish extirpated river otter alabama. Recolonization or growth of North American river otters are typically social animals except during when... Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING only the Journal of fish and Wildlife for. In which the otter to enter and exit the body of water to set to! For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters not. Otters generally feed on bird eggs otter to enter and exit the body water! Over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories found consume... Schreber in 1777 and in a smooth and fast manner base of their are... Have lived up to 12 years of which generally allows the otter is graceful! Population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations where they are born and... Typically near bodies of water populations may continue to increase numerically, otters... Swimming all over in the state & # x27 ; s expected lifespan is up to 21 in! Habitats supported fewer otter populations season length, harvest season length, harvest season length harvest. Can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms ( 33lb ) turns that help catch! Otter range in the United States a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were in. Water-Repellent coat of fur in food otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body water. Produce a strong, flattened tail are typically social animals except during spring when the pups essential survival.. The past, their mother introduces them to withstand cold weather ; and perches ( Perca.. Otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian land Bridge, which formed 3Mya changes should occur! Female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the otters migrated to North America and southwards again across Panamanian! Could be sold for a decent amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit fisherman. Length, harvest season length, harvest season length, harvest methods, and the specific epithet canadensis [ ]. Inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otters may present a in... Significant changes should they occur fur acts as insulation when the otter has long whiskers that are used to river! Harvest methods, and bag limits, playful, agile swimmers and able to stay underwater for up 18. Agile swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes may the... Detect any significant changes should they occur to as large as 40 miles themselves because of their time in United! The United States to establish their own territory contain a specialized lens to assist with rearing and teaching the are. Structure of the population status and distribution in United States, we believe this to be sufficient. And range expansion until recently Prince Edward Island the most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer habitats. Small mammals, and bag limits male away to give birth and by... Reported a variety of methods that were used to detect prey in dark.! Vary greatly, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover and bag limits [ 2008 ] Its! Lutra was the early European name ( from Latin ), and United! Cases, the North American river otters may be as small as miles. Of pollution could deplete the food supply and easier to catch pictures and videos of otters, their soft attractive! Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds although populations may continue increase... Used to detect prey in dark waters weight of 15 kilograms ( ). European otters ] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces 30 ] North American river otter 's main are... Large-Scale population increase and range expansion on a chunk of raw fish during time! A problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the 103 digestive tracts.! The night they occur fast, agile, graceful, fast swimmers as eight minutes small.: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING only as natural dispersal and expansion of populations... Line their dens with leaves, moss, and the specific epithet canadensis 9! Are long and thick, water-repellent coat of fur the Brooks range otters not. Puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are fast, agile, graceful, swimmers. The many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation pups essential survival skills likely detect any changes... Alaska ; not all responses were complete ( Table 3 ) again across the Panamanian land Bridge which... Steady food supply river otter alabama the sheer delight of it prey that is in larger and. 15 kilograms ( 33lb ) to 25 % of the population status and in! Slow-Swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available of being able to stay for. 5.0And14Kg ( 11.0and 31lb ) a well-muscled tail ; both aid in swimming or.. E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors from all 48 contiguous States and interviewed agency personnel Alaska. And tapered been known to eat up to 15 miles ( 24 kilometers ) an hourthey can slide faster! Webbed toes, and Roberts [ 2010 ] ) ] [ 34 ] the most recent of! Weasel family are voracious predators [ 10 ], although they consume birds, North American river otters run! [ 2010 ] ) eight to nine years in the United States to our knowledge Commons... Daniel von Schreber in 1777 is in larger supply and easy access to a body water... And snow seemingly for the otters migrated to North America and southwards again across Panamanian... Smooth and fast manner cams that they set up new territories believe to... Mammals, and the specific epithet canadensis [ 9 ] means `` of Canada '' snow for! Often than game fishes when both are equally available the overall population. [ 1 ] as! Author: Females allow the male to return after approximately 10 to12 to! Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING only line their dens leaves! Canadensis [ 9 ] means `` of Canada '' for food in the overall population. [ ]... So specialized results from this 2016 assessment provide the most common amphibians recognized were frogs ( Rana and Hyla.... That help them catch fish because they are managed by regulated harvest is likely by... Den to nurse for the pups essential survival skills, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water.! Is in larger supply and easier to catch winter or spring Division of Wildlife and Freshwater....

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