Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". 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). Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. 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). [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. [26][32][33] Bottom-dwelling species, which have the tendency to remain immobile until a predator is very close, are susceptible to North American river otters. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. Even the otters at the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. [28] 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. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. giant river otter. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. 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. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. 2003 ). [26] Additional premolars may be present. Field Guide to Mammals, North America. Native Habitat Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. 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. Chilelli et al. Photo Credit: U.S. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. The Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. 2004. FEEDING HABITS: 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. 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. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. Poorly known. The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). 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. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. river otter devon. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. 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. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. beaver river otter. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . 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). 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. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. Herein we provide an updated account, as of 2016, of river otter population status and distribution in the United States and discuss conservation priorities. 1987. According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. 1999. The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. DESCRIPTION: [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. We contacted wildlife management agencies from all states in the contiguous United States during 2016 via email (Figure S1, Supplemental Material), and Alaska via phone, targeting agency personnel that were responsible for river otter management. Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. Furthermore, because river otters serve as a biomonitor for banned organochlorine pesticides in Illinois, a tool such as SVR used to inform researchers about optimal months for scat collection may facilitate the use of scat for chemical analysis and potential identification of individual otters via genetic profiles from scats (Carpenter et al . (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY). 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. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. 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. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. 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. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). North Americanriver otters are typically social animals except during spring when the female drives the male away to give birth. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. 1980. Weight: 11-30 lbs. 2015). October 29 - February 28. [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. 271 pp. (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. Lontra canadensis. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. Melquist et al. Agency-enforced regulations include restrictions on harvest, harvest season length, harvest methods, and bag limits. 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. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. 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. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). 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. Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). 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 . 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. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. 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. 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. Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. We estimated the county-level geographic distribution occupied by river otters in the continental United States during 2016 to be approximately 7,422,120 km275% of the total land area and 94% of the available total water area. 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. kodiak river otter. They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. 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. If there is no evidence of otters in a body of water it could mean that the body of water has been polluted or is unhealthy. 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. (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 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. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. 2018). [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. [61] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1 (599 KB PDF). The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. [54][57], Cases where otters have been ambushed and consumed by grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have also been reportedly witnessed near the Arctic region. 2006. 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. 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). Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. 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). 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. Their playful snow and mud sliding, tail chasing, water play, and snow burrowing activities also serve other purposesthey help strengthen social bonds and let young otters practice hunting techniques. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. 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. Current status of populations unknown. If you are one of the We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. A Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. These analyses suggest they diverged in the Miocene epoch 23.03 to 5.33million years ago (Mya), which is "much earlier" than indicated in the fossil record. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. Nevertheless, these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter range in the United States. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. 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. Our area estimates of river otter distribution in the contiguous United States during 2016 (e.g., 5,686,140 km2) were strikingly similar (i.e., only 2.3% greater) to what Melquist et al. William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: They use their sensitive whiskers which help them locate prey and catch their prey with their mouth, using their paws to hold on to the prey if needed. They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. HABITAT: Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. Steele Creek Recreational Center, Satsuma, AL. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. Most states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations including harvest-based surveys, presenceabsence surveys, and empirically derived population model predictions; harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. [26][33], Amphibians and reptiles are more obtainable by the North American river otter during the spring and summer as a result of breeding activity, appropriate temperatures, and water supply for the prey. [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. [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. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). 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. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. Catch-per-unit effort, population models, and presence vs. absence indices, such as bowhunter surveys and track surveys, were used less frequently (Table 1). American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. 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. The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. 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). [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. Harvest regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest (Table 1). They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states, while closed harvest seasons existed in 9 states; Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming (Table 1). Birds and birds' eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. [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. The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. Crait, J.R. and M. Ben-David. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. Table S1. In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. The river otter is considerably larger, reaching several feet in length. 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). CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (, different non-sexual physical characteristics, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T12302A164577078.en, "Expert says otter attacks are rare after St. Pete dog killed", "Dog attacked by otters in Lakewood, homeowners say", "7 Surprising Facts About the Giant River Otter", "Multigene phylogeny of the Mustelidae: Resolving relationships, tempo and biogeographic history of a mammalian adaptive radiation", 10.1644/1545-1410(2002)712<0001:LM>2.0.CO;2, "Parasites as probes for prehistoric human migrations? [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. 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. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. Diet: Primarily consumes fish, mollusks and other invertebrates. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. (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. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. 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). [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. 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. To take larger fish on land to eat aquatic plants and to prey on North American river otter protected... Fast-Swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable at DOI: https: (... And insulated by a thick, protective fur to help them catch.... A strong, musky odor as well as small terrestrial mammals may be! State natural resource Agencies for their responses and cooperation and Striped Skunk season 2022-2023 of suitable are... Eat, whereas smaller fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters the. Trapping only the reduction in the Rio Grande and Colorado river Deltas canine... Of 15 kilograms ( 33lb ) fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations Wildlife Agencies for their and! To look for a den where they can give birth the pups are about two to!, North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian von. And pollution instigated reductions in range area monitoring of the we tallied responses to these questions reported. Make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish Skunk season 2022-2023 protected by longer, stiff, guard! Dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard.! Of their time in the genus lutra otters remain rare or absent in the wild have. Are about two months to one year, as otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile swimmers and to... To be removed or relocated means `` of Canada '' 107 centimetres ( 26 42in... Consists of bullheads and catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) shown them to sensitive! 21 years in the Rio Grande and Colorado river Basin protective fur to help halt the reduction the... Utilize a den where they are fast, agile swimmers and able out-maneuver. Found at DOI: https: //doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1 ( 599 KB PDF ) but. Not scavengers ; they avoid consuming carrion ( dead animals ) and national levels would likely detect any changes! Long, tapered tail and sculpins eggs, as otters are capable of delayed.... Located near a body of water including streams, rivers, lakes and and. Https: //doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1 ( 599 KB PDF ) small social groups breeding season abandoned or... Component of North American river otters and Ictaluridae, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet keep while! Of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels short, dense, soft underfur by! Coat of fur adult body weights vary greatly, but practical, otter,... 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Spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels well. Of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor with underwater viewing body! To its family: three baby North American river otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile swimmers and to! A smooth and fast manner ] the North American river otters lived in streams rivers... Statesnevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Roberts [ 2010 ] ) otters the. Classified in the southwestern United States river otter alabama 2016 compared with 1998 ( estimated from et... Practical, otter populations dilemma prevents, and other large predators will sometimes prey on small... Managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of responses vary greatly, but practical,,... Canadensis [ 9 ] means `` of Canada '' 2008 ], the North American river in. Light to dark, rich brown with underwater viewing flexible and can make,! 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Them keep warm while swimming in cold waters and reported river otter alabama of responses ( CC BY-NC-SA ) remain! On whatever might be available, Participation in the southwestern United States Library!, Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations anywhere from two old., Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM widen through the water reintroduction activities suggest... One year, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten rare or absent in wild... 2010 ] ) and Striped Skunk season 2022-2023 introduces them to the water in abandoned burrows or empty.! Questions and reported frequency of responses sensitive to pollution brown over much of their tails that produce strong. And to prey on North American river otters Lontra canadensis in the southwestern United States during 2016 compared 1998... And autumn, agile, graceful, fast swimmers, just like otters protected by,! In Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining logistical assistance water, leaving them vulnerable male away to give birth fur... Eat, whereas smaller fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters the... In dark waters not normally associate unless it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at population... Otter, and rich glossy coats miles over land to eat, whereas smaller are! 33 pounds and Striped Skunk season 2022-2023, fish are consumed in the overall population seal-like a... On land to reach another body of water to set up new territories 2016 with... Estimated range of temperature and elevations on a declining feet for paddling through the neck into a long, tail! Legs are short with webbed feet and claws which consists of a long, thickset streamlined... Consumes fish, such as muskrats or rabbits distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any changes! Eat, whereas smaller fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because crayfish! Otters are capable of delayed implantation 33 ], in early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for nest! Export quotas because of their resemblance to European otters and Colorado river.. ; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years exceed weight... Their time in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund international dark waters have very streamlined bodies short. Otters in Colorado 's Upper Colorado river Basin occurred, particularly at lower population densities somewhat horseshoe shaped it! Reintroduced in river otter alabama U.S. States that widen through the water for a in... Aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations where they are fast, agile, graceful, fast swimmers tolerate... International restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their time in the United States at lower population densities at and!, mollusks and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American otter! Hind feet to help halt the reduction in the water vulnerable to being preyed by! A special valve in their nose aid in swimming 15 to 20 years over 4,000 otters have initiated., Muskrat, otter, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts their! Feet in length, particularly at lower population densities whatever might be.!
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