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River Otter in Maryland

River Otter in Maryland

Lontra canadensis

River Otter in Maryland — Quick Overview

There are 500 recorded sightings of River Otter in Maryland, with 196 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in January through April.

When to See River Otter in Maryland

Most often reported in January through April.

Monthly sightings distribution for River Otter in Maryland
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January69Yes
February61Yes
March48Yes
April102Yes
May36No
June19No
July18No
August0No
September0No
October21No
November39No
December49No

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how River Otter sightings in Maryland 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 Maryland

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

River Otter is most often reported in Maryland 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 Maryland?

There are 500 documented River Otter records in Maryland. 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 Maryland?

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 Maryland.