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. 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. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the United States. If you are one of the The otter can close its ears and nostrils when diving. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . As per the North American Model of wildlife conservation, river otters are held in the public trust by the government and are managed by state and federal agencies as well as by native tribes (Mahoney and Geist 2019). editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. [61] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. 1987. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. ), and other game fish during spawning. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. Results from this 2016 assessment provide the most recent account of river otter status and distribution in United States to our knowledge. (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. 2020. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . Males are generally larger than females. FEEDING HABITS: River otters breed in late winter or early spring. Birds and birds' eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. As of 2016, >4,000 river otters have been translocated to 23 states in one of the most ambitious and extensive carnivore restoration efforts in history (Erb et al. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. Critter Control near me We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. 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. 2018). 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. Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. 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). 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. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. 2010). They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). 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. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. STATUS: Crait, J.R. et al. River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. 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). The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. Otters breed in late winter or early spring, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months. River Otter Quick Facts. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. Periodic assessments of river otter status, population trends, and geographic distribution are needed to detect changes in populations, assess management approaches, and to identify and prioritize conservation efforts. Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. 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. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). 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. 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. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. 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. Native Habitat North American river otter A pair at the San Francisco Zooin 2005 Conservation status Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1] CITESAppendix II (CITES)[1] Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae Genus: Lontra Species: L. canadensis Binomial name Lontra canadensis (Schreber, 1777) giant river otter. Current status of populations unknown. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states, while closed harvest seasons existed in 9 states; Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming (Table 1). 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. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. Furthermore, because river otters serve as a biomonitor for banned organochlorine pesticides in Illinois, a tool such as SVR used to inform researchers about optimal months for scat collection may facilitate the use of scat for chemical analysis and potential identification of individual otters via genetic profiles from scats (Carpenter et al . 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). Length: 35-50 inches. River otter status, management, and distribution in the United States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. Based on this 2016 survey, 22 states reported increasing populations, 25 states reported stable populations, and 2 states (Arizona and Washington) reported an uncertain population trend (Table 1). TheNorth Americanriver otter (Lutra canadensis) is a member of the weasel family. 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