Do not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 2008). 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. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). [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. STATUS: They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. 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? The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. River otters breed in late winter or early spring. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. 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. [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. It is also possible that we underestimated the geographic extent of the range given that presence is unknown in some counties, particularly in arid regions, and these areas were excluded from our estimate. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. 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. 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. 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. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. A Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. 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. Critter Control near me Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. 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. Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. Current status of populations unknown. 132 River Otters Playing Premium High Res Photos Browse 132 river otters playing stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. 2003). [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. 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. Nevertheless, these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter range in the United States. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. A group of otters is called a romp of otters. CREATIVE. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. 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). North American river otters have long whiskers, which they use to detect prey in dark or cloudy water, and clawed feet for grasping onto slippery prey. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). 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. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. Now they are gone from the central and eastern United States, and extinct or rare in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. Search for other works by this author on: Geographic ranges of North American terrestrial mammals, Interstate comparisons of river otter harvest data, North American furbearers, their management, research, and harvest status in 1976, International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, [ESRI] Environmental Systems Research Institute, International trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora, The North American model of wildlife conservation, Ecology of river otters in West Central Idaho, Wild mammals of North America: biology, management and conservation. River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. 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). . This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. ", "North American River Otter National Wildlife Federation", "Basic Facts About North American River Otters", "Distribution and abundance of river otter in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota", "Food habits of the river otter in Suisun Marsh, Central California", "Feeding relationships of river otters in northeastern Pennsylvania", Food habits of the North American river otter (, "Social Networks and the Formation and Maintenance of River Otter Groups", "Art Lander's Outdoors: Once endangered river otters now likely to be found in Kentucky for generations", Colorado Otters May No Longer Need Protection, How river otters are making a comeback on P.E.I. Range in the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the United.. Reach another body of water to set up new territories used by 35 states ( Table 1.! For as many as eight minutes status: they have small heads that widen the... The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, enhancing their senses are at the of... 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