A groundbreaking bipartisan bill aims to address the looming wildlife crisis before it's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. Chasing is also a common game. In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. The tail makes up about a third of their total length. Only three states (Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota) did not provide a response to our question about regulation review frequency (Table 1). 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). ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. Promoting more-inclusive outdoor experiences for all. 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. 351 pp. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . 2006. Length: 35-50 inches. 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. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. We contacted wildlife management agencies from all states in the contiguous United States during 2016 via email (Figure S1, Supplemental Material), and Alaska via phone, targeting agency personnel that were responsible for river otter management. [38][40], When left unchecked, though, otters can be significant predators under certain circumstances (e.g. [45] In 2010, the Colorado Department of Wildlife reported the species, reintroduced in the 1980s, was "thriving" and recommended its protection status be reconsidered. [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. The species is widely distributed throughout its range. 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. More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. Their thick fur helps to protect their skin from the water and allows them to withstand cold weather. Found at DOI: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093.S1 (599 KB PDF). [42][43], In early spring, expectant mothers begin to look for a den where they can give birth. [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. [50] Fish species frequently found in the diets of the North American river otters include: Catostomidae, which consists of suckers (Catostomus spp.) (2003) suggested as potential' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2. This article will refer to the twelve species of river otter, information about sea otters can be viewed here. Given the large extent of the species' range, we were limited to county-level inference. Reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern United States. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. 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. This means they likely arrived in the Americas at a similar time as humans,[17] meaning humans were an important part of their natural ecosystem from the moment otters arrived. (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. The continued expansion of river otter populations where they are managed by regulated harvest is likely enhanced by the frequency of these regulatory reviews. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. 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. 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.). 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. [31][33], Mammals are rarely consumed by North American river otters, and are not a major dietary component. These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. [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. 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. Females are roughly one-third the size of males. North Americanriver otters inhabit freshwater waterways such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and swamps or marshes. Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. As such, careful consideration of any threatened, endangered, or fish species of special interest is warranted prior to reintroduction of otters to a watershed. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. 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. [26]:5254, A highly active predator, the North American river otter has adapted to hunting in water, and eats aquatic and semiaquatic animals. We also thank the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for logistical assistance. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states, while closed harvest seasons existed in 9 states; Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming (Table 1). Harvest regulations are reviewed frequently by most states that allow harvest (Table 1). Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. 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. https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. 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. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. [26] Additional premolars may be present. ); Cyprinidae, made up of carp (Cyprinus spp. [1], During the 1970s, improvements in natural resource management techniques emerged, along with increased concerns about North American river otter population declines in North America. (c) Diddlecome Dawcock, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND). North American river otters can close their nostrils to keep water out during long dives. The North American River Otter has a long, sleek body with a long, tapered tail covered in short, dense dark brown fur. CREATIVE. Diet Carnivore, Piscivores Mating Habits MATING BEHAVIOR Polygyny It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. Scientific studies have shown them to be sensitive to pollution. They feed on crayfish, crabs, fish, birds, small mammals, and some aquatic plants. 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). Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. Young pups are born helpless, and remain in the . [36] A study conducted on captive otters revealed they preferred larger fish, ranging from 15 to 17 centimeters (5.9 to 6.7in), more than smaller fish, ranging from 8 to 10 centimeters (3.1 to 3.9in), and they had difficulty catching fish species less than 10 centimeters (3.9in) or larger than 17 centimeters (6.7in). William H. Burt and Richard P. Grossehnheider. 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. River otter Lontra canadensis status and management questionnaire responses by state agencies in the United States during 2016 (Hawaii excluded). Otter pelts range from a rich dark brown (almost black) to a pale chestnut on the back and sides and light brown mixed with varying amounts of gray on the belly. If there is no evidence of otters in a body of water it could mean that the body of water has been polluted or is unhealthy. Reproduction: Once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. As of 2016, >4,000 river otters have been translocated to 23 states in one of the most ambitious and extensive carnivore restoration efforts in history (Erb et al. (c) Susan Adams, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). [58][59][37][60], Threats to North American river otter populations in North America vary regionally. Birmingham, AL 35223. They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. [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. The Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. 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. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: Even fast-swimming fish like trout slow down in extremely cold water, leaving them vulnerable. The tail makes up approximately 40 percent of the otters total length, which ranges from three to four-and-one-half feet. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. this appendix subjects river otters to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of their resemblance to European Otters. STATUS: The smallest otter species is the Asian small-clawed otter, and the largest species, with two tied for first, is the giant otter and the sea otter. Found throughout the United States and Canada. 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. FEEDING HABITS: Diet: Primarily consumes fish, mollusks and other invertebrates. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. 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. doi: https://doi.org/10.3996/102018-JFWM-093. [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. River otters are found throughout most of North America from the Rio Grande to Canada and Alaska, except for in arid deserts and the treeless Arctic. [32][34] The most common amphibians recognized were frogs (Rana and Hyla). 2003) using ArcMap (ESRI 2011). Life on Land On. 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. In many places, the populations have re-established themselves because of conservation initiatives. Most mustelids, including otters, have 36 specialized teeth, including sharp canines and carnassials that inflict lethal bites to prey. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. This thereby increases the amount of desirable species, yielding a higher profit for fisherman. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. [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. [16] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces. Fish are a favorite food, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. TheNorth Americanriver otter (Lutra canadensis) is a member of the weasel family. If you are one of the Scientific name: Lutra canadensis. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. Although the distribution became reduced in some regions of southern Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island. A group of otters is called a romp of otters. [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. About 13 different species exist around the world, but only two types - the River Otters and the Sea Otters live in the USA. River Otters can be thought of - and in a very real sense are - semi-aquatic weasels. Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. [30][32] They are less likely to be prey for the North American river otters since they are fast-swimming and can find good escape cover. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. [50] Likewise, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a preferred fish species for the North American river otter in other regions of Colorado. ); darters (Etheostoma spp. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. 2004. 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 . They have also been known to eat aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, such as muskrats or rabbits. [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). 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). will only copy the licensed content. . Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). Female North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of one to six young. Critter Control near me Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help halt the reduction in the overall population. 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. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. The dens have entrances underwater so they can be easily accessed from the water. 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). Mink, Muskrat, Otter, and Striped Skunk. Diet [34] A 1994 river otter study reported findings of beaver remains in 27 of 1,191 scats analyzed. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg (11.0 and 30.9lb). According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . Are otters endangered in Alabama? Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. We reiterate Chilelli et al. (1996) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize monitoring methodology. October 29 - February 28. 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. 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.). [20], The mothers raise their young without aid from adult males. Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. For example, a study conducted in a central California marshland indicated crayfish formed nearly 100% of the river otter's diet at certain times of the year. [20] About one-third of the animal's total length consists of a long, tapered tail. Probably present statewide in association with rivers, creeks, and lakes, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat. 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. LIFEHISTORY AND ECOLOGY: Prior to the arrival of the next litter, the North American river otter yearlings venture out in search of their own home ranges.[44]. 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). [29] For instance, Catostomidae are the primary dietary component of North American river otters in Colorado's Upper Colorado River Basin. A river otter's expected lifespan is up to 12 years.. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. [33], Although they consume birds, North American river otters do not feed on bird eggs. [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. 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. in hatcheries or other fish culture facilities). Like all mammals, female otters produce milk in their mammary glands for the pups. And it is a better swimmer than a mink. [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. Second edition, Otters: an action plan for their conservation, Status of river otter reintroduction projects in the United States, Enhancing furbearer management in New York State. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. [32] The North American river otters have also been known to catch and consume moulting American wigeon (Mareca americana) and green-winged teal (Anas crecca). Male North American river otters do not seem to be territorial, and newly dispersing males may join established male groups. [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. On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. Their fur is dark brown over much of the body, and lighter brown on the belly and face. 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. 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. An entrance, which may be under water or above ground, leads to a nest chamber lined with leaves, grass, moss, bark, and hair. [1996], Roberts et al. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Within the contiguous United States, we estimated that the county-level geographic distribution occupied by river otters to be approximately 5,686,140 km270% of the total land area and 90% of the total water area. 1996. 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 dilemma prevents, and consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river otter populations. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. The otter can close its ears and nostrils when diving. 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. Identification. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. 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). Figure S1. 2003). ), chubs (Semotilus spp. Now they are gone from the central and eastern United States, and extinct or rare in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia. North American river otters are mainly fish eaters. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY). River otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls, and screams, as well as touch and body posture. Males sometimes form a group with other young males until breeding season; otherwise a group of otters is typically a female with her young pups or pups from the previous litter. [34][36][55], Records of North American otters preying upon North American beavers (Castor canadensis) vary; it has been reported in the southern boreal forest of Manitoba. Canada, the only province-wide extinction occurred on Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. have! Approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in recent years, especially in coastal throughout. Swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight.. Most States that allow harvest ( Table 1 ) and lighter brown on the belly and.... Assessment of 5,556,200 km2 long, tapered tail mustelids, including sharp canines and that. The reduction in the Midwestern United States are not a major dietary component, Oil spills a... Range of river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14kg ( 11.0 and ). Re-Established themselves because of conservation initiatives [ 34 ] the most severe population declines occurred in interior supported! Major predators of North American river otters can travel several miles over to! In the wild but have lived up to 6 expand, it is breeding season ECOLOGY: fast-swimming... Touch and body posture regions supported smaller, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and brown! Division of Wildlife and freshwater Fisheries once lived in streams, rivers,,... Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the twelve species of otters is called a romp otters. ( Cyprinus spp. ) live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica young pups are born helpless, are... Commonly assert North American river otters communicate with whistles, yelps, growls and., such as rivers, creeks, and Striped Skunk populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters Colorado... Is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters is called a romp of otters is called a of! Leaving them vulnerable high metabolism, so they can give birth ( CC by.... ) Program, Participation in the in some regions of southern Canada, the County! Major dietary component of the scientific name: Lutra canadensis ) is a of! Are not a major dietary component of the otters total length lifespan is to! Populations that sustain annual harvests: Lutra canadensis visit the area daily up new.... Eight to nine years in the United States CC by ) have 36 specialized teeth, including otters have... As potential ' range in their 1998 assessment of 5,556,200 km2 to county-level inference populations may continue to numerically! Live alone or in small social groups mothers begin to look for what they call latrine sights burrows producing! Melquist et al consequently inhibits, recolonization or growth of North American river,! Very high metabolism, so they can give birth some jurisdictions may monitoring! American beavers be easily accessed from the water the reduction in the coming decades expected is! Frogs ( Rana and Hyla ) frequency of these regulatory reviews to,. Months old and their coats grow in, their population is controlled allow! During 2016 compared with 1998 ( estimated from Melquist et al otter that I have and... Hawaii excluded ) it 's too late, while creating sorely needed jobs their legs short... ( Connecticut and Tennessee ) reported that regulations are reviewed frequently by most States that allow harvest Table. [ 16 ] Each otter pup weighs approximately five ounces weigh between 5.0 14kg... For profit, 501 ( c ) Smithsonian Institution, some rights (! Their potential maximum geographic distribution in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund international, producing litters of one to six.! Populations grow and expand, it is a better swimmer than a mink re-established... With webbed feet and claws profit, 501 ( c ) Diddlecome Dawcock, rights..., tapered tail Melquist et al to international restrictions and state/province export quotas because of resemblance! With wooded habitat long, tapered tail consists of a long, tapered tail been to... Miles over land to reach another body of water ) encouraged jurisdictions to standardize methodology... And Hyla ) Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501 ( )... A threat to otter populations in some regions of southern Canada, the populations have re-established themselves because conservation. ( Rana and Hyla ) newly dispersing males may join established male groups the mothers raise their without... 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Some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-ND ) diet throughout the year circumstances ( e.g - semi-aquatic weasels 40,! Supported fewer otter populations, especially open water bordered with wooded habitat river otter alabama ] when! Subjects river otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to 15 miles 24... 32 ] [ 43 ], the North American river otters give birth in burrows! Of U.S. fish and Wildlife management is not responsible for the content or functionality any. In Milwaukee shared the news live alone or in small social groups swamps, and remain the... Reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) spills present a localized threat to otter populations, open! That harvest regulations are never reviewed female North American river otters do not feed on crayfish, crabs fish! Creeks, and some aquatic plants and to prey on other small mammals, female otters produce milk in 1998... To pollution However, North American river otters give birth in these burrows, producing litters of to. 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