Viewing River Otters
River otters are active day and
night; around humans they tend to be more nocturnal. Otters spend their time
feeding and at what appears to be group play. They also dry their fur, groom
themselves, and mark their territory by vigorously scratching, rubbing, and
rolling on the ground. River otters are active year round, and, except for
females with young in a den, are constantly on the move. They tend to follow a
regular circuit that is covered in one to four weeks. Males can travel 150
miles within a particular watershed and its tributaries in a year. A family may
range 10 to 25 miles in a season.
To observe river otters, sit quietly on a high place (a bridge, overhanging bank or tree, or pier) above a known feeding area, trail, or slide. Find an angle from which you can avoid surface glare. A pair of polarized sunglasses and binoculars is useful. River otters are wary and their hearing and sense of smell are well developed. However, they are fairly nearsighted and they may not notice you if you stay still.
Never instigate a close encounter with river otters. They have been known to attack humans, and females with young are unpredictable.
Trails and Tracks
When traveling on land river otters walk, run, or bound. Bounding is their fastest gait. When bounding, the front and hind feet are brought toward each other causing the back to arch and the tail to be lifted off the ground. Otters make trails along the edges of lakes, streams, and other waterways. Trails often lead from one cove to another across a small peninsula, or alongside shallow rapids. Trails are 6 to 7 inches wide and may lead to slides or dens. Look for tracks in soft mud, damp sand, or fresh snow.
Slides
Slides are a common sign of river otter presence and there are often several in a river otter’s home range. Slides are about 1 foot wide and located at water’s edge—frequently on islands in lakes, or in openings under bushes or brambles along creeks and streams. Slides are made in grass, dirt, sand, or snow. There is often a trail from the water’s edge to the slide.
Droppings
River otters thoroughly chew their food, so their droppings contain only fine bits of fish scales, bones, and shells. The texture is oily, the smell fishy. Droppings are left on prominent spots at the water’s edge, along trails, and near dens. Fresh river otter droppings are shapeless, slimy, and green; they darken with age.
Calls
River otter sounds include chirps (similar to a marmot), growls, whines, and, when alarmed, an explosive hah!
To observe river otters, sit quietly on a high place (a bridge, overhanging bank or tree, or pier) above a known feeding area, trail, or slide. Find an angle from which you can avoid surface glare. A pair of polarized sunglasses and binoculars is useful. River otters are wary and their hearing and sense of smell are well developed. However, they are fairly nearsighted and they may not notice you if you stay still.
Never instigate a close encounter with river otters. They have been known to attack humans, and females with young are unpredictable.
Trails and Tracks
When traveling on land river otters walk, run, or bound. Bounding is their fastest gait. When bounding, the front and hind feet are brought toward each other causing the back to arch and the tail to be lifted off the ground. Otters make trails along the edges of lakes, streams, and other waterways. Trails often lead from one cove to another across a small peninsula, or alongside shallow rapids. Trails are 6 to 7 inches wide and may lead to slides or dens. Look for tracks in soft mud, damp sand, or fresh snow.
Slides
Slides are a common sign of river otter presence and there are often several in a river otter’s home range. Slides are about 1 foot wide and located at water’s edge—frequently on islands in lakes, or in openings under bushes or brambles along creeks and streams. Slides are made in grass, dirt, sand, or snow. There is often a trail from the water’s edge to the slide.
Droppings
River otters thoroughly chew their food, so their droppings contain only fine bits of fish scales, bones, and shells. The texture is oily, the smell fishy. Droppings are left on prominent spots at the water’s edge, along trails, and near dens. Fresh river otter droppings are shapeless, slimy, and green; they darken with age.
Calls
River otter sounds include chirps (similar to a marmot), growls, whines, and, when alarmed, an explosive hah!
This information was provide by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Russell Link, and Michael Holmquist
Click her to return to the home page
Click her to return to the home page
