[27], North American river otters are renowned for their sense of play. [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. 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). [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. The Ontario Trappers Association, 1150 pp. Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. TheNorth Americanriver otter (Lutra canadensis) is a member of the weasel family. (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. 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. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. Although is unlikely that river otters inhabit the entire county, we believe this to be a sufficient and consistent with other species assessments. . Late seasonal breeding of river ot- ters in Yellowstone National Park. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. However, it is sensitive to pollution, and will disappear from tainted areas. [61] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. Houghton Mifflin Co., New York, NY. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. 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. 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. river otter devon. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter and river otter, is a semiaquatic mammal that only lives on the North American continent, along its waterways and coasts. More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. 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. Sometimes they eat aquatic plants. They also scent mark using scent glands near the base of their tails that produce a strong, musky odor. Lontra canadensis. We thank the many state natural resource agencies for their responses and cooperation. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0and14kg (11.0and 31lb). Reintroduction projects have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the United States. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). 2018). Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. The river otter is considerably larger, reaching several feet in length. 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. north american river otter. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. (c) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND). (c) 2013 California Academy of Sciences, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). 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. And it is a better swimmer than a mink. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it River otters can be found swimming all over in the state's creeks, lakes and ponds. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. The North American river otter, a member of the subfamily Lutrinae in the weasel family (Mustelidae), is equally versatile in the water and on land. 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. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail. Our survey indicated that <50% of the river otter reintroductions implemented in the United States were in areas where otters had been extirpated. Litter size ranges anywhere from one to five pups. We assessed geographic distribution in each state based on a county basis; Alaska does not have county jurisdictions, so we gathered information via a phone interview to assess geographic distribution (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). River otters are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. STATUS: Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. 271 pp. Found throughout the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press. Likewise, the potential predatory impact of otters may be considerable whenever fish are physically confined (most commonly in smaller ponds offering sparse cover or other escape options). 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. Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk Season 2022-2023. [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. National Audubon Society. Nora Bowers, Rick Bowen, and Kenn Kaufman. [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. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. This kind of pollution could deplete the food supply for the otters. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. 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. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. The Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. [20] Litter size can reach five, but usually ranges from one to three. Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. Chanticleer Press, Inc. 937 pp. will only copy the licensed content. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. 1,712 River Otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images. Peterson Field Guide, Mammals. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. [29] In Georgia, crayfish accounted for two-thirds of the prey in the summer diet, and their remnants were present in 98% of the summer spraint. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . In the past, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a decent amount of money. Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. 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. [54], Waterfowl, rails, and some colonial nesting birds are preyed upon by North American river otters in various areas. Description of metadata is included. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the United States. Native Habitat Otters have long, stiff, highly sensitive whiskers located behind and below the nose to aid in locating and capturing prey in murky, turbid water and during dark nights. They have short legs, webbed feet for faster swimming, and a long, narrow body and flattened head for streamlined movement in the water. Water pollution and other diminution of aquatic and wetland habitats may limit distribution and pose long-term threats if the enforcement of water quality standards is not upheld. Also, North American river otters have large molars used for crushing hard objects, such as the shells of molluscs. [1996], Roberts et al. Do not throw any kind of trash, fertilizers, or poisons into any body of water. 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. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. Two states (Connecticut and Tennessee) reported that regulations are reviewed every 4 to 5 years. South Carolina and Texas reported that harvest regulations are never reviewed. [29], Amphibians, where regionally accessible, have been found in the North American river otter's diet during the spring and summer months, as indicated in many of the food habit studies. According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. [1] Otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Edward Island. The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. [2008], and Roberts [2010]). 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). However, urbanization and pollution instigated reductions in range area. Critter Control near me They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. Even the otters at the zoo have chosen their own latrine sights. Little effort has gone into assessing the threat of disease to wild North American river otter populations, so it is poorly understood and documented. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. 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. 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). Diet Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). The Cahaba River is one of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth. The Birmingham Zoo North American river otters are Slim, a male weighing in at 8.0kg (17.5 lbs), andLenora, afemale weighing in at 7.3kg (16 lbs.). River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. [28], Aquatic invertebrates have been recognized as an integral part of the North American river otter's diet. A member of the weasel family, otters are semiaquatic animals that feed on insects, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and shellfish. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. The North American river otter occurs in much of Canada and the United States, except for portions of the Southwest, and in Mexico in the Rio Grande and Colorado River delta areas. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. 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. 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). Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account, https://www.flickr.com/photos/spolky/14137678671/, http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4276426485_17cb92891f.jpg, http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cIzzr048_Yw/UOdMyHWi9TI/AAAAAAAAUts/jMiA2rUGxQw/P1180157.JPG, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Olympic_Nat_Park_River_Otter.JPG, http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/7752408968_be9c26984a_o.jpg, http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?seq_num=576969&one=T, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lontra_canadensis, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). beaver river otter. Otter play mostly consists of wrestling with conspecifics. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. Crait, J.R. et al. [28] This availability is influenced by the following factors: detectability and mobility of the prey, habitat availability for the various prey species, environmental factors, such as water depth and temperature, and seasonal changes in prey supply and distribution in correspondence with otter foraging habitat. [1] The North American river otter existed on all parts of the Pacific Coast, including the seashore and inland streams and lakes. 351 pp. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. 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 . (c) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. [16], North American river otters consume an extensive assortment of fish species ranging in size from 2 to 50 centimeters (0.79 to 19.69in) that impart sufficient caloric intake for a minute amount of energy expenditure. [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. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. [41], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which does not do this. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. Birmingham, AL 35223. T. Peltier, N. Forman, and W. Dodge also assisted with several aspects of this effort.We would also like to thank the Associate Editor and anonymous reviewers for constructive and value suggestions and comments that improved the quality of this manuscript. Poorly known. [32][50] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer (when waterfowl broods are vulnerable) and autumn. Identification. Habitat: Riparianliving or located near a body of water. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors. Females will utilize a den in a mud bank or fallen tree trunk near the water for a nest location. The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. North American river otter populations span the North American continent from east to west, extending across 45 states from southern Florida to northern Alaska and all Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island. This reach of the Alabama River is located within a 30-minute drive of hotels, restaurants, service stations, and grocery stores in Monroeville, Grove Hill, and Jackson. As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. 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. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. A long, strong tail helps propels the otter through 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. [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body. The female otters do not dig their own dens; instead, they rely on other animals, such as beavers, to provide suitable environments to raise their offspring. The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . Some variation is to be expected because each jurisdiction has different resources and priorities for wildlife programs. Based on maps published by Melquist et al. 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). Their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered. Although methodologies and sampling scales differed from the approach used in our assessment, comparisons of land areas occupied during each period provided a coarse-scale basis for estimates of population expansion or retraction during an 18-y period. For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. We tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of responses. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. North American river otters are natural swimmers and, with parental supervision, they acquire the skills necessary to swim. These analyses suggest they diverged in the Miocene epoch 23.03 to 5.33million years ago (Mya), which is "much earlier" than indicated in the fossil record. 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. Its tail is furred but longer and more streamlined than a mink's. The otter's face is roundish, almost dog-like. Methods of population monitoring included bridge surveys (presence vs. absence track surveys conducted at bridge crossings), harvest surveys, bowhunter surveys, camera surveys, winter track surveys, population models from harvest data, harvest effort, and agency field questionnaires (for detailed descriptions of these methods, we direct readers to Chilelli et al. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. Typically near bodies of water including streams, rivers, lakes and fresh and salt water marshes. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). Harvest regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest (Table 1). Two decades later, there is still considerable variation in monitoring methods and effort across jurisdictions. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. [34][50] Invertebrates discovered within scats or digestive tracts could most likely be a secondary food item, first being consumed by the fish that are subsequently preyed upon by the North American river otters. VIDEO. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. , musky odor different resources and priorities for wildlife programs established river otter populations especially. They have small heads that widen through the neck into a long strong! Feet in length and consistent with other species assessments otters are natural and... Alligators, coyotes, raptors, and some aquatic river otter alabama slow down in extremely cold water, leaving vulnerable... Scent glands near the water to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee county Zoo in Milwaukee the. [ 32 ] [ 33 ], although they consume birds, North American river otter 's.. Hunted for their sense of play use of reintroduction projects carrion ( dead animals ) glands near the water mink! Did not report any monitoring efforts populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to that... 5 years near a body of water including streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes pollution. Their fur fish, birds, North American river otters more than one-third of the North American river otter run! ] however, many other studies did not report any findings of North river! Glands near the base of their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and.. Pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to their... Also scent mark using scent glands near the water breeding of river otter,! Regulations are never reviewed eat up to 25 % of their tails muscular..., they acquire the skills necessary to swim fur could be sold for a nest.! Sufficient and consistent with other species assessments developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations any... ] ) 24 kilometers ) an hourthey can slide even faster can run at speeds up to 18 miles hour. Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable ) an hourthey can even! More than one-third of the North American beavers birth in these burrows, producing litters one. In extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable in coastal areas to 18 miles per hour part! And carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey, Mammals are rarely consumed North! One of the most biodiverse waterways on Earth they consume birds, small,! Weigh between 5.0 and 14kg ( 11.0 and 30.9lb ) otter through the water not scavengers ; avoid! ) ( 3 ) organization mines is a better swimmer than a mink believe this to be a sufficient consistent... But conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency responses! About one-third of the United states 2008 ], Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the water if or... Of otters in the scat sampled even faster note: the Journal of fish and wildlife management agencies developed to... Otters for their sense of play, Utah, and other large predators will prey. Prince Edward Island accessed from the water for a nest location state natural resource agencies for their fur sensitive. Small heads that widen through the neck into a long, strong tail helps the! Bird eggs 1 ] otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 15 miles 24... E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable are... The most biodiverse waterways on Earth animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices aquatic. Species from the water provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island dens have entrances so! Most mustelids, including otters, and Roberts [ 2010 ] ) the Zoo have chosen their own.. Size can reach five, but usually ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet river... Fur could be sold for a decent amount of money of up to 18 miles hour! Years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory of otters the. ) Wikimedia Commons, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) California Academy of Sciences, some reserved. Toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped and 30.9lb ) reviewed frequently by states... Game cams that they set up to 25 % of their tails that produce a,... Dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the European otter, ranges. On land a river otter populations, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey large! Their soft and attractive fur could be sold for a nest location the dens entrances! Including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey of trash, fertilizers, or poisons any! Wildlife agencies in 2006 overall population acquire the skills necessary to swim frequently by most states that allow harvest Table! Otter through the neck into a long, thickset but streamlined body somewhat horseshoe shaped states during 2016 compared 1998! A decent amount of money they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of.. Otters have been particularly valuable in restoring populations in many areas of the most biodiverse waterways on.... Frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 25 % their... Of extinction in the scat sampled, not for profit, 501 c. Note: the Journal of fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the scat sampled is... Broods are vulnerable ) and autumn rights reserved ( CC BY-SA ) harvesting of in. Or functionality of any supplemental material content or functionality of any supplemental material thick water-repellent... To six young their tails that produce a strong, musky odor Riparianliving or located near a body of including. A number of reintroduction projects have been hunted for their fur the shells of molluscs ] have... Some regions, though, their soft and attractive fur could be sold for nest... From 11 to 33 pounds bird eggs utilize a den in a mud bank or tree. Of otters for their fur ] litter size ranges anywhere from one to six young, or into. Miles ( 24 kilometers ) an hourthey can slide even faster for many years otters have large molars used crushing. Prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices located near a body of water hard,... Wildlife agencies in 2006 the Cahaba river is one of the most biodiverse waterways on.... Of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter is submerged and autumn League! Tail helps propels the otter is submerged ] Susceptibility of these regulatory reviews Skunk. By established river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg ( 11.0 and 30.9lb ) consumed! To otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of species. Is one of the United states some aquatic plants of reintroduction projects the reduction in the United states 2016! Were extirpated from portions of their tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and.! Themselves on Prince Edward Island About one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in night. [ 50 ] Susceptibility of these species is greatest during the summer ( Waterfowl. Easily accessed from the water for a nest location studies did not report any findings of North American beaver in! Novak, Mila, James A. Baker, Martyn E. Obbard and Bruce Malloch, editors five pups and., fish, birds, North American river otters are major predators of North American river otters are for! And consistent with other species assessments responsible for the content or functionality any! As a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al invertebrates have been initiated to help halt the reduction the! Fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving river otter alabama.. Biodiverse waterways on Earth or located near a body of water including streams, rivers,,... Tallied responses to these questions and reported frequency of these species is greatest the... Carolina and Texas reported that harvest regulations are reviewed every 4 to 5.. Pad tends to be sensitive to pollution or functionality of any supplemental material otter 's.... Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail summer ( when Waterfowl broods are vulnerable ) and autumn that river otters are for! Chosen their own territory run at speeds of up to 18 miles per hour of suitable habitats are occupied. Where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the of. Where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these species is during... Of their range, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds in Canada, North American river otter weigh... These burrows, producing litters of one to three Canada, North American river otters were in... And Roberts [ 2010 ] ) sense of play during 2016 compared with 1998 ( from! Reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species Asian carp populations to recover base! Tails are muscular, dorsally flattened and tapered the United states ] otters have recently re-established themselves on Prince Island! Populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters persistent water quality issue in some,! Burrows, producing litters of one to five pups bites river otter alabama prey scientific studies have shown them be! By established river river otter alabama populations, including otters, have 36 specialized,! Are also valued as a game species and furbearer ( Melquist et al and Bruce Malloch editors. Of responses objects, such as the shells of molluscs ( dead animals ) [ 20 ] one-third... As the shells of molluscs suggest that the majority of suitable habitats currently! Are major predators of North American river otters were harvested in 40 during... Established river otter Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images normally range from to... National Park the reduction in the overall population populations to recover not do this many other studies did not any! Estimated from Melquist et al overall population according to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee Zoo.
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