The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is found throughout New Hampshire. These semi-aquatic mammals are not considered rare and thrive in various aquatic environments across New Hampshire. Their adaptable nature allows them to inhabit diverse water bodies, making sightings possible.
New Hampshire’s Otter Population and Habitats
New Hampshire is home to a healthy and widespread population of North American river otters. They inhabit all of the state’s major waterways, including rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, extensive wetlands, marshes, and coastal estuaries, demonstrating broad adaptability to both freshwater and brackish environments. These habitats provide essential resources, including abundant food sources like fish, crayfish, mussels, amphibians, and small turtles.
Otters establish denning sites under fallen trees, rocky ledges, logs, or dense bushes near the water’s edge, also using old beaver lodges and bank dens for shelter and raising young. Otters generally maintain a home range of 3 to 10 square miles, though male territories can extend up to 60 square miles. Their presence often indicates good water quality within an aquatic ecosystem.
Identifying Otters and Their Behavior
North American river otters have sleek, streamlined bodies, short legs, and webbed feet, adapted for their aquatic lifestyle. A long, muscular, tapered tail, comprising up to 40 percent of their total body length, assists in propulsion through water. Their fur is thick and dark brown, often appearing lighter on the chest and face.
Otters measure between 25 and 40 inches in length and weigh 11 to 31 pounds, with males generally slightly larger. They also have sensitive whiskers that help them detect prey in dark or murky water.
Otters exhibit playful and social behaviors, frequently sliding down muddy or snowy banks. They are exceptional swimmers, capable of diving to depths of at least 60 feet and remaining submerged for over four minutes. While primarily active during dawn and dusk, otters can be observed at any time of day. Evidence of their presence includes distinct tracks (forefeet 2-3 inches wide, hindfeet 3-4 inches wide, often showing five asymmetrical toes), slides, tail drags, and scat (spraint) which typically contains fish scales and bones.
Observing Otters Responsibly
Observing otters in their natural habitat is rewarding, but requires responsible practices to avoid disturbing them. Maintain a respectful distance from wild otters and avoid attempting to approach, feed, or handle them. Disturbing wildlife can cause stress and alter natural behaviors.
North American river otters are a protected furbearer species in New Hampshire, with populations that are healthy and thriving. The state’s conservation efforts have contributed to their status. If an injured or distressed otter is encountered, contact local wildlife authorities for guidance, rather than intervening directly.