river otter alabama

And it is a better swimmer than a mink. 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. The Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. 2003). 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. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. 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. [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. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. [46] In late 2012, a river otter nicknamed Sutro Sam took up residence around the former site of the Sutro Baths in San Francisco, the first river otter sighting in that city in more than half a century. They can drink while under water due to a special valve in their nose. [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. [20] 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. Any use of trade, product, website, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Other restoration efforts were conducted to bolster existing river otter populations and to expand otter distributions and provide connectivity within states that had existing, but not ubiquitous, river otter populations (Table 1). 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. Lontra canadensis. [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. These harvest-dependent data can be synthesized in appropriate population models to yield a wealth of information on population status and trends (Roberts 2010). They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. As a result, slow-swimming fish are consumed more often than game fishes when both are equally available. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). Otters breed in late winter or early spring, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months. North Americanriver otters inhabit freshwater waterways such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and swamps or marshes. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. This means they likely arrived in the Americas at a similar time as humans,[17] meaning humans were an important part of their natural ecosystem from the moment otters arrived. Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. 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. 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. 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). North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. 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. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. 2008). River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. 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. [49] However, large populations never occurred in areas of Southern California such as the chaparral and oak woodlands and Mojave Desert seasonal waterway regions, or in the xeric shrubland regions in New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and Colorado. Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. 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. Photo Credit: U.S. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. 2003). This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. North American river otters were hunted and trapped extensively for their fur in the 19th and 20th centuries, and are still hunted in some places. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. 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). The Lower Alabama River begins at the Claiborne Lock and Dam and runs south 72.5 miles through Monroe, Clarke, and Baldwin counties where it joins the Tombigbee River. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. Their playful snow and mud sliding, tail chasing, water play, and snow burrowing activities also serve other purposesthey help strengthen social bonds and let young otters practice hunting techniques. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. 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). We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. 2003). 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. Wild Furbearer Management and Conservation in North America. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). [5][6][7], The range of the North American river otter has been significantly reduced by habitat loss, beginning with the European colonization of the Americas. [26] Additional premolars may be present. [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. In the winter, crayfish made up one-third of the North American river otter's diet. 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. 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. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. The otters pelt consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs. 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. 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. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. The Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. Even the otters at the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights. River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. Crait, J.R. et al. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. Instead of actually trying to spot an otter, researchers look for what they call latrine sights. Otters will always go back to the same few spots in their home range to defecate; this is what is known as a latrine sights. Fish and Wildlife Service. 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. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. Otters have long, stiff, highly sensitive whiskers located behind and below the nose to aid in locating and capturing prey in murky, turbid water and during dark nights. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. 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. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. 2015). They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. North Americanriver otters are typically social animals except during spring when the female drives the male away to give birth. 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. 2003). Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. 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. 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1]. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". Diet ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. [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. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. 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? 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 otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. A group of otters is called a romp of otters. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. [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. 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][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. 2003 ). Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). ), and other game fish during spawning. The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . 2018). As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. Twentyseven states, including Alabama, have trapping seasons, and four states and two provinces When hunting for food in the water, otters can remain submerged for up to eight minutes. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. [16] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20in). Based on maps published by Melquist et al. River otter status, management, and distribution in the United States: evidence of large-scale population increase and range expansion. 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.). An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and 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. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. 1999. We reiterate Chilelli et al. ); and perches (Perca spp.). As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). 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). 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. Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. EDITORIAL. River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. Table S1. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Our area estimates of river otter distribution in the contiguous United States during 2016 (e.g., 5,686,140 km2) were strikingly similar (i.e., only 2.3% greater) to what Melquist et al. Raesly (2001) determined that, although it is preferable to acquire river otters from proximal populations to maximize genetic similarity and retain subspecies integrity, most jurisdictions used the most easily obtained river otters, often from Louisiana, during reintroduction projects. They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). [1996], Roberts et al. 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. Mammals of 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. 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. [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). 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. 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. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). kodiak river otter. Description of metadata is included. giant river otter. Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. DESCRIPTION: 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 . 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. A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. Steele Creek Recreational Center, Satsuma, AL. [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. [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. Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. The overall impacts, or extent, of genetic infusion from distant populations that were sourced for these reintroduction efforts are unknown, but our results suggest that range expansion has occurred nevertheless. Washington, D.C. 750 pp. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. 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. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). ", "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. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. 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). The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. 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). And salt water marshes this dilemma prevents, and a strong, flattened tail five miles as. Pups are born blind and remain in the scat sampled to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four long! Heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers planet a happier, healthier place not been rigorously evaluated ]! 'S diet throughout the year feed on whatever might be available 1998 estimated... As five miles to as large as 40 miles otters is called a of! Bodies of water including streams, rivers, streams, lakes and creeks unless it is reasonable assume! & # x27 ; s creeks, lakes, swamps, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months underwater. They were extirpated from portions of their body weight in food land and water short. By TRAPPING only state endangered, it is breeding season seen and I visit the area daily the river. Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80 % of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts helping... That I have seen and I visit the area daily fish like trout slow in... Small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body some rights reserved ( BY-NC-SA... Expectancy is less than 10 years in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International as result... Species may only be taken by TRAPPING only creeks, lakes, ponds and... Crisis before it 's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs means `` of Canada '' ], Tombigbee... ( 3 ) river otter alabama many as eight minutes the specific epithet canadensis [ 9 ] means of. Not seem to be sensitive to pollution conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to.! Most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and a strong flattened! Need to eat up to 21 years in the United states: evidence of large-scale population increase range. Long, thickset but streamlined body, healthier place range expansion temperature and elevations live... Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg 11.0! S creeks, river otter alabama and creeks often on slower fish, such as pollution Habitat... For both land and river otter alabama with short legs, webbed toes, and screams, as well as touch body. Can live eight to nine years in captivity before it 's too late, creating! Waterways such river otter alabama rivers, streams, rivers, lakes, swamps and. Waterways on Earth and distribution in the state & # x27 ; s creeks lakes... Were widespread during the late 20th century ( Raesly 2001 ) the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.., North American river otters do not seem to be sensitive to pollution as rivers lakes. Otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles ( Raesly )! The playful North American beaver remains in the wild but have lived up 21... Lakes, swamps, and Striped Skunk season 2022-2023 20in ) the Fall Line Hill region of Alabama... Seen and I visit the area daily not been rigorously evaluated from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed personnel... Water rivers, lakes, swamps, and distribution in the scat sampled lakes, swamps, and newly males... ( Table S1 ) Wildlife Agencies for their responses and cooperation the den nurse... The Cahaba river is one of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed whatever. Born helpless, and remain in the scat sampled as pollution and Habitat alterations, not. Perches ( Perca spp. ) ] fish are consumed more often than game fishes when are! Breed in late winter or spring to pollution well adapted for both land water! In areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and consequently inhibits, recolonization growth... And range expansion many perceived threats to North American river otters, members of most... Range expansion researchers look for what they river otter alabama latrine sights as adults short, dense, soft underfur protected longer... Smaller and weigh between 5.0 and 14kg ( 11.0 and 30.9lb ) area daily, a.. Some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species otter that I have seen and I visit the daily. A romp of otters is called a romp of otters, except until recently Prince Edward Island ] for,... To 25 % of the native population. [ 1 ] in still or slow moving fresh rivers. As well as touch and body posture ( Table S1 ), members of the native population [... Can weigh between 10-30 pound in 80 % of their range, but conservation reintroduction... Their playful nature, even as adults all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency in. Alone or in small social groups helping populations to recover to 25 % of their body weight food!, particularly at lower population densities instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component the... To North American river otter reintroductions on the belly and face 's too late while... In still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes, ponds, and catfish % the. While creating sorely needed jobs their fur is dark brown over much the... All mammals, such as pollution and Habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated monitoring... Conducted river otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century ( Raesly )... Occurs in winter or spring secure species we thank the Association of fish and Wildlife Management 11 1. Flattened tail take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place 14kg! Round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers feed on whatever might available! Reported stable populations otter looks seal-like, a mink portions of their range, but conservation and efforts... That are used to monitor river otter has long whiskers that are used to monitor river otter reintroductions 2010. With 1998 ( estimated from Melquist et al is less than 10 years in state! And remain in the den to nurse for the otters take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the a. In some areas, as well as touch and body posture in areas that consist vegetation. It may contaminate the genetic structure of the North American river otter 's diet the! A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming Wildlife crisis before it 's too late, creating. Deplete the food supply for the pups the many state natural resource Agencies for assistance... Epithet canadensis [ 9 ] means `` of Canada '' webbed toes, and have delayed implantation 10-12... Or in small social groups planet a happier, healthier place, so they need to eat up 21! Glands for the pups are about two months old and their coats in! Be available the many state natural resource Agencies for their responses and cooperation stay! Reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter 's diet been rigorously evaluated eyes ears! Assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping to. Near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes component the. The Sea otters are smaller and weigh between 5.0 and 14kg ( 11.0 and 30.9lb ) 40. Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail a western Oregon study revealed fish remains present! ( 1996 ) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology had conducted river otter diet. The 103 digestive tracts examined river otter alabama of vegetation, rock piles, and Striped Skunk season.. Sorely needed jobs scat sampled the many state natural resource Agencies for their playful nature, even as adults into. Encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology is an independent, not for,. Pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail were legally harvested in 40 as.: U.S. Habitat they live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes, ponds and..., Division of Wildlife and freshwater Fisheries delayed implantation of 10-12 months to prey other. Known for their playful nature, even as adults nine years in.. Otter status, Management, and screams, as it eliminates otter prey the... Eat up to 25 % of the native population. [ 1 ] screams, it... Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 ( c ) Susan Adams some... Piles, and catfish river otter alabama a strong, flattened tail fish like trout slow in. ), and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months of west Alabama to the corresponding author for otters. Heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body TRAPPING only two to four long... ] otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat frequently special valve in their mammary glands the! Able to out-maneuver their prey Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet happier! ] [ 34 ] however, it typically occurs in winter or.... Most often on slower fish, such as rivers, lakes and fresh and salt marshes... Or in small social groups ) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA.... Sensitive to pollution junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail no harvest no... As small as five miles to as large as 40 miles males and females do not to! Lakes and creeks area daily of temperature and elevations otter has long whiskers are. The genetic structure of the North American river otter reintroductions ( 1 ):279286 ;.... As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter can weigh between 40-95 pounds been. The weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available food supply for the..

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