River otters are the most playful animals in the Border Country. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. [27] During winter, the North American river otters heavily use openings in the ice, and may excavate passages in beaver dams for accessing open water. In 2005, my wife and I worked as research technicians on a river otter project in Missouri. Home ranges of North American river otters increase in size on oiled areas compared to unoiled areas, and individual otters also modify their habitat use. The species is also present throughout Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands, and the north slope of the Brooks Range. [15], On land, the North American river otter can walk, run, bound, or slide. [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). The rhinarium is bare, with an obtuse, triangular projection. The North American river otter has a delicate sense of touch in the paws in addition to great dexterity. [19] Home ranges of males are larger than those of females, and both sexes exhibit intra- and intersexual overlap of their domains. Running prints appear widely spaced due to the pests' loping gait. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. Otter spraints are messy smudges with a distinct, not unpleasant smell, and contain bones and fish scale remains. [28] When at play or traveling, they sometimes give off low, purring grunts. A short, broad rostrum for exhaling and a long, broad cranium define the relatively flat skull. Trails and Tracks When traveling on land river otters walk, run, or bound. They may migrate as a result of food shortages or environmental conditions, but they do not migrate annually. In the majority of cases, river otter will use the same paths for their travel from one occasion to the next. There is often a trail from the water’s edge to the slide. 5. Also look for a thick, long drag mark behind the tracks made by the otter’s tail. Note the line caused by the otter’s tail dragging on the snow. [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 1.8 million and 10,000 years ago. Total River Otter records (including tracks, scat, sign) 2000–2004a 53 26 2.0 (0.1) 106 110 715 2005–2009 44 23 2.0 (0.1) 88 117 1104 2009–2014 51 23 2.0 (0.1) 102 141 1721 a Updated from Black (2009) 234 NORTHWESTERN NATURALIST 97(3) documented 71% mortality between den emer- ), daces (Rhinichthys spp. [9] Other documented common names are American otter, Canada otter, Canadian otter, fish otter, land otter, nearctic river otter, and Prince of Wales otter. Minks are members of the weasel family and look very similar to weasels and otters. [15] The North American river otters favor bog lakes with banked shores containing semiaquatic mammal burrows and lakes with beaver lodges. Sliding across snow and ice is a rapid and efficient means of travel, and otters traveling over mountain passes, between drainages, or descending from mountain lakes often slide continuously for several hundred meters. your own Pins on Pinterest [15] They have long bodies, and long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. The habits and methods of eating differ by species as well. Males are sexually mature at two years of age. Otter tracks at Crosby Farm, St. Paul, MN . The vulnerability and seasonal availability of prey animals mainly governs its food habits and prey choices. The North American river otters may compete with the American mink (Mustela vison) for resources. [15] The oldest fossil record of an Old World river otter comes from the late Pliocene epoch (3.6 to 1.8 Mya). Foot falls during walking and running follow the sequence of left limb, right limb, right limb, left limb. The otter tracks shown above were photographed at Radipole Lake Nature Reserve in Weymouth, Doset, and were kindly supplied by the Dorset Otter Group You can see by the two pence coin alongside that otter prints are only about 6cms wide by around 8 or 9cms long. Also found along the west coast of Scotland. When a copious supply of food dwindles or other prey becomes available, North American otters either transfer to a new location or convert their dietary choices to the most adequate prey. Daily movements of family groups averaged 4.7, 4.4, and 2.4 km (2.9, 2.7, and 1.5 mi) in spring, summer, and winter, respectively. North American river otters are active year-round, and are most active at night and during crepuscular hours. Eyes are small and placed anteriorly. [34] Fish remnants were found present in 91.9% of the scat samples. [41] Online StudyWorks! [15] North American river otters characteristically approach within a few feet of a boat or a person on shore because they're near-sighted, a consequence of vision adapted for underwater sight. And search more of iStock's library of royalty-free vector art that features Animal graphics available for quick and easy download. [54] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. river otter tracks in snow, photo enhanced StudyWorks! [5][6][7], The range of the North American river otter has been significantly reduced by habitat loss, beginning with the European colonization of North America. Missouri River Otter Saga. Online. Otters also slide when traveling away from water, primarily on snow. Family groups may include helpers, which can be made up of unrelated adults, yearlings, or juveniles. When loping or galloping, a … Weaning occurs at 12 weeks, and females provide solid food for their progeny until 37–38 weeks have transpired. During walking, the limbs are moved in a plane parallel to the long axis of the body. The otter’s large left hind foot landed on a left front bobcat track. [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. LEFT: This is the left front track of a river otter. Another nice river otter footprint in wet sand. They become much more nocturnal in the spring, summer, and fall seasons, and more diurnal during winter. [25][34][36][49] Otters consume more aquatic insects in the summer as the populations increase and specific life stages heighten their susceptibility. River otters have a loping gait when on land. [56][57] Most North American river otter mortality is caused by human-related factors, such as trapping, illegal shooting, roadkills, and accidental captures in fish nets or set lines. 2) Slides. Otter scat containing fish scales. ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. Annual harvest numbers of North American river otters are similar for Canada and the United States, with most pelts being used in the garment industry. Otter spraints are messy smudges with a distinct, not unpleasant smell, and contain bones and fish scale remains. Notice the wet areas of sand and the tracks made by the otter's dragging tail. [15] Delayed implantation distinguishes the species from the European otter, which lacks this feature. Tracks are usually at least 2cm wide (wider than your thumbprint). Search through +1 167 291 vectors, psd and images, ready for download! Even in larger bodies of water, they may take disproportional advantage of any seasonal concentrations of fish when and where only very limited areas of suitable spawning, low-flow, or over-wintering habitat may exist. [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. North American river otter inhabitation is affected by type, distribution, and density of aquatic habitats and characteristics of human activities. The webbing on the otter track left a clear imprint here. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. Otter Footprints are webbed and large (up to 9cm long and 6cm wide), with five toes and a large rear pad impression. Toes fan out widely, but webbing rarely prints, except in mud. Search through +1,167,291 vectors and images to download! And search more of iStock's library of royalty-free vector art that features Animal graphics available for quick and easy download. Otters are often found frolicing in the water alone or in groups. Photo: © Kim A. Cabrera 2010, RIGHT: Otter Tracks in Sand, Point Reyes National Seashore River Otters offers Aquarium visitors a rare up-close look at the lively antics of three North American river otters, who eat, sleep swim and play behind large acrylic panels. Uneaten fish heads and bones or scat found along river banks may indicate the presence of otters. River Otter Footprints vector | Needing River Otter Footprints illustration? [15], Aquatic life ties North American river otters almost exclusively to permanent watersheds. Riverbank slides 8″ (200 mm) wide, much wider with heavy use. [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 are sympatric 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. In Idaho, juvenile, yearling, and adult males averaged 8, 11, and 17% heavier, respectively, than females of the same age. Online StudyWorks! North American river otter pelts are used as the standard for rating the quality of other pelts. Dave Hamilton . Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extirpation occurred on Prince Edward Island. [12] Download this stock image: River Otter (Lutra lutra), footprints, drawing - B1N9DW from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. River otter tracks show five pointed toes around a small heel pad. [25][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. Starvation may occur due to excessive tooth damage. [25] An adult North American river otter has a total of 36 teeth. [15], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. Encounters between North American river otters and beavers are not necessarily hostile. Look for tracks on muddy river banks around ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, marshes and beaches near fresh water. River otter tracks next to a tape measure for scale. Photo: Bob Bluett. Shop for the perfect river otter gift from our wide selection of designs, or create your own personalized gifts. Otter tracks in mud and sand are most likely to show visible webbing. [15], North American river otters are highly mobile and have the capacity of traveling up to 42 km (26 mi) in one day. Tracks/footprints: Otter prints can be found at the edge of river banks, in gravel, sand, and mud, and on tarmac if they have just left the river. [34][36][53], Records of North American otters preying upon North American beavers (Castor canadensis) vary; it has been reported in the southern boreal forest of Manitoba. [30] However, river otters will prey on trout, pike, walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus), salmon (Oncorhynchus spp. Saved by Rasher Quivers. Musk from the scent glands may also be secreted when otters are frightened or angry. [15] In the wild, they normally live about 8 to 9 years,[22] but are capable of living up to 13 years of age. Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. [21], A broad muzzle is found on the North American river otter's flat head, and the ears are round and inconspicuous. Live fish are typically eaten from the head. [25], The North American river otter is more social than most mustelids. This piece of pottery was glazed in a glossy tenmoku, When attempting to identify the animal by sight, if you don’t know the basic physical differences between the species, the animals can be mistaken for each other. For gait, that translates into a “lope,” which is typical for an otter. (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.) [29][30], The diet of the North American river otter can be deduced by analyzing either stool obtained in the field,[31] or gut contents removed from trapped otters. [25] 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. Photo: Megan Isadore, RIGHT: Otter holt (den) with slide [19] At birth, the North American river otters are fully furred, blind, and toothless. These qualities give the North American river otter a streamlined profile in water, but reduce agility on land. River otter tracks show five pointed toes around a small heel pad. [19] Large male North American river otters can exceed a weight of 15 kilograms (33 lb). By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. Adult males also commonly establish enduring social groupings, some documented to comprise as many as 17 individuals. [10][23][24], The right lung of the North American river otter is larger than the left, having four lobes compared with two for the left. Raccoon prints are often mistaken for otter tracks, as both pests hunt near water. Other Info. North American river otters dry themselves and uphold the insulative quality of their fur by frequent rubbing and rolling on grass, bare ground, and logs. During the dry season, they will recede from the marshland and move to permanent ponds, where water is available and food is in greater supply. Otters create long slides 8 or more inches wide, in mud or snow, on sloped river banks. The species name was Lutra canadensis. Tracks are usually at least 2cm wide (wider than your thumbprint). Also found along the west coast of Scotland. Habitat: Otters can be found beside rivers, streams and lakes, mostly in north and west England and Wales. Maybe it’s too fast. [10], The North American river otter is a stocky animal of 5 to 14 kilograms (11 to 31 lb), with short legs, a muscular neck (no smaller than the head) and an elongated body that is broadest at the hips. [34][49] 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. Droppings. And because Sapelo only has a few humans and is relatively undeveloped, your chances of coming across otter tracks on one of the beaches there isn’t like winning a lottery. Online. Acid drainage from coal mines is a persistent water quality issue in some areas, as it eliminates otter prey. A clinal reduction in size may exist from north to south along the Pacific coast, but not from east to west. During the breeding, the male grabs the female by the neck with his teeth. [19] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. [59], 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. [4] Instances of North American river otters eating small mammals, such as mice and squirrels, and occasionally birds have been reported as well. River otter tracks next to a tape measure for scale. in hatcheries or other fish culture facilities). Prints are about two to four inches wide, with five toes and claw marks. River otters can eat a fifth of their total body weight each day, whereas sea otters can consume almost a third of theirs within a day. Scat most often found on banks of stream or pond, on logs, or on rocks in water. They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. Raccoon (Procyon lotor) A raccoon’s stance is plantigrade, meaning that it walks on the soles of its feet, as opposed to digitigrade animals like cats and dogs that mostly walk on their toes. River Otter Sea Otter What A Wonderful Life Crows Ravens Nature Study … Photo: Jared Duquette. Toilet or latrine sites: These are often found on high points along the banks of streams, bays or along crossover trails between water bodies. [15], The North American river otter is sexually dimorphic. This dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. Fur of the North American river otter is thick and lustrous and is the most durable of Native American furs. In addition, the length of the trachea of the North American river otter is intermediate between that of terrestrial carnivores and marine mammals. [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. Since 1976, over 4,000 otters have been reintroduced in 21 U.S. states. An otter track is 3 1/4″ (80 mm) wide or more, about 4” long, and often show only heel pad and claws. [15] Tail lengths range from 30 to 50 centimetres (12 to 20 in). They may migrate as a result of food shortages or environmental conditions, but they do not migrate annually. So is going from 50 to more than 15,000 in about 20 years. The otter tracks shown above were photographed at Radipole Lake Nature Reserve in Weymouth, Doset, and were kindly supplied by the Dorset Otter Group You can see by the two pence coin alongside that otter prints are only about 6cms wide by around 8 or 9cms long. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. And diversity of prey species may explain these changes at 12 weeks, and urinary.. A threat to maintaining otter populations in many places, the sporozoan Isopora, and albinos... 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