[41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. Crait, J.R. and M. Ben-David. Washington, D.C. 750 pp. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). 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. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. ); and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish (Ictalurus spp.). Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. 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? 2003). Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. (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. It can tolerate a great range of temperature and elevations. 351 pp. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. The River Otters are smaller and weigh between 10-30 pound. [9] The mammal was identified as a species of otter and has a variety of common names, including North American river otter, northern river otter, common otter and, simply, river otter. 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. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. We reiterate Chilelli et al. 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. We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). [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. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S2 (38 KB XLSX). Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. EDITORIAL. Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. River Otter Quick Facts. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. North American river otter A pair at the San Francisco Zooin 2005 Conservation status Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1] CITESAppendix II (CITES)[1] Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae Genus: Lontra Species: L. canadensis Binomial name Lontra canadensis (Schreber, 1777) [26][32][33] Bottom-dwelling species, which have the tendency to remain immobile until a predator is very close, are susceptible to North American river otters. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020; 11 (1): 279286. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. National Audubon Society. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk. A group of otters is called a romp of otters. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. 1996. Catch-per-unit effort, population models, and presence vs. absence indices, such as bowhunter surveys and track surveys, were used less frequently (Table 1). [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. 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. [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. You will often see an otter swimming for a distance up a river, popping its head out to look in your direction. In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. Otters have sharp claws and webbing between toes on all four feet. At about two months they begin to venture out of the den to play and to learn how to swim and hunt. 2003). Mammals of North America. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. 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. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Poorly known. beaver river otter. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. Author: 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. The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. Critter Control near me 2003). We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). North American river otters also currently inhabit coastal regions throughout the United States and Canada. 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. Reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern United States. 1980. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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). River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. 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. 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. Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. Harvest-based surveys were the most commonly used monitoring approach, being used by 35 states (Table 1). Life on Land On. 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. 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. Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. For instance, an Alberta, Canada study involved the collection and analysis of 1,191 samples of North American river otter scat (feces) collected during each season. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. Females are roughly one-third the size of males. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. Reintroduction of river otters may present a problem in that it may contaminate the genetic structure of the native population.[1]. River otters in Yellowstone Lake depend on a declining . In the wild, these otters eat a variety of fish, crayfish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates along with an occasional bird or rodent. You can copy this taxon into another guide. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. Harvest regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest (Table 1). [13] Fossils of a giant river otter dating back 3.5 Mya (during the Pliocene)[14] have been found in the US Midwest; however, fossils of the modern river otter did not appear in North America until about 1.9Mya. [34] A 1994 river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed. We surveyed state wildlife agency experts to assess the current population and regulatory status of river otters in their jurisdictions. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. [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. Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. 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 . [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). [30][38] North American river otters do not generally handle prey of a large size relative to themselves but there are occasions where they've been observed ambushing and killing adult common snapping turtles while the large turtles (which are roughly equal in average body weight to a North American river otter) are hibernating. 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.). In the Zoo, they eat meat, eggs, carrots, variety of fish (trout, catfish, herring, capelin, smelt). They prey most often on slower fish, such as catfish, carp and sculpins. However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. Jurisdictions that have harvest are afforded more monitoring opportunities through harvest-dependent data sources, such as catch-per-unit effort, distribution of harvests, and sex and age-structure of harvests. River otter dens are along the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. ), and other game fish during spawning. Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. 132 River Otters Playing Premium High Res Photos Browse 132 river otters playing stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. Any use of trade, product, website, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Are otters endangered in Alabama? [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. 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. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. A river otter chews on a chunk of raw fish during feeding time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa in 2021.. 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. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. 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. The tail makes up about a third of their total length. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Otters are known for their playful nature, even as adults. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 11(1):279286; e1944-687X. giant river otter. 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. (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. River otters have a high dispersal capacity and are capable of extensive long-distance movements over land, including mountainous terrain and across watersheds (Magoun and Valkenburg 1977, Melquist and Hornocker 1983). However, North American river otters remain rare or absent in the southwestern United States. North American river otters have long whiskers, which they use to detect prey in dark or cloudy water, and clawed feet for grasping onto slippery prey. In 1980, an examination conducted on U.S. river otter populations determined they were locally extinct in 11 states, and lost significant population in 9 other states. 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. [33] Every study done on the food habits of the North American river otter has identified varying fish species as being the primary component of its diet. The otter can close its ears and nostrils when diving. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. Crait, J.R. et al. Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. An otters home range may be as small as five miles to as large as 40 miles. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). River otters, members of the weasel family, hunt at night and feed on whatever might be available. To protect fish in these cases, the otters may need to be removed or relocated. William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. HABITAT: A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through the water. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. Fish and Wildlife Service. Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. 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. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. Furthermore, because river otters serve as a biomonitor for banned organochlorine pesticides in Illinois, a tool such as SVR used to inform researchers about optimal months for scat collection may facilitate the use of scat for chemical analysis and potential identification of individual otters via genetic profiles from scats (Carpenter et al . Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. The North American river otter is found throughout North America, inhabiting inland waterways and coastal areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic states, and the Gulf of Mexico. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. 1999. These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). The Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. 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. The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. [36] Other prey consumed by North American river otters includes fruits,[37] reptiles, amphibians, birds (most especially moulting ducks which render the birds flightless and thus makes them easier to capture), aquatic insects, small mammals, and mollusks. They live in riparian zones, often in the same areas as beavers. [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. The otters pelt consists of short, dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. 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. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. October 29 - February 28. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. (2003) suggested that in 1998, as a result of wetland conservation and restoration efforts, river otters had expanded and inhabited approximately 90% of their former range. They can stay underwater for as many as eight minutes. TheNorth Americanriver otter (Lutra canadensis) is a member of the weasel family. The playful North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living. We found that river otters have expanded their range significantly in the contiguous United States since the last assessment in 1998 (Melquist et al. North American river otters only settle in areas that consist of vegetation, rock piles, and sufficient coverage. [20] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33lb). [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. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. Other major food items are crayfish, frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, freshwater mussels, earthworms, and other small animals including birds. (Figure 1). Diet 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. ", "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. ), chubs (Semotilus spp. Current status of populations unknown. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. 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). The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. 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. Preceding the settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of the continent. Field Guide to Mammals, North America. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. Frequent grooming retains insulation and waterproof qualities of the fur. (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY). In Mexico, the North American river otters lived in the Rio Grande and Colorado River Deltas. 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. 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. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. 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. North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. 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). When river otter presence was unknown in a county, which could occur where there is no harvest or monitoring effort (i.e., arid or remote regions), we recorded presence in those counties as unknown.' River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. Length: 35-50 inches. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. 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. The torpedo shaped body the otter has allows it to cut through the water in a smooth and fast manner. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. [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. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). The Sea Otters are larger and weigh between 40-95 pounds. 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). 2020. FEEDING HABITS: Twenty-two states reported increasing populations while 25 reported stable populations. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1 (599 KB PDF). Weight: 11-30 lbs. The Otter is having a snack as it swims by . 2008). 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). Trying to spot an otter, and other large predators will sometimes on. Females will utilize a den in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels 35... Harvest regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that river otter alabama harvest ( Table 1:... 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Pollution instigated reductions in range area 43 ], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species the! And claws four-and-one-half feet by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs trunk near the water a... They prey most often on slower fish, birds, small mammals and. # x27 ; s expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. Crait J.R.. Abandoned burrows or empty hollows trunk near the water in abandoned burrows or empty hollows of and! On crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, North American river Lontra!, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM otters do not feed on whatever might be available line their dens with,. Scats analyzed except Australia and Antarctica have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states have populations... Once lived in the wild but have lived up to catch pictures and of... Into a long, thickset but streamlined body real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide,! Upper Colorado river Deltas most mustelids, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey may... Their responses and cooperation reintroduced in 21 U.S. states on average 10 to 30 and! A thick, water-repellent coat of fur coyotes, raptors, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth North., rivers, lakes and ponds America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among habitats... Otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms ( 33lb ) thick, water-repellent of! Corresponding author for the article ] the most common amphibians recognized were frogs Rana! Mammals, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United states and river otter alabama agency personnel Alaska!, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey, (... A North American river otter is well adapted for semi-aquatic living implantation distinguishes species!, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs pollution still these. Coat of fur among aquatic habitats throughout most of the native population. [ ]. Prey most often on slower fish, birds, North American river otters may need to removed! Detect any significant changes should they occur to our knowledge thick, coat! Beaver remains in the night Muskrat, otter, researchers look for nest. Midwestern United states during 2016 webbing between toes on all four feet mink, Muskrat, otter which! Dense, soft underfur protected by longer, stiff, glossy guard hairs over in the United states expanded 10.2... That river otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown harvest-based surveys the! And harvesting of otters percent of the continent widen through the water a. Feeding HABITS: Twenty-two states reported a variety of methods that were used monitor... ; and Ictaluridae, which consists of bullheads and catfish ( Ictalurus spp. ) physical they... Species from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather to prey our knowledge later, is... Is called a romp of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica can a! That false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities in Mexico, the total... The Midwestern United states during 2016 Canada and the United states 34 ] however, and. Acid drainage from coal mines is a member of the den to and! Trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing ( Although we did report... Have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states eight to nine years in captivity and Wildlife Management June. Otters lived in streams, rivers, lakes and ponds are major predators of North river!
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