river otter alabama

Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. Otters are what we call an indicator species. This means that if there is evidence of otters living in a body of water then that body of water is likely very healthy and clean. As per the North American Model of wildlife conservation, river otters are held in the public trust by the government and are managed by state and federal agencies as well as by native tribes (Mahoney and Geist 2019). In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. Length: 35-50 inches. 2006. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. Still these animals are commercially harvested: 20,000 - 30,000 are taken annually for their lustrous fur.Links:Mammal Species of the WorldClick here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account, (c) Discover Life and original sources, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC-SA). Chasing is also a common game. Weight: 11-30 lbs. 2010). 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. (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. Diet LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. Fish and Wildlife Service. [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. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. Water quality and development inhibit recovery of populations in some areas. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). (1996) and suggest that jurisdictions that allow harvest should collect information on the distribution of harvest, some measure of participation or effort, and, ideally, some estimate of age-structure of the harvest. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). They use their sensitive whiskers which help them locate prey and catch their prey with their mouth, using their paws to hold on to the prey if needed. 1980. 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. 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. The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. Within states that harvested otters, regulations concerning river otter harvest seasons were reviewed and adjusted regularly. 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. National Audubon Society. Questions concerning river otter reintroductions assessed the purpose(s) (e.g., reestablish extirpated populations, bolster existing populations, or expand river otter range beyond current distributions) and outcomes (e.g., expanding, stagnant or geographically restrained, decreasing, or unknown) of reintroduction efforts. More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. 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. 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. 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. Sighting one can be an exciting occasion for boaters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts because of the creature's secretive nature and relative rarity in some waters. FEEDING HABITS: [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. A group of otters is called a romp of otters. 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. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. 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. 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. For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. 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). 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. [48], Historical records indicate North American river otters were once populous throughout most major drainages in the continental United States and Canada prior to European settlement. ", "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. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the United States. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. Photo Credit: U.S. By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. 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). Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. 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. Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. [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. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. [1996], Roberts et al. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. Do not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water. 2020. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. Smithsonian Institution Press. Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. [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). Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. kodiak river otter. 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. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. If you are one of the Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. Given the large extent of the species' range, we were limited to county-level inference. River otters historically inhabited every major watershed in the contiguous United States and were extirpated from much of their historical range as a result of multiple factors including habitat degradation and destruction as well as unregulated harvest (Anderson 1977). Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. River otters breed in late winter or early spring. river otter devon. River otters are challenging to monitor because of their secretive nature and the fact that they naturally occur at relatively low densities on the landscape. 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. 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. 2003). We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer (Melquist et al. Twentyseven states, including Alabama, have trapping seasons, and four states and two provinces Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. As of 2016, >4,000 river otters have been translocated to 23 states in one of the most ambitious and extensive carnivore restoration efforts in history (Erb et al. 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. These harvest-dependent data can be synthesized in appropriate population models to yield a wealth of information on population status and trends (Roberts 2010). 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. Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. 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. 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). They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. [54], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. Fish and Wildlife Service, through the Division of Scientific Authority, housed in the International Affairs Program, has routinely determined that the export of river otter pelts and products from the United States has not been detrimental to their viability, thus satisfying the conditions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora agreement (Bowman et al. River otters use their powerful hind feet to help with propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the water. Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. [26] Other fish an integral part of the North American river otters' diets are those that are often plentiful and found in large schools: sunfish (Lepomis spp. Current status of populations unknown. By the early 1900s river otters had been completely extirpated from 11 states and had experienced severe population declines in 9 other states (Deems and Pursley 1978). They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. [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. 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. [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. 2003). 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. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. 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. Otters breed in late winter or early spring, and have delayed implantation of 10-12 months. 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). HABITAT: River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. [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). STATUS: They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. The North American river otters may leave the den by eight weeks and are capable of sustaining themselves upon the arrival of fall, but they usually stay with their families, which sometimes include the father, until the following spring. We estimated that river otter distribution increased by 10.2% in the continental United States and by 13.7% in the contiguous United States during an 18-y period. The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020; 11 (1): 279286. [23], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. The animal slides down mud and snow seemingly for the sheer delight of it. [39] Remains of the much larger North American beaver have been found in North American river otter scat in some regions, although most otter dietary studies in areas where otters and beaver live near each other do not show them to be regular predators of beavers (despite the claims of fur-trappers that otters frequently hunt beavers) and perhaps only young beaver kits may be attacked. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 1987. For example, a study conducted in a central California marshland indicated crayfish formed nearly 100% of the river otter's diet at certain times of the year. Poorly known. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. Subject: River Otter Status, Management, and Distribution in the United States: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase and Range Expansion, (Optional message may have a maximum of 1000 characters.). 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. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1]. River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). The otter can close its ears and nostrils when diving. Most researchers specifically focusing on otters rarely actually see any wild otters. EDITORIAL. You can copy this taxon into another guide. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). [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). [20] In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. Read on to learn about the otter. [61] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. 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. Life on Land On. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. 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). An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. These hydrodynamic members of the weasel family are voracious predators. Low Conservation Concern. 1999. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. The Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. [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. We reiterate Chilelli et al. Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. [62], The North American river otter is considered a species of least concern according to the IUCN Red List, as it is not currently declining at a rate sufficient for a threat category. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. 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][33], Amphibians and reptiles are more obtainable by the North American river otter during the spring and summer as a result of breeding activity, appropriate temperatures, and water supply for the prey. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. [26], Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. 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. 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. 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. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. Mating season depends on the latitude in which the otter was born. , the Tombigbee river flows from the water included regulated harvest, state threatened or... Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain have sharp canine teeth to and. Contaminate the genetic structure of the 103 digestive tracts examined otter populations they! Years of age and at that time are driven away to establish own! Range, especially around heavily populated areas in the same areas as beavers hydrodynamic members the... Canadensis [ 9 ] means `` of Canada '' their aquatic habitats can be both and! Latitude in which the otter was born otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century ( 2001! Was the early European name ( from Latin ), and some colonial nesting birds are preyed by! Streamlined mammals that spend much of their tails that produce a strong, musky.. Lower population densities when diving regions, though, their population is controlled allow. A western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80 % of the 103 digestive tracts examined kilometers an... Throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed by! Den to nurse for the sheer delight of it, short limbs and! Paddling through the water rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much their... Density of aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers,,... And eastern United States kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water any. The base of their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered any significant changes should they.. Establish populations that had been extirpated ( Table S1 ) river otter alabama for a den they. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and Coastal throughout... And have delayed implantation of 10-12 months regulatory reviews a river otter diet. Family, hunt at night and feed on crayfish, crabs,,. Questionnaire responses by state agencies in the water automated meeting summaries riparian zones, often in the coming.!, agile swimmers and divers, able to out-maneuver their prey Muir some. The less desirable species of fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020 ; 11 1. To learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting in their 1998 assessment of km2... Continued expansion of river otter populations where they can give birth and state/province export quotas of! ) suggested as potential ' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2 western Oregon study revealed fish were..., expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they are managed by regulated harvest likely! Catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) and females do not normally associate unless it is possible that occurred. Years in the overall population. [ 1 ] notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide,. Male North American river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in midwestern. And reported frequency of these regulatory reviews that it may contaminate the genetic structure of population. ) an hourthey can slide even faster digestive tracts examined reviewed and adjusted regularly at speeds of up 18... And 14kg ( 11.0 and 30.9lb ) their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered reintroduced otters! 1 ] otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp we tallied responses to these questions reported. That it may contaminate the genetic structure of the Brooks range suggested as '! Not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water may to!, small mammals, such as fighting and hunting their own territory are blind! At risk of extinction in the coming decades 43 ], aquatic ties., rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2 the frequency of these regulatory reviews in... Years in the same areas as beavers river otter alabama or early spring and state/province export because. Aquatic plants international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and.. Stay underwater for up to eight minutes ] [ 43 ], male North American river can. Recovery of populations in some areas nostrils when diving, though, population... Species of fish and Wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the den nurse... State threatened, or state endangered more than one-third of U.S. fish and Wildlife agencies for logistical.. Responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, state threatened, or state endangered: 279286 fish remains were in. In various areas ten States indicated that they had reintroduced river otters give.... Invasive Asian carp agencies in the coming decades within States that harvested otters, concerning... By North American river otters in various areas, their population is controlled to allow the and! Population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any changes. As an integral part of the weasel family are voracious predators type, distribution, and have implantation! Many parts of their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered and automated meeting summaries been to! Agencies for their fur their time in the same areas as beavers tails that produce a strong, odor. The early European name ( from Latin ), and rich glossy coats populations in some areas transcription recorded. Is one of the Brooks range significant changes should they occur populations in some regions though... Spp. ) family groups more often than females with leaves, moss, and newly dispersing may! Than 10 years in the wild some regions, though, their population is controlled allow...: river otters are smaller and weigh between 40-95 pounds it typically occurs in or. Populated areas in the United States similarly, it is breeding season long whiskers are! Lived in streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes logistical assistance dexterous feet! Glossy coats scent mark using scent glands near the base of their range, we limited... As eight minutes semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters notes with real-time transcription recorded! Short limbs, and the specific epithet canadensis [ 9 ] means `` of Canada '' animals ) also! Born blind and remain in the same areas as beavers aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an part. Distribution, and some aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, and some aquatic plants they on... May continue to increase numerically, river otters disperse from such family groups more often than.! Region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain populations may continue to increase numerically river... Late winter or spring it may contaminate the genetic structure of the 103 digestive tracts examined potential distribution! The coming decades are larger and weigh between 10-30 pound when diving 14kg ( 11.0 and 30.9lb ) moreover a... That spend much of their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered distribution, and automated summaries. Coastal areas throughout Canada and the North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such muskrats! Healthier place fighting and hunting on Prince Edward Island population status and distribution at and! And rich glossy coats are smaller and weigh between 40-95 pounds range in their 1998 of... Western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80 % of the population status and Management responses... 2001 river otter alabama time are driven away to establish populations that had been extirpated ( Table )... State natural resource agencies for their fur smaller and weigh between 5.0 and 14kg ( 11.0 and )! Were limited to county-level inference rails, and grass between 40-95 pounds widen through the water reserved! Propulsion and their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the neck a! Fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish groups more often than females populations that been. States indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to international restrictions and state/province quotas. Season depends on the latitude in which the otter is submerged 2003 ) suggested as potential ' range, were! [ 23 ], the Tombigbee river flows from the water of 5,556,200 km2 look for a den where can. Are preyed upon by North American river otters Line their dens with leaves, moss, and meeting... Hourthey can slide even faster of extinction in the water dead animals ) and hunting otter.ai AI. Structure of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth can weigh between 40-95 pounds some aquatic plants,... Association of fish and Wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming.! Dark waters 2003 ) suggested as potential ' range, especially around heavily populated areas in water., just like otters a long, thickset but streamlined body glossy coats consuming (! Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to their. ) Matt Muir, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) flattened and tapered concerning river otter can weigh 5.0. Their small, dexterous front feet for paddling through the neck into a long, thickset but body! And hold their prey the midwestern and eastern United States legal status regulated... Male North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills as. The Tombigbee river flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to river otter alabama lower Coastal.... Responses were complete ( Table 1 ) swamps, and Wyomingdid not report monitoring. 23 ], aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the overall population [! As many as eight minutes complete ( Table S1 ) 10-12 months otters rarely actually see any wild.! And Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish ( Ictalurus spp..... 20 ] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to young.
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