There are 28 recorded sightings of River Otter in Iowa, with 5 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in January through April.
When to See River Otter in Iowa
Most often reported in January through April.
| Month | Recorded Sightings | Peak Month |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | Yes |
| February | 4 | Yes |
| March | 6 | Yes |
| April | 1 | Yes |
| May | 1 | No |
| June | 2 | No |
| July | 1 | No |
| August | 0 | No |
| September | 2 | No |
| October | 2 | No |
| November | 2 | No |
| December | 0 | No |
Compared With Other Regions
Explore how River Otter sightings in Iowa 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 Iowa
Track River Otter in Iowa
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see a River Otter in Iowa?
River Otter is most often reported in Iowa in January through April, 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 Iowa?
There are 28 documented River Otter records in Iowa. 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 Iowa?
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 Iowa.