Native Species Spotlight: North American River Otter
Panthers and otters and bears, oh my!
If you’re hiking by a cypress dome, pond, or creek and hear rustling in the bushes, stay alert! You may be treated to a glimpse of the elusive North American river otter, Lontra canadensis. Despite its northern-sounding scientific name, this furry swimming mammal is found in many areas of Florida and has even been sighted on several Hillsborough County Nature Preserves.
 |
| North American river otters socializing Dmitry Azovtsev, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
The North American river otter is found all the way from Canada and Alaska down to Florida, although its range has shrunk significantly since European colonizers arrived in the Americas. Trapping and hunting have significantly impacted otter populations and other stressors like habitat loss have also taken their toll. Otters are extremely sensitive to pollution, and because they’re near the top of the food chain, they can sometimes accumulate high levels of certain pollutants in their bodies. This is due to a process called biomagnification: prey animals absorb low levels of pollutants, and when predators eat those animals, the pollutants accumulate at higher rates in the predators’ bodies.
 |
| North American river otter in a zoo Sage Ross, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
Today, the outlook for the North American river otter isn’t all that grim. Conservation efforts, including improvements in water quality, have helped many populations bounce back. Parks, nature preserves, and other conservation lands give otters safe places to live, hunt, and raise their young. Remember to stay alert when driving past ponds, streams, and natural areas for otter families crossing the road- cars are a huge threat to otters in Florida.
Winter is a great season to look for river otters. Although these furry creatures are mostly nocturnal, they’re more likely to be out and about in daylight during the winter months, and you may see them early in the morning or late in the afternoon if you’re lucky. There's also a great way to enjoy the presence of otters even in the middle of the day- by looking for their tracks in soft sandy or muddy areas along the trail. Although otters have webbed feet, the webbing often doesn’t show in their tracks unless the ground is very soft. Look for long-toed tracks in groups of 3-4 clustered close together (which means the otter is walking) or groups of 2 spread further apart (which means the otter is bounding or running).
 |
| North American river otter track in sand TaviEllis, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
Keep an eye out for otters and otter tracks near wet areas at Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve in Odessa, Cypress Creek Nature Preserve in Tampa, Little Manatee River Corridor Nature Preserve (579 trailhead and Leonard Lee Rd. trailhead) in Wimauma, and Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve in Plant City. If you do see an otter, remember to keep your distance. Although they have a reputation as playful and curious animals, otters can also be aggressive, and they can weigh up to 35 pounds, as much as a medium-sized dog! Remember to keep pets on a leash in nature preserves to protect both your pet and the wildlife that we all love.
For more information about otters, visit FWC's River Otter information webpage.
