The Nature Conservancy in Indiana - JWN

Welcome Back, Otter!

The River Otter

Scientific name: Lutra canadensis
Weight: 11-30 lbs.
Length: 35 - 50 inches
Habitat: riparian - living or located near a body of water
Diet: primarily consumes fish, mollusks & other invertebrate
Reproduction: once yearly with an average litter of 2-3 and up to 6
Predators: includes the bobcat, coyote and birds of prey; man
Lifespan: average of 9 years in the wild, possibly up to 20 years

Otter Cam!

The International Otter Survival Fund is an organization that supports projects protecting the thirteen species of otter found worldwide. Check out their Otter Webcam for the baby otters they are helping at their rehabilitation center in Skye, Scotland.

NationalGeographic.com also offers various videos of otters at play.

Looking for Otters?

While river otters are known to be nocturnal creatures, it isn't entirely unusual to find them sunning themselves on rocks or riverbanks. If you're curious whether there are otters near a river or stream near you, check for tracks on muddy river banks. Look for five webbed toes that look pointed due to its claws.
otter tracks

Frisky, furry and fun-loving are just a few words to describe the river otter. And feisty too. The North American river otter has survived potential threats of extinction in various areas of the United States and Canada. Although there are still many places where river otter populations have not yet recuperated or been restored, it is amazing how far they have gotten.

What You "Otter" Know

River otters are amphibious creatures known for their intelligence and playful nature. They can be found swimming in rivers, lakes and even in ocean bays. Their streamlined, sinuous bodies and long flattened tail helps propel the otter gracefully through the clear waters of North America. Otters are also excellent hunters, using sensory hairs on the snout called vibrissae to sense water turbulence that help them locate their meal of fish, mollusks and other small invertebrate.

Though solitary and wary of strangers, river otters can be sociable and easily domesticated creatures. They also are incredibly playful. Otters like to wrestle, chase one another around and slide down slick or snow-covered riverbanks. No hibernation for these little guys; otters are active year round. A layer of fat right underneath the skin and thick fur helps protect them even in the coldest of waters and winters.

River otter's fur consists of two layers; a coarse, waterproof outer coat and a softer, finer layer that keeps the animal warm. When in the water air bubbles cling to the outer hairs, covering the otter in what appears to be a silvery sheen. Unfortunately for otters, people enjoy their luxurious coats as well and are hunted their pelts. The popularity of otter fur outerwear has contributed to the dramatic decrease of river otters for the past 200 years. However, hunting isn't the only cause for the river otter's demise.

Although once abundant in North America, river otters have suffered greatly from habitat loss, water pollution, the fur trade and other threats. Historically, river otters were found in great numbers in the waterways and coastal areas throughout Canada and the United States. Today, river otters have been virtually eliminated in many parts of their original range. Heavily populated areas in the Midwest, East Coast and the Southeast have been greatly affected. Thanks to successful reintroduction efforts, otter populations are slowly being restored in many of these states, and lucky for us, Indiana is one of them.

River Otters Reintroduced

River otters once thrived in Indiana but habitat destruction, unregulated trapping and pollution had dramatically affected the population over time. It was believed that by 1942 the breeding population had disappeared throughout the state. However, the Department of Natural Resources Fish & Wildlife Services did not include the river otter as one of Indiana's endangered species until 1994.

In order to keep the otters in our waters, DNR's Fish & Wildlife Services implemented the River Otter Reintroduction Program with hopes to reestablish river otter populations in at least six of our watersheds. Between 1995 and 1999, 303 river otters from Louisiana were transplanted into Muscatatuck, Patoka, south-central Ohio, St. Joseph, Tippecanoe and Upper Wabash with incredible results. According to DNR's 2006 Wildlife Diversity Report, river otters have been found in 66 of 92 counties and 15 out of 16 watersheds due to the combination of reproductive success and a low mortality rate, the otter's populations have increased greatly. The overwhelming success of the reintroduction efforts resulted in the river otter's removal from Indiana's endangered species list in 2005.

However, the river otter continues to be a species of special concern. Otters are protected from both intentional and accidental trapping during the fur harvest season. According to the Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide, it is illegal to take or possess the pelts of otters or of any other protected specie. If an otter is accidentally trapped or found dead, it is to be reported to the DNR as the information helps keep track of the status and distribution of otters throughout Indiana. The DNR also offers tips on how to protect otters when trapping for beavers and raccoons.

Interesting Facts About the River Otter

Otters are part of the weasel family which includes minks, skunks, badgers and, of course, weasels.

Although playful, river otters are rather solitary creatures. Males do not affiliate with females unless it is mating season.

The chasing, diving, cork-screwing, and lunging between a male and female usually occurs as a sort of mating ritual. In some species, the male bites the female's upper jaw or nose, in other species the male grasps the female by the scruff of the neck. Copulation takes place in the water, and lasts 10 to 30 minutes.

River otters defend their territories by marking, scratching, and occasionally fighting.

The river otter is landbound 2/3 of the time, using its tail for balance and attaining speeds up to 18 mph.

River otters like to slide. For play or as a way to get around, these creatures are known to take a few steps and then slide on their stomachs.

The otter loves to swim and can hold its breath for up to 8 minutes.

With eyes adapted for underwater vision, otter's are nearsighted above water. Otters rely on sound, touch, and smell to communicate.

A river otter's feces, or spraint, is important when it comes to communication with others. By sprainting in territorial areas and spraying it with scent, the river otter is letting others know of his presence in the area.

Now Isn't that Precious?

An internet phenomenon of sorts, this video of otters loving on one another has captured the hearts of over 8 million viewers since it was posted on YouTube. Thanks to Cynthia Holmes for sharing!

For More Information

The River Otter Alliance - promoting the protection of River otters.

Otternet - Source for otter fun and facts.

IUCN Otter Specialist Group's information on the North American River Otter

NatureServe's information on Lutra canadensis

SeaWorld's Otter Education Publication

Restoring River Otters in Indiana - Scott Johnson & Kim Berkley

Progress & Status of River Otter Reintroduction Projects in the United States - Elaine Raesly

The National Zoo's River Otter Facts

Animal Diversity Web - North American River Otter

National Geographic Kids River Otter page

The Endangered Species Handbook on the history of the otter fur trade.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Dmitry Azovtsez otter swimming); Photo © Otternet (river otters); Graphic © TNC (otters tracks).