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NATURE: Yellowstone
Otters - The River Otter
River
Otters: Animal Information, Pictures, Map--National Geographic Kids |
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South Dakota’s tumbling prairie lands
contain hidden treasures. Treasures, such as rivers and streams, cut through rough terrain
forming unique water systems and extraordinary riparian areas (water edge plants). These
prairie rivers support a diversity of aquatic animals. At one time, a playful semi-aquatic
animal survived in South Dakota’s prairie rivers—the vigorous and active river
otter (Lontra canadensis). Extensive trapping pressure, habitat loss or
degradation, and urban development forced river otter populations near the point of
extinction with the expansion of Europeans into the New World nearly 100 years ago. Since
this population decline, river otters have not been able to re-establish in South Dakota.
The
river otter and the mink are close relatives, although specific physical characteristics
and behavioral habits differ. River otters are about twice the size of a mink, weighing
from 15 to 25 lbs (7 to 11 kg). Besides being larger, river otters lack a white chin
patch, which is characteristic of minks. A sleek design, such as a long tail and slender
body, allows river otters to swim fast and maneuver around many obstacles. The plush,
brown fur is waterproof, protecting the river otter from extreme environmental conditions.
River otters share similar foods and locales as a mink. Food and habitat are limiting
resources for river otters, which means river otters require ample food and adequate cover
to survive. River otters dive in rivers, streams, or lakes primarily feeding on aquatic
organisms. River otters are proficient hunters fiercely challenging prey. Fish are the
river otter’s favorite cuisine, but they also will gulp down amphibians and
crustaceans. Since amphibians and crustaceans supplement the diet, these foods are more of
a delicacy. Fish eaten by river otters include catfish, bullheads, suckers, carp, and
sunfish. Amphibians that river otters eat include frogs or toads, while crustaceans
include crayfish or mussels. Once feeding is complete, river otters will rest or sleep in
proper den areas, which are usually in riparian zones.
River otters are lazy engineers that use abandoned or active structures created by
other animals as den-sites (e.g., beavers). Shoreline foliage and debris, such as grass,
fallen trees, or abandoned beaver lodges, are typical sources of cover and den-sites.
Den-sites are primarily used for resting and relaxing. Females rely more heavily on
den-sites with the arrival of two to three pups in March or April. Once young of the year
are born, family groups of three to four river otters can be seen sliding on banks and
frolicking in the water. River otters are excellent swimmers, although the majority of
their time is spent on land or in dens. Because of their effortless land and water usage,
river otters are sometimes called "land otters". Not many animals are able to
fluently survive on land and water.
One notable characteristic of river otters is their social habit. Playing and swimming
in streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds is common for river otters. Play includes games, such
as tag and catch, and leisurely swims. River otter slides can be seen along riverbanks and
in the snow. The easily observed slides measure approximately 10 ft (3.0 m) long and 1 ft
(0.27 m) wide. River otters are one of the few animals that play as adults.
Throughout the United States and Canada, river otters were found sliding down
riverbanks, lounging around in den-sites, or floating on their back while gobbling a fish.
But, like here in South Dakota, river otter populations in some other states were
diminished. Recent concern to return (restore) river otters to waters where they once
resided has developed throughout the central portions of the United States. Restoration
programs were initiated to determine whether river otters could be restored or
reintroduced into their natural range. States with active restoration programs include
Louisiana, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Colorado, Oklahoma,
Arizona, California, Florida, West Virginia, Kentucky, New York, Tennessee, Pennsylvania,
Nebraska, and Minnesota.
In South Dakota, river otters are considered a threatened species. With low numbers,
river otters cannot be trapped or hunted. Efforts have been taken to determine habitat
available to river otters, and as a result several rivers were identified as areas
potentially suitable for river otters: the Big Sioux River, Bad River, Little White River,
North Fork of the Whetstone River, and James River. At this time, the Department of Game,
Fish and Parks does not plan to restore river otters in South Dakota--further internal
communications and public relations is needed--though restoration efforts have been
conducted by the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe in eastern South Dakota. The presence of
river otters offers aesthetic, cultural, and ecological aspects or values to people and
the environment, and the opportunity to return this charming and amazing mammal, the river
otter, to its native waters is exhilarating.
Alyssa Kiesow, SDGFP |
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bank_lodge .jpg Big Sioux River
This river is an example of typical river otter
habitat found in South Dakota. (Photo: Alyssa Kiesow)
River Otter Footprint
This is a typical river otter track. Note:
quarter is for size reference. (Photo: Alyssa Kiesow)
River Otter Scat
This is typical river otter scat - usually found on
mounds of vegetation or near travel routes. Note: quarter is for size
reference. (Photo: Jacquie Ermer)
Beaver Lodge
This is one type of river otter den
site. (Photo: Jason Jungwirth)
Bank Den
This is another example of a river otter den
site. (Photo: Jason Jungwirth)
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