North American River Otters are present in Ohio, marking a significant comeback for this native species. Their return represents a successful conservation effort, transforming their status from extirpated to a thriving part of the state’s wildlife. This resurgence allows for increased opportunities to observe these semi-aquatic mammals in their natural habitats.
Ohio’s Otter Population
Ohio’s otters are North American River Otters (Lontra canadensis). Their population has expanded significantly, with confirmed presence in 83 of Ohio’s 88 counties by 2024. These semi-aquatic mammals are well-adapted for aquatic life, possessing short, webbed feet for efficient swimming and strong, flat tails that aid in changing direction. Their fur is dark brown with a lighter gray on the chest and chin, designed to trap air for insulation in cold water.
These otters primarily consume fish, aquatic insects, crayfish, snakes, and frogs. They are known for their playful nature, often observed sliding on snow or ice. While generally nocturnal or crepuscular, they can also be active during the daytime in undisturbed areas.
The Comeback Story
North American River Otters were historically present in Ohio but faced extirpation by the early 1900s. This decline was largely attributed to habitat loss, poor water quality, and unregulated trapping. In response, the Ohio Division of Wildlife initiated a seven-year reintroduction program in 1986.
During this period, 123 otters were relocated from Arkansas and Louisiana. These otters were released into four eastern Ohio watersheds: the Grand River, Killbuck Creek, Stillwater Creek, and the Little Muskingum River. The success of this reintroduction project led to the river otter’s removal from Ohio’s endangered species list in 2002. The population has continued to grow, with estimates exceeding 6,500 otters by 2020. This recovery demonstrates how targeted interventions and collaborative efforts can restore native wildlife populations.
Where and How to Find Them
River otters inhabit various aquatic environments, including rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, and marshes. They prefer tributaries of major, unpolluted drainages with minimal human disturbance. Log jams and submerged trees provide valuable resting and feeding habitats.
While otters are found in most of Ohio’s counties, their populations are most abundant near the original reintroduction sites in eastern Ohio, particularly within the Grand River watershed in Northeast Ohio and the Little Muskingum River watershed in Eastern Ohio. They often travel across dry land between water bodies. To spot them, look for signs of their presence, such as tracks that resemble a mink’s but are larger, typically two to three inches across. Latrine sites, often found on high points along stream banks, may contain scat with fish scales or crayfish parts. Other indicators include flattened trails in snow where they slide on their stomachs.