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River Otter in British Columbia

River Otter in British Columbia

Lontra canadensis

River Otter in British Columbia — Quick Overview

There are 2,787 recorded sightings of River Otter in British Columbia, with 498 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in March through June.

When to See River Otter in British Columbia

Most often reported in March through June.

Monthly sightings distribution for River Otter in British Columbia
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January183No
February202No
March258Yes
April425Yes
May262Yes
June216Yes
July228No
August293No
September226No
October191No
November0No
December0No

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how River Otter sightings in British Columbia compare to other North American hubs:

A sleek, semiaquatic mammal with dense brown fur, a long, tapering tail, webbed feet and a small, rounded head. It lives in rivers, lakes, marshes and coasts across Canada and the United States, eating fish, crayfish and frogs. It loves to play, sliding down muddy and snowy banks. Watch for it at dawn or dusk, and look for slides, tracks and scat piles at waterside logs.

Other Wildlife to Look for in British Columbia

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see a River Otter in British Columbia?

River Otter is most often reported in British Columbia in March through June, based on GBIF records. Reports partly reflect when more people are outdoors, so sightings in other months are possible.

Where can I see a River Otter in British Columbia?

There are 2,787 documented River Otter records in British Columbia. Parks, refuges and protected areas with suitable habitat are the best places to start; the charts above show when it's reported most.

How can I find River Otter sightings near me in British Columbia?

Use the WildMap app on iOS to see recent reports within 100 km from the past 7 days for free (WildMap Pro: 200 km and 30 days), and turn on alerts for sightings near you in British Columbia.