North American River Otters (Lontra canadensis) are native to Ohio and have made a significant return to the state’s waterways. Once extirpated, their re-establishment through conservation efforts now signifies a healthier aquatic environment.
Ohio’s River Otters: A Comeback Story
River otters were historically present across Ohio, but by the early 1900s, they had disappeared from the state. This decline was largely due to unregulated hunting and trapping, combined with habitat loss and deteriorating water quality. The 20th century saw improvements in Ohio’s waterways, creating conditions suitable for their return.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife initiated a reintroduction program in 1986. Over a seven-year 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.
This reintroduction proved successful, leading to the removal of the river otter from Ohio’s endangered species list in 2002. The population has continued to expand, with their presence now confirmed in 83 of Ohio’s 88 counties. Their recovery is a testament to conservation efforts, including improved aquatic habitats and an expanding beaver population.
Understanding Ohio’s Otters
North American River Otters possess physical characteristics well-suited for an aquatic lifestyle. They have a streamlined body, webbed feet, and a long, muscular tail that makes up about half their total body length, aiding in swimming. Their fur is dark brown on the back and lighter on the underside, providing counter-shading camouflage in the water.
Otters weigh 11 to 33 pounds and reach a maximum length of 40 inches by three to four years of age. They have sensitive facial whiskers that help them locate prey in dark or murky water. Otters can close their ears and nostrils underwater and have a clear third eyelid for protection.
Otters thrive in various aquatic habitats, including rivers, streams, wetlands, lakes, and ponds, preferring areas with clean water and ample prey. They primarily consume fish, but their diet also includes crayfish, frogs, aquatic insects, and sometimes small mammals or birds. Otters are social, playful, and active at dawn, dusk, or even during the day.
In Ohio, river otters are a protected species, though a regulated trapping season has been in place since 2005. This management helps monitor populations and allows for sustainable interaction. When observing otters, it is advisable to maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing these animals.