North American River Otter Facts
The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a widespread species with thriving populations across the United States. They can be found from inland rivers to the coastline, relying on freshwater and marine ecosystems to catch prey. Marine-foraging river otters eat gunnel, sculpin, pricklebacks, rockfish, flounder, cod, herring, kelp crabs, marine worms, and even gull chicks. Alternating between land and water, they are frequently seen in the Salish Sea meandering in and around the seashore, frequently leaving scat on docks.
DID YOU KNOW?
Marine-foraging river otters are unique in that they split their time between the ocean and land, therefore playing a vital role in the marine-terrestrial ecosystem by fertilizing the land and vegetation in close proximity to the ocean.
River otters use latrine sites along the coastline to scent-mark specific locations and communicate with each other. Scents can communicate important information such as territory lines, health, and reproductive status.
When you see a big group of river otters, you’re likely not seeing a family. It’s probably a group of foraging adult males working together to herd fish and other prey into a tight bundle for hunting.
River otters can dive 60 feet below the surface of water looking for prey.
47% of river otter deaths in the Salish Sea are caused by humans. This includes death caused by vehicle strikes and gunshots.
River otters tend to avoid interacting with humans but there have been recorded attacks on people. It’s important to give river otters their space and not harass them.
Historically, river otters were present at every watershed throughout the continental United States. However, after years of the unregulated harvest of their fur pelts in concert with the destruction of their habitat in the early 1900s, river otters were completely eradicated from 11 of these 48 states. After conservation efforts were made by state, federal, and tribal agencies, the population has steadily increased over the last 50 years.
Photo by Steven & Sylvia Oboler. Banner photo by Kendrick Moholt.