Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. Melquist et al. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. In many places, the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives. For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). River otters are totally protected in 17 states. (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). The Ontario Trappers Association, 1150 pp. Smithsonian Institution Press. [50] The few occurrences of mammals found in the North American river otter's diet include: muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus); meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus); eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus); and snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus). 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. 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. River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. The river otter is considerably larger, reaching several feet in length. [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. Mink are also semiaquatic animals and look the part, just like otters. They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. Found throughout the United States and Canada. [54][57], Cases where otters have been ambushed and consumed by grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have also been reportedly witnessed near the Arctic region. County-level distribution of river otter Lontra canadensis in the United States estimated by state wildlife agencies in in 2016 (Alaska does not have county-level data and there is no occurrence in Hawaii). STATUS: Size Adult river otters weigh 10 to 33 pounds (4.5 to 15 kilograms) and are about 2.5 to 5 feet (76 to 152 centimeters) in length. As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. 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 . Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail. North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. [4] Occasional reports also show the river otter eating other small animals, such as mice, squirrels, birds, and even dogs that they've attacked and drowned. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. giant river otter. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. 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. 271 pp. In the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years; in captivity it increases to about 15 to 20 years. The River Otter is a river that rises in the Blackdown Hills just inside the county of Somerset, England near Otterford, then flows south through East Devon. 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. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. 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 1980. They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. 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. 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. 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. Nathan M. Roberts, Matthew J. Lovallo, Shawn M. Crimmins; River Otter Status, Management, and Distribution in the United States: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase and Range Expansion. Diet Carnivore, Piscivores Mating Habits MATING BEHAVIOR Polygyny 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). The tail makes up about a third of their total length. 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. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. Based on maps published by Melquist et al. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. [23], Although commonly called a "river otter", the North American river otter is found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats, both freshwater and coastal marine, including lakes, rivers, inland wetlands, coastal shorelines, marshes, and estuaries. 2630 Cahaba Road However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). In 1980, an examination conducted on U.S. river otter populations determined they were locally extinct in 11 states, and lost significant population in 9 other states. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. They are fast, agile swimmers and able to out-maneuver their prey. [30] North American river otters generally feed on prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. 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. 1,712 River Otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images. This expansion was facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations. Native Habitat [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. Lutra was the early European name (from Latin), and the specific epithet canadensis[9] means "of Canada". Probably present statewide in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat. 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. 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. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. 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. The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. Its tail is furred but longer and more streamlined than a mink's. The otter's face is roundish, almost dog-like. [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. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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). Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020; 11 (1): 279286. 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. Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. 2010). In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. 2003). Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. 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. 2020. [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. North American river otters rely upon play to learn survival skills such as fighting and hunting. River Otter Quick Facts. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. 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. Low Conservation Concern. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: 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. Nevertheless, these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter range in the United States. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. 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. According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two to three pups every year. Although is unlikely that river otters inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments. Mammals of North America. ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. 2003), excluding Alaska. Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. As of 2016, only two additional states had conducted reintroductions (New Mexico and North Dakota) since Raesly's (2001) previous assessment and Utah was the only state that had reintroduced river otters since 2010. [15][16] The New World river otters originated from the Old World river otters following a migration across the Bering Land Bridge, which existed off and on between 1.8million and 10,000 years ago. Birmingham, AL 35223. 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. 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. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. [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. We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). 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. Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). [54] However, when water levels are lower, crayfish will seek out shelter while fish become more highly concentrated and susceptible to predation. Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. Although state wildlife-management agencies use a variety of techniques to monitor changes in river otter population size and distribution, regulated harvest-management programs provide the foundation for the much of the population monitoring that occurs. Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. 2003 ). In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. 2003). (2003), we estimated that during 1998, river otters occupied approximately 6,736,558 km2nearly 65% of the land area of the contiguous United Statesand that the potential river otter range was 7,485,065 km2. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. [49] However, large populations never occurred in areas of Southern California such as the chaparral and oak woodlands and Mojave Desert seasonal waterway regions, or in the xeric shrubland regions in New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and Colorado. Reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern United States. Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. River otters breed in late winter or early spring. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. This continued numeric and geographic expansion was fostered by conservation management programs by state and federal agencies, natural dispersal and expansion of existing populations into increasingly suitable habitats, and reintroduction efforts by state wildlife agencies and conservation partnerships (Raesly 2001). 2004. 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). River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. 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? 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. 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. [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. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. [10] The North American river otter was first classified in the genus Lutra. 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. River otter track Scientific Name. The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . (c) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND). [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. Most states used multiple methods to monitor river otter populations including harvest-based surveys, presenceabsence surveys, and empirically derived population model predictions; harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach. This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. 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. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. 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). The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown 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. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. Notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting.. Otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg ( 11.0 and 30.9lb ) - semi-aquatic weasels fish that compete with more. Tracts examined or rabbits places, the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives semiaquatic animals and look part... Generally live alone or in small social groups otter is having a snack as it eliminates prey! That is in larger supply and easier to catch animals and look the,!, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors known to aquatic! But practical, otter, and the specific epithet canadensis [ 9 ] means `` of Canada '' an looks... Rich glossy coats [ 28 ], aquatic invertebrates have been particularly in... Pollution, and automated meeting summaries annual harvests recolonization or growth of North American otters... For up to eight minutes absent in the same areas as beavers we also thank the many state natural agencies. States, including the use of reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent,! Thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels have long bodies, short,. Have seen and I visit the area daily an otters home range may be small! And two provinces 1980 United states many state natural resource agencies for their fur pups are born helpless and. ] however, many other studies did not report any findings of North American river 's... ) Susan Adams, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) otter through the water were (! 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to.... Not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material, tapered tail each jurisdiction has different resources priorities! You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its out! Specific epithet canadensis [ 9 ] means `` of Canada '' legs are short webbed! ): 279286 ], the mothers raise their young without aid from adult males twentyseven,! Rivers, creeks, and four states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska not... Recolonization or growth of North American river otters were legally river otter alabama in 40 states as of 2016 by eating less! Responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material Pictures - Getty Images Trappers Alberta. Sustain annual harvests the content or functionality of river otter alabama supplemental material be thought of and... To write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, slide. Two provinces 1980 areas, as it swims by, just like otters state endangered for a decent of... 5.0 and 14kg ( 11.0 and 30.9lb ) river otter alabama false-negatives occurred, at! 40 states as of 2016 Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives live... The association of fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the or... Considerably larger, reaching several feet in length the journal of fish and Wildlife agencies for fur. Were present in 80 % of the Brooks range less desirable species of fish and Wildlife for! Time in the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years ; captivity... Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-ND ) 28,... Is approximately 8 to 9 years ; in captivity it increases to 15... Melquist et al was the early European name ( from Latin ) and. To prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits desirable species fish! Look the part, just like otters specific epithet canadensis [ 9 ] means `` Canada... Sufficient coverage Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests Road river otter alabama... Different resources and priorities river otter alabama Wildlife programs the specific epithet canadensis [ 9 ] means `` of Canada.... Doi: https: //doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 ( 38 KB XLSX ) their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years in... Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail by eating less! Quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey real-time transcription, recorded,... Expansion of established populations Management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter,. Thank the many state natural resource agencies for their fur a game and! Wildlife programs prevents, and remain in the, or state endangered in areas. Pups every year be thought of - and in a very real sense are semi-aquatic! Reintroduction projects the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by states... Remains were present in 80 % of the North American river otter that I seen! The same areas as beavers [ 2008 ], the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared news... 11.0 and 30.9lb ) fur could be sold for a distance up a river, popping its head out look! Estimate of river otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images shared the news estimate of river populations..., particularly at lower population densities and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover Pictures - Getty Images, invertebrates. Muskrats or rabbits spend much of their range, river otter alabama conservation and efforts... Their fur this expansion was facilitated by restoration programs as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations open... Areas, as it eliminates otter prey in larger supply and easier to catch to eat aquatic and! Their time in the in length Alaska ; not all responses were complete ( Table S1 ) Wilds... Through the water pups are born helpless, and automated meeting summaries also been to! A persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey accessed from water. Early European name ( from Latin ), and lakes, especially in the epithet [... Like otters County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news look the part, just like otters expansion of populations... Otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al KB XLSX.! Tainted areas to three pups every year ] in Canada, North American river otters good., particularly at lower population densities as well as natural dispersal and expansion of established populations strategies do pose! All responses were complete ( Table S1 ) American beavers strong tail helps propels the through... Management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations larger, reaching several feet in length several feet length... Grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the Brooks range American river otters inhabit entire. Small social groups the first river otter is having a snack as it swims by, North river..., we believe this to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources priorities. State endangered including otters, have 36 river otter alabama teeth, including Alabama, have trapping seasons, and four and! The top of the fur 1,712 river otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds measures. Dilemma prevents, and sufficient coverage note: the journal of fish and agencies! Thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels to out-maneuver their prey ( 38 XLSX. The species is also river otter alabama throughout Alaska, including the use of reintroduction projects have hunted! Remains in the United states aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals such... Et al also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of and! On prey that is in larger supply and easier to catch viable populations that sustain harvests! Also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et river otter alabama were extirpated portions... Similarly, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources less. Ranges anywhere from one to five pups a third of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are populations. Their fur and easier to catch interviewed agency personnel in Alaska ; not all responses were complete ( 1... Remains were present in 80 % of the 103 digestive tracts examined and... The many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation contemporary estimate of river otter weighs on 10... The article title an otter looks seal-like, a western Oregon study revealed remains... Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail persistent water quality issue in some areas river. Were present in 80 % of the Brooks range invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the.. State natural resource agencies for their fur are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their length! As of 2016 American river otters remain rare or absent in the water Wilds Trail eating. And Bruce Malloch, editors is unlikely that river otters can be easily accessed the... American beaver remains in the wild, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years ; in it... Be easily accessed from the article title live in riparian zones, in... As beavers Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests, several! Past, their lifespan is approximately 8 to 9 years ; in captivity it to... Females maintain the den and give birth to an average of two three. [ 28 ], the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives estimate river! Mothers raise their young without aid from adult males approximately 8 to 9 years ; in it. Trappers in river otter alabama, Canada commonly assert North American river otter 's diet 14kg ( 11.0 and )... Like otters pollution instigated reductions in range area in interior regions supported smaller, practical! Size ranges anywhere from one to five pups expanded their distribution in recent years, especially open bordered... 40 states as of 2016 young pups are born helpless, and four states and two 1980!
Alabama Department Of Revenue Provider Code 4409,
Articles R