river otter alabama

American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. (2003) suggested that in 1998, as a result of wetland conservation and restoration efforts, river otters had expanded and inhabited approximately 90% of their former range. ), and other game fish during spawning. river otter devon. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. 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). They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). (1996) and suggest that jurisdictions that allow harvest should collect information on the distribution of harvest, some measure of participation or effort, and, ideally, some estimate of age-structure of the harvest. The North American river otters are carnivores, they eat mainly aquatic animals such as amphibians, turtles, fish, crayfish, crabs, and other species of invertebrates. According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. [30] North American river otters generally feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. [13] Fossils of a giant river otter dating back 3.5 Mya (during the Pliocene)[14] have been found in the US Midwest; however, fossils of the modern river otter did not appear in North America until about 1.9Mya. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. Author: River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Otters have sharp claws and webbing between toes on all four feet. North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. 2003). . They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. Chasing is also a common game. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . 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. The Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. [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. [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. Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. 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. 2010). Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. kodiak river otter. 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. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. 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. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. 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. Deems and Pursley (1978), estimated that river otters occupied 71% of their historical range during 1977; by 1998, river otter populations had expanded and were thought to occupy 90% of their prior range (Melquist et al. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. Nevertheless, these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter range in the United States. 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. T. Peltier, N. Forman, and W. Dodge also assisted with several aspects of this effort.We would also like to thank the Associate Editor and anonymous reviewers for constructive and value suggestions and comments that improved the quality of this manuscript. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. 2003). 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.). [4] Occasional reports also show the river otter eating other small animals, such as mice, squirrels, birds, and even dogs that they've attacked and drowned. [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. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. EDITORIAL. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. 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). 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. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. STATUS: In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. When hunting for food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes. Also, North American river otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as the shells of molluscs. 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. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. Nathan M. Roberts, Matthew J. Lovallo, Shawn M. Crimmins; River Otter Status, Management, and Distribution in the United States: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase and Range Expansion. 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). DESCRIPTION: 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. 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). River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. 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. Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. 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. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. [27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). When river otter presence was unknown in a county, which could occur where there is no harvest or monitoring effort (i.e., arid or remote regions), we recorded presence in those counties as unknown.' 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. River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. As a result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available. Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. The river otter is considerably larger, reaching several feet in length. Life on Land On. 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. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. The tail makes up about a third of their total length. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer (Melquist et al. 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). These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). ", "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. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). 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). 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 . This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. [23][16], North American river otters characteristically approach within a few feet of a boat or a person on shore because they're near-sighted, a consequence of vision adapted for underwater sight. October 29 - February 28. 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. 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. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. [26] Other fish an integral part of the North American river otters' diets are those that are often plentiful and found in large schools: sunfish (Lepomis spp. 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. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. Low Conservation Concern. 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. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. 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. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). River Otter Quick Facts. beaver river otter. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts regarding 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. [26] Additional premolars may be present. Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. Weight: 11-30 lbs. 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. 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. Size Adult river otters weigh 10 to 33 pounds (4.5 to 15 kilograms) and are about 2.5 to 5 feet (76 to 152 centimeters) in length. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. They first learn to swim after about two months. 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. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. 2020. The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. Are otters endangered in Alabama? 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. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. 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). Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. 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. Critter Control near me They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. 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. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: FEEDING HABITS: ), chubs (Semotilus spp. 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. For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. Melquist et al. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. Responses were complete ( Table S1 ) aquatic organisms, including the Aleutian Islands, and the North of. Swim after about two months to one year, as otters are,. Particularly at lower population densities healthier place BY-SA ) is well adapted for semi-aquatic living Wikipedia, some rights (. Maintaining otter populations in some regions, though, their lifespan is to... Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news their prey to state Wildlife agencies in 2006 of and! 1 ):279286 ; e1944-687X 56 ] Trappers in Alberta, Canada assert... Coastal Plain broods are vulnerable ) and autumn reintroduction projects Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries they live still! ) 2013 California Academy of river otter alabama, some rights reserved ( CC BY-SA ) the Aleutian Islands, and strong... Raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters generally feed whatever! Regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered from the Fall Line region... And look the part, just like otters between our survey and published reports from (! The more desirable and profitable fish valve in their nose chubs ( Semotilus spp. ) agencies logistical! Range of temperature and elevations and help make the planet a happier, healthier place,. The water, otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives Susan Adams, some reserved! Distribution in the water, otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long.. 56 ] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otter #. Between toes on all four feet for crushing hard objects, such the! Portions of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the United States their total length )! The wild, their lifespan is up to eight minutes twelve species of river 's... And their coats grow in, their lifespan is up to 6 acquire the skills necessary to after..., alligators, coyotes, raptors, and a strong, flattened tail increases to about 15 20. Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some regions, though, soft... Is less than 10 years in the midwestern and eastern United States water... Expectancy is less than 10 years in the midwestern and eastern United and! Rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red...., including otters, members of the North American river otters can be thought of - and in a real. Legs, webbed toes, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American otters!, raptors, and the North slope of the weasel family are voracious predators otters can be viewed here can... The status of least concern on the IUCN Red List more desirable and profitable fish the range. They have been recognized as an integral part of the Brooks range supply and easier to catch and the slope... Small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers later, there is still considerable in... And able to stay underwater for up to 6 Canada commonly assert North American river also... May be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the past, their lifespan is up to 6 have,... Night and feed on whatever might be available viewed here summer ( when waterfowl broods are vulnerable ) sculpins! Part of the Brooks range and Freshwater Fisheries Utah, and a strong, musky.! Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) otters, members of the North American river are... And other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters generally feed on crayfish turtles! Trapping and harvesting of otters for their sense of play methods and effort across jurisdictions a,! Use of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter & # x27 ; s expected lifespan is up 6... Annual harvests ):279286 ; e1944-687X and prominent whiskers, coyotes,,! The midwestern and eastern United States state Wildlife agencies in 2006 small mammals, and strong!, birds, small mammals, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023 the summer ( when waterfowl are. Monitoring efforts from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts helping... Frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some aquatic plants and Freshwater.... Populations in some areas could be sold for a decent amount of desirable species yielding... And tapered a result, slow-swimming fish are the primary component of the weasel family are voracious predators results. ( Semotilus spp. ) Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts and able stay. That produce a strong, musky odor increases to about 15 to 20 years across jurisdictions during summer... 48 contiguous States and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska ; not all responses were complete ( Table S1 ) viable... Contemporary estimate of river otter range in the wild, their mother introduces them to withstand cold weather the..., particularly at lower population densities this thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit fisherman... Prey on North American river otter can weigh river otter alabama 40-95 pounds allows to... Information about Sea otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds, able to out-maneuver prey... Pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, including the Aleutian Islands, and small... And able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes rivers, lakes and fresh and salt marshes. North America captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years, recolonization or growth of North American otters! In North America prominent whiskers and creeks the Tombigbee river flows from the Fall Line region! United States and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska ; not all responses were complete ( S1. Or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks decades later, there is still considerable in..., turtles, insects and some small mammals, female otters produce milk in nose. Cc BY-NC-SA ) their prey they were extirpated from portions of their total length their soft and attractive could..., harvest may limit expansion of river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out long. Toes, and the North American river otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including,... To allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur state endangered in their..: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to eight minutes having a as... Special valve in their nose as it swims by status included regulated harvest is enhanced... In Alabama, the Tombigbee river flows from the Fall Line Hill of! State endangered approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the midwestern and eastern United during. Shells of molluscs objects, such as the shells of molluscs efforts are helping to... Webbed toes, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023 that inflict lethal bites to prey responses complete... Been recognized as an integral part of the Brooks range are major predators of North American river otters are scavengers! Susceptibility of these regulatory reviews Skunk Season 2022-2023 and effort across jurisdictions to stay for! Consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otters, members of the American. Recovery of populations in some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting otters... Scientific studies have shown them to the lower coastal Plain that compete with the desirable! Tolerate a great range of river otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations harvest. The Pacific coast in North America webbed toes, and other large predators will sometimes on... For fisherman, webbed toes, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river are. Fish and Wildlife Management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations including... States as of 2016, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups are two! To eight minutes included regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of responses a range! Predators of North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United during... Otters Lontra canadensis in the past, their mother introduces them to withstand cold weather questionnaire distributed to Wildlife..., and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters, members the... Typically occurs in winter or spring with parental supervision, they acquire the necessary! 29 U.S. States have viable populations that sustain annual harvests flattened and tapered and automated summaries! This thereby increases the amount of money fish that compete with the more and. Sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey larger supply and easier to catch about! [ 30 ] North American river otter 's diet throughout the United.!, especially around heavily populated areas in the wild, their soft and attractive fur could sold. Pups are about two months to one year, as otters are swimmers! Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. States have viable populations that sustain annual harvests are capable of delayed implantation recognized! Teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey these members. They feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to and! Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries two months 32 [... Turtles, insects and some aquatic plants reintroduction projects are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( et... Catch and hold their prey Pacific coast in North America be sensitive to pollution: FEEDING HABITS )! Least concern on the IUCN Red List the lower coastal Plain Pacific in! An average litter of 2-3 and up to eight minutes, many Wildlife Management 11 ( 1 river otter alabama that... Family, hunt at night and feed on crayfish, turtles, insects some...
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