The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). 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.). 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). 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). Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. River otters are challenging to monitor because of their secretive nature and the fact that they naturally occur at relatively low densities on the landscape. 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). [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 Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. 351 pp. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. STATUS: River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". [1], Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). 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. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. 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. (c) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND). 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. Males sometimes form a group with other young males until breeding season; otherwise a group of otters is typically a female with her young pups or pups from the previous litter. [34] Other species of birds found within their diets include: northern pintail (Anas acuta); mallard (Anas platyrhynchos); canvasback (Aythya valisineria); ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis); and the American coot (Fulica americana). [19] An average adult male weighs about 11.3 kilograms (25lb) against the female's average of 8.3 kilograms (18lb). 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. This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. Figure S1. ); and perches (Perca spp.). Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. 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. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. 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. [51], Adult North American river otters are capable of consuming 1 to 1.5 kilograms (2.2 to 3.3lb) of fish per day. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. 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. Based on maps published by Melquist et al. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. [15][16] The New World river otters originated from the Old World river otters following a migration across the Bering Land Bridge, which existed off and on between 1.8million and 10,000 years ago. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 2010). 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. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. 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. Are otters endangered in Alabama? 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. 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. EDITORIAL. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). Smithsonian Institution Press. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. Chasing is also a common game. 2630 Cahaba Road [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. Read on to learn about the otter. For many furbearers, including river otter, harvest-based data are the only information available with sufficient sample sizes large enough for robust analyses (White et al. Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. 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. Of the 40 states that incorporate harvest management programs, the majority used data from regulated harvest seasons (e.g., surveys of trappers, estimates of trapper effort, or collection of biological samples to estimate demographic and health parameters) to monitor river otter populations and to ensure that harvest levels were sustainable. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. 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. 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. 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. North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. . (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. [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. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. 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 North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. 1999. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. The river otter is considerably larger, reaching several feet in length. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. 2006. [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. Being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain its food habits prey! 20 ] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three,... To being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain tree trunk the... And Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) the supply! Social groups: three baby North American river otter 's main requirements are a steady food and. 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