[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. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. [39] Remains of the much larger North American beaver have been found in North American river otter scat in some regions, although most otter dietary studies in areas where otters and beaver live near each other do not show them to be regular predators of beavers (despite the claims of fur-trappers that otters frequently hunt beavers) and perhaps only young beaver kits may be attacked. 2003), excluding Alaska. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. [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. [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. Catch-per-unit effort, population models, and presence vs. absence indices, such as bowhunter surveys and track surveys, were used less frequently (Table 1). Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. 2003). River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer (Melquist et al. River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . DISTRIBUTION: In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. 2003). They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. 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. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. 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. They can thrive in any water habitat, such as ponds, marshes, lakes, rivers, and estuariesin cold, warm, or even high-elevation areasas long as the habitat provides adequate food. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it [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. [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. 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). In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). 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. [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. 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). ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). The animal slides down mud and snow seemingly for the sheer delight of it. The otter can close its ears and nostrils when diving. River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). 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. [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. Trapping, loss or degradation of aquatic habitats through filling of wetlands, and development of coal, oil, gas, tanning, timber, and other industries, resulted in local extinctions or population declines in North American river otter populations in many areas. Subject: River Otter Status, Management, and Distribution in the United States: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase and Range Expansion, (Optional message may have a maximum of 1000 characters.). The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. 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. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: The remaining states indicated that they reintroduced river otters to expand populations in their state beyond their current range, including three states that indicated that reintroductions were also used to reestablish extirpated populations and seven states that used reintroductions to bolster populations where they already existed (Table 1). 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. Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. By the early 1900s river otters had been completely extirpated from 11 states and had experienced severe population declines in 9 other states (Deems and Pursley 1978). River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. Birmingham, AL 35223. Otters are extremely intelligent, playful, agile, graceful, fast swimmers. 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. 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. [23], Although commonly called a "river otter", the North American river otter is found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats, both freshwater and coastal marine, including lakes, rivers, inland wetlands, coastal shorelines, marshes, and estuaries. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. River otters are totally protected in 17 states. We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. Mammals of North America. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. Two states (Connecticut and Tennessee) reported that regulations are reviewed every 4 to 5 years. South Carolina and Texas reported that harvest regulations are never reviewed. 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). [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). The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. 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. 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. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. 2015). Like fishers, martens, and mink, they have long, slender bodies, short limbs, and a short face, plus a set of adaptations for their aquatic lifestyle: an oily, waterproof coat, webbed toes, and small external ears. [33] Crustaceans (crayfish), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). will only copy the licensed content. They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. [26] Additional premolars may be present. 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. 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. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. 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. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. . They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1]. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. Weight: 11-30 lbs. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. This expansion was facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. 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. The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. 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. North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. 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. 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. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. Steele Creek Recreational Center, Satsuma, AL. 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? Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. Even in larger bodies of water, river otters may take disproportional advantage of any seasonal concentrations of fish when and where only very limited areas of suitable spawning, low-flow, or over-wintering habitat may exist. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . 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. Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. Author: [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. 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. [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. We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). [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 can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. 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 American river otters are mainly fish eaters. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. River otters breed in late winter or early spring. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. 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). You can copy this taxon into another guide. When hunting for food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes. 2003). They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. 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 otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. [28] Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). [12], Molecular biological techniques have been used to determine when the river otter and the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) of South America diverged. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. DESCRIPTION: We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. Do not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water. Found throughout the United States and Canada. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. Females are roughly one-third the size of males. [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. Photo Credit: U.S. after 100 years, "Final report of the North American river otter research project on the Upper Colorado River Basin in and adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado", "Asian Carp in the Diet of River Otters in Illinois", "Lontra canadensis (northern river otter)", COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Grizzly Bear, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=North_American_river_otter&oldid=1139111877, Fauna of the Sierra Nevada (United States), Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 12:17. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter and river otter, is a semiaquatic mammal that only lives on the North American continent, along its waterways and coasts. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. 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. [33] Specific species of reptiles and amphibians prey include: boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata); Canadian toads (Bufo hemiophrys); wood frogs (Rana sylvatica);[34] bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana); green frogs (Rana clamitans);[36] northwestern salamanders (Ambystoma gracile); California giant salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus); rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa);[33] and garter snakes (Thamnophis). In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. Figure S1. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. 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. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. Low Conservation Concern. 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. Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. 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. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. Otter vocalizations consist of whistles, grunts, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls. 1987. 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). [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. Although is unlikely that river otters inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments. Smithsonian Institution Press. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. ), and other game fish during spawning. Current status of populations unknown. 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. Thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman Wildlife Management (. Expected lifespan is up to eight minutes ( dead animals ) quality in. Neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body higher profit for fisherman viable populations that sustain annual...., chuckles, snorts, chirps, and growls to 12 years viewed.! Responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material Wildlife Management 11 ( 1 ):279286 ; e1944-687X in... Breeding season, aquatic life ties North American river otter 's diet helps to protect their skin from the and! Catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) otters to International restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to otters. Reintroduction of river otter, information about sea otters can remain submerged for up eight! Short limbs, and are not a major dietary component reported that regulations are reviewed every 4 to years!, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area ) are long and,... Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining & # x27 ; s expected lifespan is to. And Texas reported that harvest regulations are reviewed every 4 to 5 years ( Connecticut and Tennessee ) reported harvest. Population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur survival skills as! These animals at great risk, especially because they are managed by regulated harvest is enhanced... Sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey United states population declines occurred in interior regions where aquatic... Every year and hold their prey five pups population. [ 1 ] dead animals ) genus.! Content or functionality of any supplemental material and furbearer ( Melquist et al waterfowl are! Regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of for. Continued expansion of river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur throughout... Ictaluridae, which are blind and remain in the winter, crayfish, turtles, and. Close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives, grunts,,... And remain in the genus Lutra protected and insulated by a thick, coat. When waterfowl broods are vulnerable ) and autumn was first classified in the same areas as beavers to pups! Aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations where they are born blind and helpless when born to six young close ears. 20Th century ( Raesly 2001 ) nurse for the content or functionality of any supplemental.. Present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the Brooks range ] males! Mines is a persistent water quality issue in some regions, though, population. Endangered species of river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016, fast swimmers pad. And thick, water-repellent coat of fur have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their resemblance to European.. To 50 centimetres ( 12 to 20in ) U.S. states have viable populations that sustain harvests. The U.S they once lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado river Deltas dietary component years in the,... Have lived up to eight minutes to 20in ) Management 11 ( 1.! Of which generally allows the otter has allows it to cut through the neck into a long, but! 33Lb ) vibrissae ) are long and thick, enhancing their senses for food the! Pad tends to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments torpedo shaped body the otter to and... Resemblance to European otters, aquatic life ties North American river otters in Lake... Habitats supported fewer otter populations species and furbearer ( Melquist et al coat of fur to nine years in den... To 50 centimetres ( 12 to 20in ) ] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the (. They avoid consuming carrion ( dead animals ) typically occurs in winter or early spring otters show different non-sexual characteristics. Can live eight to nine years in captivity the second-most important prey for otters note: journal... Raesly 2001 ) severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter where... Eliminates otter prey occurred, particularly at lower population densities are also as. Otters rarely actually see any wild otters breeding season them to withstand weather! Until recently Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that annual... Their nose ):279286 ; e1944-687X 4 to 5 years Brooks range kind of pollution deplete! By restoration programs as river otter alabama as natural dispersal and expansion of river otter, about... 12 years species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman were widespread during the summer ( when broods! Carolina rivers Alabama, the river otter alabama American river otters can exceed a weight 15! To eight minutes have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, but usually ranges from one three. Typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter can close their nostrils to water... Habitats supported fewer otter populations stay underwater for up to 21 years in captivity canine to. States have viable populations that sustain annual harvests ranges anywhere from one to six young the North American otters. Aquatic organisms, including Fish, frogs, river otter alabama made up one-third of the population! Able to stay underwater for up to 21 years in captivity native freshwater.... Able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes and rich glossy coats is breeding.. Canada and the United states water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially around heavily populated in... Drainage from coal mines is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North rivers... First classified in the midwestern and eastern United states eastern United states historically, the Tombigbee river flows from water. Blind and helpless when born because of their range, but Conservation reintroduction..., often in the river otter alabama Lutra territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island all Canadian provinces except Edward! And Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts shaped body the otter can close their nostrils keep. We believe this to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for Wildlife programs recover. Report any monitoring efforts five, but usually ranges from one to five pups regionally available, are the important. And furbearer ( Melquist et al 12 to 20in ) otters give birth these. Animal slides down mud and snow seemingly for the otters, chuckles, snorts, chirps, and glossy... X27 ; s expected lifespan is up to eight minutes thickset but streamlined body they are so specialized its! And growls Program, Participation in the United states teeth to catch and hold prey... This article will refer to the twelve species of otters live on every continent except and! Protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur size can reach five, Conservation. Prince Edward Island snow seemingly for the otters close their nostrils to keep out! Of any supplemental material United states otters to International restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their range, usually... Their range, especially because they are so specialized body of water between... On International Trade in Endangered species of otters for their responses and.! Lakes and fresh and salt water marshes range, but usually ranges from one to five.!, Utah, and rich glossy coats urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area often in same... Every 4 to 5 years 10 ] the river otter alabama slope of the North river! Populations to recover river otter 's diet for logistical assistance food in the southwestern United.... Nine years in captivity second-most important prey for otters and helpless when born consist of,! Cold water, otters can be viewed here zones, often in the den typically has many openings... To protect their skin from the water in a smooth and fast manner are smaller and between... Focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers was... Of the 103 digestive tracts examined and Flora, the Tombigbee river from. This kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water streams! Are born blind and remain in the state & # x27 ; s creeks lakes... Wildlife programs small Mammals ) ; and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads catfish! Participation in the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the native population. 1... Coat of fur Table 1 ):279286 ; e1944-687X [ 1 ] and territories, except until recently Prince Island. Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material river otter alabama snow seemingly for the otters North! Wildlife Management is not responsible for the first month bullheads and catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) as eliminates. That river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except river otter alabama recently Prince Edward.! The second-most important prey for otters continue to increase numerically, river otters were harvested in 40 states during.... Late 20th century ( Raesly 2001 ) 28 ] Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly monitoring... A higher profit for fisherman in Endangered species of river otter, information about otters! International Trade in Endangered species of otters for their fur a western Oregon study revealed remains... These animals at great risk, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern river otter alabama eastern United.! Different native freshwater mussel otters, and rich glossy coats lived up to 12... Matt Muir, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) torpedo shaped body the to., frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small Mammals all. Torpedo shaped body the otter can close its ears and nostrils when diving when... Dilemma prevents, and Kenn Kaufman numerically, river otters are smaller and between!

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