Texas is home to otters. These aquatic mammals thrive in various water environments across the state. Their presence indicates healthy aquatic ecosystems, as they have adapted to Texas’s varied landscapes.
Texas Otter Species
The specific otter species inhabiting Texas is the North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis). These semi-aquatic mammals belong to the weasel family, Mustelidae. They possess a sleek, streamlined body, measuring between 0.9 to 1.2 meters (3 to 4 feet) in total length, including their long, tapered tail. Their average weight ranges from 5 to 14 kilograms (11 to 30 pounds), with males generally larger than females.
North American River Otters have short legs with webbed feet. Their fur is dense and water-repellent, typically dark brown on their upper parts and lighter on their undersides, providing insulation. They have small, rounded ears and nostrils that can close underwater, along with long, sensitive whiskers that aid in detecting prey in murky conditions.
Otter Habitats and Distribution
North American River Otters in Texas are primarily found in the eastern half of the state. This region includes the Pineywoods, Post Oak Savannah, and Gulf Prairies and Marshes ecological areas. Their preferred habitats consist of diverse aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, streams, marshes, and bayous. They are also known to inhabit brackish inlets along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Otters establish their dens close to water sources, often utilizing natural hollows, tree roots, rock piles, or even abandoned beaver lodges. These dens typically feature underwater entrances, providing secure access from the water. While historically more widespread across Texas, recent reports indicate a westward expansion into areas like Central Texas and parts of the Rio Grande Valley. Sightings have been reported in various locations, including the San Marcos River and Buffalo Bayou in Houston.
Conservation and Interaction
The conservation status of North American River Otters in Texas has improved significantly. They are currently listed as a species of “Least Concern” by the IUCN and are not on federal or state lists of threatened or endangered species. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) no longer lists them as a “Species of Greatest Conservation Need,” and their populations are considered stable and increasing. This recovery is attributed to improved water quality, habitat restoration efforts, and regulated trapping seasons.
Despite their improved status, otters still face challenges such as habitat loss due to development and water pollution. As a “sentinel species,” their presence indicates a healthy aquatic environment because they are sensitive to pollutants. Public interactions with otters should involve respectful observation from a distance, avoiding any disturbance to the animals or their habitats. If conflicts arise, such as otters impacting stocked ponds, individuals can contact local TPWD biologists for guidance.
Otters are classified as furbearers in Texas, and their management is regulated by TPWD. Trapping is permitted during designated seasons, and any otter taken requires a federal Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) tag to monitor and ensure sustainable populations. It is illegal to collect otters from public roadways. Continued conservation efforts, including protecting riparian buffer zones and reducing pollution, support the long-term well-being of these animals.