Author
by Thomas L. SERFASS, Colin P. CARPENTER, and Maggie D. TRISKA
CWBM 8 (1): 36–44
Correspondence: Thomas L. Serfass, Department of Biology and Natural Resources, Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Maryland 21532, USA.
Email: tserfass@frostburg.edu
Abstract
We examined monthly variation in scat marking by river otters (Lontra canadensis) by surveying both shorelines of a 17.3 km section of Tionesta Creek in northwestern Pennsylvania once a month from 4 March 2000 to 24 March 2001 to count the number of scats and latrines (sites where river otters deposit scats). Overall, we counted 7,586 scats at 170 latrines. Most of the section of Tionesta Creek where surveys were conducted was bordered to the north with a 2-lane, secondary road. Significantly more scats and latrines were detected along the non-roadside (6,642 scats, 113 latrines) than the roadside (944 scats, 57 latrines) of the stream. Measures of scat marking fluctuated among months, with peaks during March and April and September through November, and lows during May through August. The peaks in scat deposition coincided with the breeding season in March and April, and increased traveling by family groups (mother and her cubs) during September through November. Efficiency of detecting evidence of river otter through scat surveys would be enhanced by conducting riparian surveys during spring (March-April) and fall (September-November) peaks in scat marking.
Key Words: Lontra canadensis, Pennsylvania, River Otter, Scat Marking, Seasonality, Surveys
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