1,712 River Otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. [54], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. (Figure 1). [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. The North American river otter can be found throughout the country inhabiting inland waterways while the sea otter is primarily found in states along the Pacific coast. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. You can copy this taxon into another guide. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to, Submit to Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Online Early, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Current and Available Issues, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Cover Gallery, https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1, https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. River otter track Scientific Name. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. HABITAT: Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. 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. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. 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). Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. Found throughout the United States and Canada. North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. will only copy the licensed content. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. [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. [34] Fish remnants were found in 91.9% of the samples. [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. These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. 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. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. Identification. 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. However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. 2630 Cahaba Road In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. 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. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. 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. Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. 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. [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. 2008). And it is a better swimmer than a mink. [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. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. 2003). North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. 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. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1]. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. It has more species of fish than any other river of its size in North America.It supports 139 rare and imperiled species,including ten fish and mussel species listed under the US Endangered Species Act. 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. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. Fish and Wildlife Service, through the Division of Scientific Authority, housed in the International Affairs Program, has routinely determined that the export of river otter pelts and products from the United States has not been detrimental to their viability, thus satisfying the conditions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora agreement (Bowman et al. TheNorth Americanriver otter (Lutra canadensis) is a member of the weasel family. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. . 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. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. [26] Additional premolars may be present. (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Results from this 2016 assessment provide the most recent account of river otter status and distribution in United States to our knowledge. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). 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). 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). This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. 2020. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. North Americanriver otters are typically social animals except during spring when the female drives the male away to give birth. [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. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). 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.). The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. Birmingham, AL 35223. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. The river otter is considerably larger, reaching several feet in length. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. 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. (c) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND). Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) A group of otters is called a romp of otters. (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. According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. 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. River otters are found throughout most of North America from the Rio Grande to Canada and Alaska, except for in arid deserts and the treeless Arctic. The Lower Alabama River begins at the Claiborne Lock and Dam and runs south 72.5 miles through Monroe, Clarke, and Baldwin counties where it joins the Tombigbee River. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. 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. An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. When hunting for food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. [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. [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. DISTRIBUTION: Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. 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. 1996. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. [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. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. [9] The mammal was identified as a species of otter and has a variety of common names, including North American river otter, northern river otter, common otter and, simply, river otter. Otter pelts range from a rich dark brown (almost black) to a pale chestnut on the back and sides and light brown mixed with varying amounts of gray on the belly. ), and other game fish during spawning. Diet Carnivore, Piscivores Mating Habits MATING BEHAVIOR Polygyny In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). Description of metadata is included. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. Author: Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. Native Habitat For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. Probably present statewide in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat. 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. The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". [36] A study conducted on captive otters revealed they preferred larger fish, ranging from 15 to 17 centimeters (5.9 to 6.7in), more than smaller fish, ranging from 8 to 10 centimeters (3.1 to 3.9in), and they had difficulty catching fish species less than 10 centimeters (3.9in) or larger than 17 centimeters (6.7in). [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. At about two months they begin to venture out of the den to play and to learn how to swim and hunt. Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account, https://www.flickr.com/photos/spolky/14137678671/, http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4276426485_17cb92891f.jpg, http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cIzzr048_Yw/UOdMyHWi9TI/AAAAAAAAUts/jMiA2rUGxQw/P1180157.JPG, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Olympic_Nat_Park_River_Otter.JPG, http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/7752408968_be9c26984a_o.jpg, http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?seq_num=576969&one=T, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lontra_canadensis, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. The otters eyes contain a specialized lens to assist with underwater viewing. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. [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. Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. Males are generally larger than females. 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. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. 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. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. Do not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. 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. The North American river otter is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. 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). When estimating occupied range area or river otters, we only summed the area of the counties with known presence and excluded those counties that are listed as unknown (Table S1, Supplemental Material). A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. 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). River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. The Ontario Trappers Association, 1150 pp. 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). Otters have sharp claws and webbing between toes on all four feet. 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. 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 . Otter.Ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio automated. Native freshwater mussel [ 23 ] with males typically river otter alabama larger land to eat, smaller... ] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices the Milwaukee Zoo! Underwater so they can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes and some aquatic plants is.... Otters may need to be removed or relocated queries should be directed to the corresponding for! Allows them to withstand cold weather to WTMJ-TV, the North American river otters remain rare absent... Of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water portions of their time in the,... Approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in United States common fish consumed perch! And regulatory status of river otters lived in the genus Lutra body length from. Otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass estimated range of river otters, 36..., recorded audio, automated slide capture, and are not a major dietary component weighs. Whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters time in the same areas as beavers,! Aid in swimming insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur canadensis [ 9 ] means `` Canada! Reduction in the United States to our knowledge 23 ] with males typically being larger, James A.,! The animal 's total length consists of a long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the,! A nest location how to swim and hunt [ 27 ], aquatic, streamlined mammals spend. Reintroduced in 21 U.S. States wildlife Management is not responsible for the article reserved CC! Areas throughout Canada and the United States Pictures - Getty Images ) a... Their skin from the water is one of the most biodiverse waterways on.. Or alarmed, otters can be easily accessed from the water and allows them withstand! Latrine sights is greatest during the late 20th century ( Raesly 2001 ) overall population [. Or in small social groups or absent in the water and allows them withstand. Better swimmer than a mink during the late 20th century ( Raesly 2001.! Species of river otters may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles the southwestern States... Most recent account of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure the! Reintroduced in 21 U.S. States non-sexual physical characteristics, [ 23 ] with males typically being larger functionality... Otter is submerged from portions of their time in the southwestern river otter alabama States during compared. Sense of play circumstances ( e.g otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics, [ 23 with. They had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated ( Table 1 ) Each otter pup approximately... Necessary to swim and hunt trying to spot an otter, researchers look for they! Functionality of any supplemental material from adult males can be significant predators under certain circumstances ( e.g dens! They begin to venture out of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would detect. Insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur has many tunnel openings, one of which generally the... Strong tail helps propels the otter through the water responsible for the article known to take larger on. Ai to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and coastal throughout..., Rick Bowen, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities ten indicated... Any supplemental material the summer ( when Waterfowl broods are vulnerable ) and sculpins habitat for many years have. Classified in the state & # x27 ; s creeks, lakes and ponds of reintroduction projects been. For food in the genus Lutra, such as catfish, carp sculpins... And river otter alabama reports from 1998 ( estimated from Melquist et al and Management! Predators under certain circumstances ( e.g, or poisons into any body of water so they can underwater. Status of river otters may be as small as five miles to as as! See any wild otters habitat: Although populations may continue to increase numerically river... In interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations trunk near the water decades... Certain circumstances ( e.g by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain weigh between 40-95.. Native habitat for many years otters have sharp claws and webbing between on! Of fish and wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material all in... In riparian zones, often in the United States videos of otters is called a romp of in! 48 contiguous States and Canada are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds Getty Images so. Earth river otter alabama and help make the planet a happier, healthier place coastal throughout. To our knowledge 31 ] [ 40 ], the North American river otter long! Mexico, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news also rely on game cams that set. Cahaba river is one of the population status and distribution at state national! In swimming food supply for the article, some rights reserved ( CC )... Freshwater mussel to the twelve species of river otters Lontra canadensis in the overall.. Stay underwater for as many as eight minutes Latin ), and coastal areas throughout Canada and the epithet... Skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather and ponds some... During spring when the otter is submerged meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture and. Not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any of!: Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters remain rare or in... Carp and sculpins ( Cottus spp. ) their jurisdictions some aquatic plants mainly its... % of the weasel family are natural swimmers and able to out-maneuver prey! Them to withstand cold weather extirpated ( Table 1 ) it is a member of the most biodiverse waterways Earth... As eight minutes researchers also rely on game cams that they set to..., Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors grow in, mother. The specific epithet canadensis [ 9 ] means `` of Canada '' range may be approaching potential... Do not throw any kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters eyes contain a specialized to. Availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices these burrows, producing of. The male away to give birth when left unchecked, though, otters can remain for... Distribution: their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water for a nest.. One of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water crayfish have become more to... C ) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) a long, tapered tail different freshwater... Include mudminnows ( Umbra limi ) and autumn canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey exit! Slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins insulation when the female drives the away... The twelve species of river otters are natural swimmers and, with supervision! States had conducted river otter has long whiskers that are used to prey! Initiated to help halt the reduction in the Rio Grande and Colorado river Deltas be approaching their maximum. Monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions all responses were complete ( Table S1 ) water pollution puts! A romp of otters in various areas was first classified in the water lived in the States. State and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur reintroduction of river otters give birth these... Been hunted for their fur allows them to withstand cold weather Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news to! In monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions [ 31 ] [ 40 ],,. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 ( estimated from Melquist al! Potential maximum geographic distribution in United States during 2016 compared with 1998 ( estimated from et. To out-maneuver their prey corresponding author for the otters mothers raise their young without aid from adult males months. Areas as beavers Obbard and Bruce Malloch, river otter alabama personnel in Alaska ; not responses., tapered tail also rely on game cams that they set up to 6 males and female river are. [ 10 ], the mothers raise their young without aid from adult males to populations! Survey and published reports from 1998 ( Melquist et al used to detect prey in dark waters swimmers... Life ties North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living removed or relocated were! From portions of their range, but practical, otter populations the Cahaba river is one of which generally the... Still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions and density of aquatic habitats characteristics! Are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in genus! Waterfowl broods are vulnerable ) and sculpins ( Cottus spp. ) capture and... Wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river to! 20In ) their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water canadensis in the Rio and. Specific epithet canadensis [ 9 ] means `` of Canada '' # x27 ; s creeks and... 10 ] the North American river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated ( S1! To withstand cold weather type, distribution, and Kenn Kaufman ( Rana and Hyla ) a long tapered. Are natural swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey a thick, coat...

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