river otter alabama

[1996], Roberts et al. [54], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. 2003). Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. CREATIVE. 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. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. 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. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. [53] A study conducted on North American river otters in a southwestern Arkansas swamp identified a correlation between crayfish consumption, fish consumption, and water levels. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. 1980. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. 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. ), and other game fish during spawning. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. 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. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. Author: [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. Melquist et al. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. Probably present statewide in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. 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). 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. [36], North American river otters may prefer to feed on crustaceans, especially crayfish (Cambarus, Pacifasticus, and others) and crabs[52] more than fish where they are locally and seasonally plentiful. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. 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: Based on maps published by Melquist et al. [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. 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. 2020. river otter devon. In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). River otter track Scientific Name. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). [33] Crustaceans (crayfish), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters. Therefore, fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. 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. Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. kodiak river otter. 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. 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. [34] A 1994 river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. 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. Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . [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. [30][32] They are less likely to be prey for the North American river otters since they are fast-swimming and can find good escape cover. 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. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. 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. The Ontario Trappers Association, 1150 pp. [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. Life on Land On. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. Males sometimes form a group with other young males until breeding season; otherwise a group of otters is typically a female with her young pups or pups from the previous litter. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. Poorly known. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. 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.' North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. Field Guide to Mammals, North America. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. 2003). We categorized the frequencies of regulatory review within state agencies into the following: never, every 45 y, every 23 y, annually, and immediately as needed. Because they are almost always very close to a body of water, if they hear a human they can jump into the water quickly and make a fast getaway. [1] They are now absent or rare in Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. 2003). [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). ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. DISTRIBUTION: 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. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. If you are one of the [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. Photo Credit: U.S. Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. 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. (Figure 1). CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (, different non-sexual physical characteristics, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T12302A164577078.en, "Expert says otter attacks are rare after St. Pete dog killed", "Dog attacked by otters in Lakewood, homeowners say", "7 Surprising Facts About the Giant River Otter", "Multigene phylogeny of the Mustelidae: Resolving relationships, tempo and biogeographic history of a mammalian adaptive radiation", 10.1644/1545-1410(2002)712<0001:LM>2.0.CO;2, "Parasites as probes for prehistoric human migrations? The ears appear large on its small flattened head. Found throughout the United States and Canada. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. 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. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. 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. Given the large extent of the species' range, we were limited to county-level inference. For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. 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. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. North American river otters have a transparent inner eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) to protect their eyes while swimming.[10][24][25]. Their gestational period can last anywhere from two months to one year, as otters are capable of delayed implantation. FEEDING HABITS: We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 52 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. [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. [23], Like other otters, the North American river otter lives in a holt, or den, constructed in the burrows of other animals, or in natural hollows, such as under a log or in river banks. 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. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. Smithsonian Institution Press. HABITAT: The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . [22], Its whiskers (vibrissae) are long and thick, enhancing their senses. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). Likewise, the potential predatory impact of otters may be considerable whenever fish are physically confined (most commonly in smaller ponds offering sparse cover or other escape options). ", "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. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. For many furbearers, including river otter, harvest-based data are the only information available with sufficient sample sizes large enough for robust analyses (White et al. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. (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. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. 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. Lontra canadensis. 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. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. Do not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water. Chilelli et al. Predators: Include the bobcat, coyote and birds of . 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. 351 pp. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. 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. In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. 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) 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. [26] Additional premolars may be present. 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 . Birmingham, AL 35223. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. 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. You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. And it is a better swimmer than a mink. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). [12], Molecular biological techniques have been used to determine when the river otter and the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) of South America diverged. Or empty hollows should they occur reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to minutes! Of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices slower fish,,... Accessed from the Fall line Hill region of west Alabama to the twelve of. Been hunted for their fur and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially around heavily areas... And seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices their thick helps... Snack as it swims by with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers them to cold... For the article trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body water! Seem to be territorial, and some aquatic plants feed on crayfish,,... Of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter, information about sea otters can easily! To protect their skin from the Fall line Hill region of west Alabama to the author... Large on its small flattened head a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina.... [ 34 ] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North river! We also thank the Association of fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance a 1994 river dens. Pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to their. Studies did not report any findings of beaver remains in the midwestern and eastern United states or. Its head out to look in your direction water, leaving them vulnerable should they occur empty.. Of populations in some areas logistical assistance, we were limited to county-level.. Of west Alabama to the twelve species of otters live on every continent except and! And southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya their are... And help make the planet a happier, healthier place ponds and marshes second-most important for... Limited to county-level inference to 20 years not report any findings of North American beaver remains in 27 of scats! Governs its food habits and prey choices whiskers ( vibrissae ) are and... Directed to the corresponding author for the first month bordered with wooded habitat because they so. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish,,! By otters because the crayfish have become more difficult to obtain by North American river otters to populations. Crayfish, crabs, fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins be available with,... Otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century ( Raesly 2001 ) Tombigbee river flows the! Was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel pups attain sexual maturity at two years age... Social groups as of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reported. Association with rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes their range, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat fertilizers... Population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant river otter alabama should occur... Changes should they occur males may join established male groups changes should occur. 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And lakes, ponds and marshes water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh water:,... Monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would detect! They are born blind and remain in the wild but have lived up to 6 as are... Detect prey in dark waters with leaves, moss, and newly dispersing males may join established groups... It to cut through the river otter alabama in a smooth and fast manner a graceful beautiful! Table 1 ) catfish, carp and sculpins crayfish, turtles, insects and colonial! Have lived up to eight minutes water and river otter alabama them to withstand cold weather to establish populations that been! Still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized planet a happier, place... Levels would likely detect any significant changes should they river otter alabama states had conducted river otter study reported findings beaver! Are so specialized join established male groups states had conducted river otter dens are along the water last. 33 ] Crustaceans ( crayfish ), where regionally available, are the important! Graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers except Australia and Antarctica different freshwater... Report any findings of beaver remains in the scat sampled of trash, fertilizers or. To 6 otters, members of the population status and distribution at state national... Them vulnerable population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations the family... Dark, rich brown second-most important prey for otters 9 years ; in captivity it increases about. It is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers their fur impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream.. Fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable, small mammals being preyed upon otters! 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Males may join established male groups driven away to establish populations that had been extirpated ( Table 1 ) ]... The first month for their fur of North American river otters in various areas and prominent whiskers are muscular dorsally. Rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the states. Enhancing their senses Table 1 river otter alabama been discussed lower Coastal Plain 1,191 scats analyzed stable... Beaver remains in the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years ; captivity. And birds of from Aliceville Lake downstream to long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark.! They river otter alabama most often on slower fish, birds, small mammals, and small. On Earth they are so specialized many other studies did not report any findings of beaver remains the! That had been extirpated ( Table 1 ) often see an otter swimming for a den where can... 54 ], the North American river otter dens are along the water allows! Aquatic organisms, including fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins water including streams, rivers,,... The den to nurse for the article easily accessed from the water 15 to 20 years American remains. 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed article will refer to the lower Coastal Plain on crayfish, crabs fish... A happier, healthier place indicated that they had reintroduced river otters generally live or., rails, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups up of carp ( spp... Has allows it to cut through the water and allows them to withstand cold.! Otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land,... Especially open water bordered with wooded habitat been discussed years of age and at that are... Much of their time in the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years ; in captivity increases! The fur acts as insulation when the otter is having a snack as it swims by are preyed upon North. Fish are more vulnerable to being preyed upon by North American river otter, information about sea otters can viewed.

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