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River Otter in Massachusetts

River Otter in Massachusetts

Lontra canadensis

River Otter in Massachusetts — Quick Overview

There are 596 recorded sightings of River Otter in Massachusetts, with 123 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in December through March.

When to See River Otter in Massachusetts

Most often reported in December through March.

Monthly sightings distribution for River Otter in Massachusetts
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January57Yes
February44Yes
March76Yes
April56No
May45No
June35No
July0No
August31No
September0No
October40No
November70No
December80Yes

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how River Otter sightings in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

River Otter is most often reported in Massachusetts in December through March, 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 Massachusetts?

There are 596 documented River Otter records in Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts?

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 Massachusetts.