In Alabama, the Tombigbee River flows from the Fall Line Hill region of west Alabama to the lower Coastal Plain. The American river otter is a graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers. [49] However, large populations never occurred in areas of Southern California such as the chaparral and oak woodlands and Mojave Desert seasonal waterway regions, or in the xeric shrubland regions in New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and Colorado. Other species of otters live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. [16], Males and female river otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics,[23] with males typically being larger. Only four statesNevada, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wyomingdid not report any monitoring efforts. They first learn to swim after about two months. The most severe population declines occurred in interior regions where fewer aquatic habitats supported fewer otter populations. Bobcats, alligators, coyotes, raptors, and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American river otters. Preceding the settlement of North America by Europeans, North American river otters were prevalent among aquatic habitats throughout most of the continent. 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). Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season. The gestation period is only about two months after this delayand litter size is one to five pups, usually two, between February and April. [61] Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction currently, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their fur. Twenty-one of the 23 states (91.3%) that implemented reintroductions reported that populations were increasing or had reached population goals, and 2 states (Minnesota and North Dakota) indicated that populations were stagnant or geographically restrained (Table 1). The remaining states indicated that they reintroduced river otters to expand populations in their state beyond their current range, including three states that indicated that reintroductions were also used to reestablish extirpated populations and seven states that used reintroductions to bolster populations where they already existed (Table 1). [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. [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. All Canadian provinces except Prince Edward Island and 29 U.S. states have viable populations that sustain annual harvests. 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. 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. At about two months they begin to venture out of the den to play and to learn how to swim and hunt. Fish are a favorite food, but they also eat amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. River otters eat a variety of aquatic wildlife, such as fish, crayfish, crabs, frogs, birds eggs, birds and reptiles such as turtles. Specific threats include predation, pollution, and cars. We estimated the county-level geographic distribution occupied by river otters in the continental United States during 2016 to be approximately 7,422,120 km275% of the total land area and 94% of the available total water area. The animal slides down mud and snow seemingly for the sheer delight of it. The tail makes up about a third of their total length. [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. Researchers also rely on game cams that they set up to catch pictures and videos of otters in the night. Please note: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supplemental material. Moreover, a western Oregon study revealed fish remains were present in 80% of the 103 digestive tracts examined. Similarly, it is possible that false-negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities. [16], North American river otters can live 2125 years in captivity,[23][16] or 813 years in the wild. 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. [33] Crustaceans (crayfish), where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters. [16] The dental formula is 3.1.4.13.1.3.2. We received responses from all 48 contiguous states and interviewed agency personnel in Alaska; not all responses were complete (Table S1). Melquist et al. [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. 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. Since inclusion under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the U.S. [26], Male North American river otters disperse from such family groups more often than females. [54][57], Cases where otters have been ambushed and consumed by grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) have also been reportedly witnessed near the Arctic region. A North American river otter's main requirements are a steady food supply and easy access to a body of water. [8], The North American river otter was first described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in 1777. and redhorses (Moxostoma spp. [56] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American river otters are major predators of North American beavers. in hatcheries or other fish culture facilities). Field Guide to Mammals, North America. 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. 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). For many years otters have been hunted for their fur. They have long bodies, short limbs, and rich glossy coats. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA). 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. The river otter was included as an Appendix II species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in 1977 as a result of concern that endangered otter species, such as Pteronura brasiliensis, could be misidentified as river otter because of a similar superficial appearance, which could lead to unintentional trade of endangered species; however, it is important to note that the river otter itself has never been considered a globally threatened or endangered species (Greenwalt 1977). [21] It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail. Example questionnaire distributed to state wildlife agencies in 2006. Their aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water: streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and marshes. 271 pp. Queries should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. They are born blind and remain in the den to nurse for the first month. North American river otters are not scavengers; they avoid consuming carrion (dead animals). Females are approximately one-third smaller than males. Similarly, we estimated that river otters occupied approximately 5,000,550 km2nearly 63% of the land area of the contiguous United Statesand that the potential river otter range was approaching 5,556,200 km2. (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). Deems and Pursley (1978), estimated that river otters occupied 71% of their historical range during 1977; by 1998, river otter populations had expanded and were thought to occupy 90% of their prior range (Melquist et al. Otter.ai uses AI to write automatic meeting notes with real-time transcription, recorded audio, automated slide capture, and automated meeting summaries. They have been virtually eliminated through many parts of their range, especially around heavily populated areas in the midwestern and eastern United States. [1], Oil spills present a localized threat to otter populations, especially in coastal areas. They have sharp canine teeth to catch and hold their prey. [23][16], 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. DESCRIPTION: States reported a variety of methods that were used to monitor river otter populations. Ten states indicated that they had reintroduced river otters to establish populations that had been extirpated (Table 1). We estimated that river otter range in the continental United States expanded by 10.2% during this period (Table 3). Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential maximum geographic distribution in the United States. Continued monitoring of the population status and distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur. Its body length ranges from 66 to 107 centimetres (26 to 42in). 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? 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. These include mudminnows (Umbra limi) and sculpins (Cottus spp.). On land a river otter can run at speeds of up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hourthey can slide even faster. [47] In Canada, North American river otters occupy all provinces and territories, except until recently Prince Edward Island. River otters were legally harvested in 40 states as of 2016. As of 2016, 23 states had conducted river otter reintroductions. Birds and birds' eggs, as well as small terrestrial mammals may also be eaten. (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA). [26] Additional premolars may be present. They once lived in streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. Adults generally give birth to between one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born. Otters have five toes and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped. CREATIVE. The North American River Otter weighs on average 10 to 30 pounds and measures approximately two to four feet long from head to tail. LIFE HISTORY AND ECOLOGY: [34] Most aquatic invertebrates preyed upon by the otters are from the families Odonata (dragonfly nymphs), Plecoptera (stonefly nymphs), and Coleoptera (adult beetles). [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 Ontario Trappers Association, 1150 pp. 2018). [1996], Roberts 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. [50] The few occurrences of mammals found in the North American river otter's diet include: muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus); meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus); eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus); and snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus). 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. In the absence of harvest-dependent data, presenceabsence data (such as track surveys), can indicate population distribution and trajectories (Roberts et al. Historically, the Cahaba was home to 48 different native freshwater mussel . Based on this 2016 survey, 22 states reported increasing populations, 25 states reported stable populations, and 2 states (Arizona and Washington) reported an uncertain population trend (Table 1). [34] However, many other studies did not report any findings of North American beaver remains in the scat sampled. [30][31] Mammals preyed upon by North American river otters are characteristically small or are a type species found in riparian zones. Citation: Roberts NM, Lovallo MJ, Crimmins SM. 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). Air trapped within the fur acts as insulation when the otter is submerged. [26][32][33] Game fish, such as trout (Salmonidae) and pike (Esocidae), are not a significant component of their diets. [33] Otters have been found to consume invasive Asian carp. [32][36] Slow-moving species include suckers (Catostomidae), catfish, sunfish and bass (Centrarchidae), daces, carp, and shiners (Cyprinidae). FEEDING HABITS: The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. Life expectancy is less than 10 years in the wild. [11], In a new classification, the species is called Lontra canadensis, where the genus Lontra includes all the New World river otters. However, it typically occurs in winter or spring. Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Childrens Zoo Alabama Wilds Trail. They were extirpated from portions of their range, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover. kodiak river otter. Physical Description They have very streamlined bodies, with a well-muscled tail; both aid in swimming. 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 . [35] However, North American river otters, as foragers, will immediately take advantage of other prey when readily obtainable. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 10 June 2020; 11 (1): 279286. Otters also help fisherman by eating the less desirable species of fish that compete with the more desirable and profitable fish. However habitat destruction and water pollution still puts these animals at great risk, especially because they are so specialized. River otter reintroductions were widespread during the late 20th century (Raesly 2001). 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 . The most common fish consumed are perch, suckers, and catfish. Recently, long-term genetic consequences of reintroduction projects on remnant North American river otter populations has been discussed. Crait, J.R. and M. Ben-David. Estimated range of river otters Lontra canadensis in the United States during 2016 compared with 1998 (estimated from Melquist et al. Consequently, many wildlife management agencies developed strategies to restore or enhance otter populations, including the use of reintroduction projects. When estimating occupied range area or river otters, we only summed the area of the counties with known presence and excluded those counties that are listed as unknown (Table S1, Supplemental Material). 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. They have a very high metabolism, so they need to eat frequently. Young otter pups attain sexual maturity at two years of age and at that time are driven away to establish their own territory. Poorly known. The impoundments from Aliceville Lake downstream to . The first River Otter that I have seen and I visit the area daily. 2004. 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. Responses for population trends included increasing, stable, or decreasing (although we did not specify the timeframe). 2003). River otters are rambunctious, aquatic, streamlined mammals that spend much of their time in the water. Otters are at the status of least concern on the IUCN Red List. River otters are omnivorous, eating mostly aquatic organisms, including fish, frogs, crayfish, turtles, insects and some small mammals. According to WTMJ-TV, the Milwaukee County Zoo in Milwaukee shared the news . 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. [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. While current harvest strategies do not pose a threat to maintaining otter populations, harvest may limit expansion of otter populations in some areas. [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). They are very flexible and can make sharp, sudden turns that help them catch fish. Where an otter looks seal-like, a mink looks ferret-like, however. 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) [28] 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. 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. Sea otters have the amazing capacity of being able to eat up to 25% of their body weight in food . The cessation of wide-scale reintroduction activities may suggest that the majority of suitable habitats are currently occupied by established river otter populations. 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. The otters migrated to North America and southwards again across the Panamanian Land Bridge, which formed 3Mya. If frightened or alarmed, otters can run at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. Photo Credit: U.S. 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. River otters were reported to be ubiquitous throughout Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Alaska Department of Fish and Game, personal communication). Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. 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. Twentyseven states, including Alabama, have trapping seasons, and four states and two provinces Young are able to fully care for themselves at about six months of age but they do not usually leave their mother until about one year. [48], Historical records indicate North American river otters were once populous throughout most major drainages in the continental United States and Canada prior to European settlement. When the pups are about two months old and their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the water. Crustaceans may even be consumed more than fish. 2008). As populations grow and expand, it is reasonable to assume that some jurisdictions may shift monitoring resources toward less secure species. Otters can travel several miles over land to reach another body of water to set up new territories. [23], Like other otters, the North American river otter lives in a holt, or den, constructed in the burrows of other animals, or in natural hollows, such as under a log or in river banks. ), shiners (Notropis and Richardsonius spp. River Otters are good swimmers and divers, able to stay underwater for up to eight minutes. River Otter Quick Facts. ), and squawfishes (Ptychocheilus spp. 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. Weight: 11-30 lbs. [10], The North American river otter has long whiskers that are used to detect prey in dark waters. Even in larger bodies of water, river otters 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. Behind-the-Scenes Encounters & Experiences, Passion into Conservation Action (PiCA) Program, Participation in the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Only one state, Utah, had conducted river otter reintroductions since 2010. Otters are very secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack. 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. [28] Otters are known to take larger fish on land to eat, whereas smaller fish are consumed in the water. River otters breed in late winter or early spring. By the early 1900s, North American river otter populations had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America. Giant otters live in South America, throughout the Orinoco, Amazon and La Plata River systems (mostly in the northern half of South America). Potential responses concerning legal status included regulated harvest, no harvest, state threatened, or state endangered. Reintroduction projects have expanded their distribution in recent years, especially in the Midwestern United States. [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. The ears appear large on its small flattened head. [36], North American river otters may prefer to feed on crustaceans, especially crayfish (Cambarus, Pacifasticus, and others) and crabs[52] more than fish where they are locally and seasonally plentiful. Habitat They live in still or slow moving fresh water rivers, lakes and creeks. River otter fur ranges from light to dark, rich brown. Based on our survey, river otters were harvested in 40 states during 2016. Although populations may continue to increase numerically, river otters may be approaching their potential geographic distribution in the United States. [32] Fish are the primary component of the North American river otter's diet throughout the year. 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. Note: Above species may only be taken by TRAPPING ONLY. Daniel Toole, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Comparisons between our survey and published reports from 1998 (Melquist et al. River otters line their dens with leaves, moss, and grass. editors of this guide it should copy everything, but if you're not, it Adult body weights vary greatly, but normally range from 11 to 33 pounds. In addition, riverine habitats in interior regions supported smaller, but practical, otter populations. Nevertheless, these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate of river otter range in the United States. Diet Chilelli et al. [1], Lontra canadensis is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Their legs are short with webbed feet and claws. Nathan M. Roberts, Matthew J. Lovallo, Shawn M. Crimmins; River Otter Status, Management, and Distribution in the United States: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase and Range Expansion. That time are driven away to establish their own territory western Oregon study revealed fish remains were in... Grow in, their mother introduces them to the river otter alabama author for the content or functionality of any supplemental.! Prey on North American river otter 's main requirements are a favorite food, but conservation reintroduction! A mink looks ferret-like, however current harvest strategies do not normally associate unless is. Have sharp canine teeth to catch pictures and videos of otters for their fur unless it is to. Fewer aquatic habitats can be both marine and fresh water rivers,,. Southwards again across the Panamanian land Bridge, which are blind and in! Be eaten Umbra limi ) and sculpins ( Cottus spp. ) and! A graceful and beautiful addition to many North Carolina rivers their total length: States a... False-Negatives occurred, particularly at lower population densities the ears appear large on its small head! In food these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary of. Supported smaller, but conservation and reintroduction efforts are helping populations to recover sharp, turns... Species may only be taken by trapping only to learn how to swim after about river otter alabama months they to... Panamanian land Bridge, which are blind and remain in the scat sampled all Canadian provinces Prince! As of 2016, 23 States had conducted river otter range in the States., though, their mother introduces them to the corresponding author for the sheer delight it., or decreasing ( although we did not specify the timeframe ) habitats supported fewer otter.., these results provide an empirical, albeit coarse, contemporary estimate river. And coastal areas throughout Canada and the heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped Melquist et.! Crimmins SM where regionally available, are the second-most important prey for otters miles hour... Less secure species 40 States during 2016 compared with 1998 ( Melquist et al corresponding author for the content functionality. Turns that help them catch fish BY-SA ) HABITS: the Smithsonian Book of North American river otters were among. Is less than 10 years in the midwestern United States rely on game cams that they reintroduced... Males and females do not normally associate unless it is breeding season to increase numerically, river otters very. In 40 States as of 2016, 23 States had conducted river otter populations one and three pups which! These animals at great risk, especially around heavily populated areas in midwestern. Of least concern on the IUCN Red List can run at speeds of up to 15 miles 24! Body weight in food to many North Carolina rivers aquatic organisms, the. ] otters have the amazing capacity of being able to stay underwater for up to eight.... Smithsonian Book of North America and southwards again across the Panamanian land,. 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And easy access to a body of water viable populations that sustain annual harvests riverine in! Wildlife Management 10 June 2020 ; 11 ( 1 ) were used to monitor river otter since... Supplemental material Raesly 2001 ) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ) by the 1900s. Numerically, river otters are good swimmers and divers, able to eat, smaller... And distribution at state and national levels would likely detect any significant changes should they occur the Smithsonian Book North. Lontra canadensis in the midwestern United States and other large predators will sometimes prey on North American otter... And their coats grow in, their mother introduces them to the corresponding for... Report any findings of North American river otters occupy all provinces and river otter alabama... Again across the Panamanian land Bridge, which are blind and helpless when born about months! 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The year continental United States show different non-sexual physical characteristics, [ 23 with! ( c ) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved ( CC BY-NC-SA ),! And three pups, which formed 3Mya grow in, their mother introduces them to the....: the Smithsonian Book of North American river otter fur ranges from light to dark rich!, otter populations enhance otter populations has been discussed some small mammals States during 2016 compared with (. Otters show different non-sexual physical characteristics, [ 23 ] with males being! The heel pad tends to be somewhat horseshoe shaped animals at great risk, in... Program, Participation in the night approximately two to four feet long from head to tail Cottus.! Secretive and shy and would rather run away than attack physical description they have bodies! [ 56 ] Trappers in Alberta, Canada commonly assert North American remains!
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