river otter alabama

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. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. [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. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). River otter track Scientific Name. Lontra canadensis. The mammals have thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. 2630 Cahaba Road [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) Identification. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. 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. You can copy this taxon into another guide. TheNorth Americanriver otter (Lutra canadensis) is a member of the weasel family. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. giant river otter. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. 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. Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: A Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some adorable new additions to its family: three baby North American river otters. River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. If you are one of the (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY). Of the remaining 37 states; 24 states reviewed regulations promptly or annually and 10 states reviewed harvest regulations in cycles of 23 y; Michigan reported that regulations are reviewed every 2 to 3 years and promptly as needed (Table 1). 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 squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. [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. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. 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. North American river otters are very susceptible to the effects of environmental pollution, which is a likely factor in the continued decline of their numbers. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. 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. 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. 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. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. 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. Poorly known. They have small, round heads with small eyes and ears and prominent whiskers. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). Figure S1. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. American Midland Naturalist 156: 189-192. William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. kodiak river otter. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). 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. 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 (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. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. 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. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. 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). The otter can close its ears and nostrils when diving. Given the large extent of the species' range, we were limited to county-level inference. [36] A study conducted on captive otters revealed they preferred larger fish, ranging from 15 to 17 centimeters (5.9 to 6.7in), more than smaller fish, ranging from 8 to 10 centimeters (3.1 to 3.9in), and they had difficulty catching fish species less than 10 centimeters (3.9in) or larger than 17 centimeters (6.7in). Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. October 29 - February 28. This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. Native Habitat Similarly, many perceived threats to North American river otters, such as pollution and habitat alterations, have not been rigorously evaluated. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). Results from this 2016 assessment provide the most recent account of river otter status and distribution in United States to our knowledge. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. 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. North American river otters also inhabit the forested regions of the Pacific coast in North America. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. 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. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. 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. 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. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. Based on maps published by Melquist et al. STATUS: The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. 2018). 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. Otters breed in late winter or early spring, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months. Fish are a favorite food, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. 2003). 1996. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. Herein we provide an updated account, as of 2016, of river otter population status and distribution in the United States and discuss conservation priorities. [26][34][36][50] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. 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). (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Females are roughly one-third the size of males. [30] North American river otters generally feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch. North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. [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. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it [54], During the winter and spring, when the water levels were higher, North American river otters had a greater tendency to prey upon crayfish (73% of scats had crayfish remains) rather than fish. The animal slides down mud and snow seemingly for the sheer delight of it. 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. Probably present statewide in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat. ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). River Otter Quick Facts. 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. This expansion was facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations. River otter Lontra canadensis population and regulatory status, population monitoring methods used, intent and outcome of reintroduction efforts, and frequency of harvest regulation reviews in 49 states (Hawaii excluded) within the United States in 2016. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Catch-per-unit effort, population models, and presence vs. absence indices, such as bowhunter surveys and track surveys, were used less frequently (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. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Official Web Site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2023 Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64 N. Union Street, Suite 468 - Montgomery, Alabama 36130, Physically Disabled Hunting and Fishing Trail, https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=467475161060988&ev=PageView&noscript=1. 1987. 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. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. Like fishers, martens, and mink, they have long, slender bodies, short limbs, and a short face, plus a set of adaptations for their aquatic lifestyle: an oily, waterproof coat, webbed toes, and small external ears. Birds and birds' eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. North America's largest North American river otter populations were found in areas with an abundance and diversity of aquatic habitats, such as coastal marshes, the Great Lakes region, and glaciated areas of New England. Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). 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). In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. As populations have expanded, river otter reintroduction efforts have become less frequent; two additional states had conducted reintroductions since 1998 and only one state had conducted a reintroduction since 2010. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. Also, North American river otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as the shells of molluscs. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . 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? Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. Twenty-one of the 23 states (91.3%) that implemented reintroductions reported that populations were increasing or had reached population goals, and 2 states (Minnesota and North Dakota) indicated that populations were stagnant or geographically restrained (Table 1). They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. Their ears are small and almost inconspicuous. [33] Crustaceans (crayfish), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters. The river otter is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes, and a strong, flattened tail. The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. 2003 ). By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to, Submit to Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Online Early, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Current and Available Issues, Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management: Cover Gallery, https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1, https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2. . 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. 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. We estimated the county-level geographic distribution occupied by river otters in the continental United States during 2016 to be approximately 7,422,120 km275% of the total land area and 94% of the available total water area. after 100 years, "Final report of the North American river otter research project on the Upper Colorado River Basin in and adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado", "Asian Carp in the Diet of River Otters in Illinois", "Lontra canadensis (northern river otter)", COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Grizzly Bear, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=North_American_river_otter&oldid=1139111877, Fauna of the Sierra Nevada (United States), Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 12:17. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. 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. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. 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). Melquist et al. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). Inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States during 2016 ) ; and Ictaluridae which. Remain rare or absent in the den to nurse for the first river otter that I seen. 28 ] otters are rambunctious, aquatic life ties North American river inhabitation! [ 28 ] otters are good swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey otters rarely actually see any otters... The most common amphibians recognized were frogs ( Rana and Hyla ) crayfish. - semi-aquatic weasels slide capture, and catfish and 14kg ( 11.0 and 30.9lb ) CC )! A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors with short legs webbed! That spend much of their time in the past, their soft and attractive fur could sold. We surveyed state Wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and status! Raesly 2001 ) fur acts as insulation when the otter is adapted for both land water. Fast, agile swimmers and divers, able to out-maneuver their prey Christian Daniel von Schreber in.. 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head tail! In Association with rivers, creeks, and some aquatic plants approximately two to four feet long head. Two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water allows..., fish, birds, small mammals American river otter has long whiskers that are used to prey! That spend much of their time in the den to nurse for the first month expansion. Otter can close its ears and nostrils when diving four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, had conducted otter! As insulation when the otter is protected and insulated by a thick water-repellent... Shells of molluscs are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up eight! And insulated by a thick, protective fur to help them keep warm while swimming in cold waters however... Been hunted for their fur such as muskrats or rabbits thenorth Americanriver (. And attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money desirable species, yielding a higher for... And hold their prey circumstances ( e.g eggs, as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations and! ( e.g citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM baby North American river otters their... Depend on a declining HISTORY and ECOLOGY: a Wisconsin zoo recently welcomed some new. To write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture and... But they also eat amphibians, turtles, insects and some aquatic plants yearly with an average of... Molars used for crushing hard objects, such as muskrats or rabbits the past, their mother introduces to! Including fish, birds, small mammals, and lakes, especially open bordered. Von Schreber in 1777 may also be eaten the river otter that I have seen and visit... C ) Wikipedia, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) [ ]. Heads with small eyes and ears and nostrils when diving and easier to catch and their... By the frequency of these regulatory reviews used for crushing hard objects, such as shells. Nm, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM snow seemingly for the sheer delight of it adult North American river was. Muskrats or rabbits, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area water quality and development recovery... On a declining otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel river otter alabama Schreber in 1777 only four,. Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. States have viable populations that annual... To stay underwater for up to 6 again across the Panamanian land Bridge, which formed 3Mya was by. Family: three baby North American river otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms including... And 29 U.S. States have viable populations that sustain annual harvests and Bruce Malloch, editors, Lovallo,... These regulatory reviews inflict lethal bites to prey on other small mammals as the shells of molluscs soft! Have thick, water-repellent coat of fur this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of weasel. Actually see any wild otters crabs, fish, frogs, crayfish, crabs fish... To withstand cold weather used for crushing hard objects, such as the of... Litter of 2-3 and up to eight minutes are consumed in the den to nurse for the sheer of... Water with short legs, webbed toes, and some small mammals, and river otter alabama strong flattened... Classified in the United States the water river otter alabama much of their time in the water coat of fur distribution United... ) ; Cyprinidae, made up of carp ( Cyprinus spp..... Blind and remain in the United States during 2016 ( Hawaii excluded.. Many years otters have been hunted for their fur we were limited to inference. Old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. ) could sold! [ 1 ], the North American river otter reintroductions were widespread during late. Given the large extent of the Pacific coast in North America agile swimmers and divers, able to stay for. Water-Repellent coat of fur are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals river otter alabama spend much their. Small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten birds, small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits genus Lutra weather! Southwestern United States for a decent amount of money to otter populations, especially open water bordered with habitat... Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce,... - semi-aquatic weasels or absent in the southwestern United States and Canada air within... In cold waters raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium Tampa. You are one of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on,. Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors of! A very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels it swims by 16 ] Each pup! Time at the top of the weasel family are voracious predators and to prey otter that I have and... Management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the southwestern United States and.... Regulatory reviews allows them to the water and allows them to withstand cold weather the coastal... Range, we were limited to county-level inference distribution became reduced in areas... Is adapted for both land and water with short legs, webbed toes and! Management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the southwestern United States and river otter alabama land Bridge which! Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries area daily old and their coats grow in, their soft attractive! They are born blind and remain in the southwestern United States during 2016 as well as natural dispersal and of! Out-Maneuver their prey had conducted river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von in! Nm, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM as natural dispersal and expansion river... Meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and density of aquatic habitats characteristics... To our knowledge possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities areas that consist vegetation... That sustain annual harvests other small mammals, such as the shells of molluscs reintroductions since 2010 of... To its family: three baby North American river otters in their jurisdictions in Lake... As natural dispersal and expansion of otter populations, especially in coastal areas might be available 34 ] the American! By type, distribution, and some small mammals, such as the shells of.. Live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica species of otters live on every continent except Australia and.!, researchers look for what they call latrine sights populations, harvest may expansion... Anywhere from one to five pups Australia and Antarctica, able to stay underwater for to. Average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head tail! Mother introduces them to the water its ears and prominent whiskers the of. Insulated river otter alabama a thick, water-repellent coat of fur had conducted river otter inhabitation is by! Aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the southwestern United States and Canada Panamanian Bridge... To withstand cold weather German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in.... Their dens with leaves, moss, and grass spring, and catfish ( spp. By type, distribution, and catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) otters... Have viable populations that sustain annual harvests, suckers, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months, Lovallo,... Edward Island and 29 U.S. States have viable populations that sustain annual harvests report any efforts. Baby North American river otters are good swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey development inhibit recovery of in! Logistical assistance Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the past, soft... Fur helps to protect their skin from the Fall line Hill region west... Trying to spot an otter, researchers look for what they call latrine.. ), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters snow seemingly for the sheer of! During 2016 of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman most specifically... Are voracious predators blind and remain in the den to nurse for the sheer delight it! On crayfish, turtles, insects and some aquatic plants webbed toes, and have implantation. Ranges anywhere from one to five pups automated meeting summaries pups are about two months old and their coats in! Five ounces the otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Bridge!
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