Wildlife Watching Wednesday: The Playful River Otter

By: Tom Berg

River otters are playful mammals that spend much of their lives in and around the water. Their antics include chasing other family members through the water and on land, wrestling with siblings and playing with fish that they have caught - prior to eating them, of course. Otter families often stay together during the summer, fall and winter, and then venture out on their own the following spring.

River otters are members of the weasel family – which includes minks, skunks and badgers. They have a long body with short legs, and a long rudder-like tail which helps them swim and maneuver in the water. Their fur is brown, ranging from light brown to almost black. This fur is water-repellent, and it helps insulate them from cold water year-round. They also have webbed feet which helps them swim very fast. Adult otters can weigh up to 30 pounds and measure 42 inches long (from nose to tail).

Otters are expert hunters. They can hold their breath underwater for eight minutes or more, giving them plenty of time to catch fish underwater. The long whiskers on their face help them feel and catch food as they swim around in dark or murky water. Fish make up the bulk of their diet, especially slower-moving fish species that are easier to catch like suckers, catfish and carp.

Although fish are a mainstay of their diet, when crayfish are plentiful the otters will quickly switch from fish to hunting these tasty crustaceans. Crayfish seem to be their absolute favorite food. Otters will also eat frogs, clams, and snails, if they are abundant.  Evidently river otters can afford to be playful, since they are so good at catching their prey.

In the 1800s, river otters were common on both North American coasts and in most major river systems. However, their populations quickly declined in the early 1900s due of habitat loss, pollution, and unregulated harvesting. Happily, otter reintroduction programs, along with improved water quality, and effective furbearer management programs, have brought the otters back. These curious, playful animals can now be found throughout much of their former range. 

Have you had a great out experience? Join Global Outdoors and write a review to tell everyone about it! We’re building the home for trusted reviews of outdoor experiences, outfitters, and guides.