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River Otter in Ohio

River Otter in Ohio

Lontra canadensis

River Otter in Ohio — Quick Overview

There are 168 recorded sightings of River Otter in Ohio, with 25 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in January through April.

When to See River Otter in Ohio

Most often reported in January through April.

Monthly sightings distribution for River Otter in Ohio
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January23Yes
February10Yes
March22Yes
April20Yes
May8No
June0No
July0No
August12No
September13No
October12No
November14No
December20No

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how River Otter sightings in Ohio 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 Ohio

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

River Otter is most often reported in Ohio 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 Ohio?

There are 168 documented River Otter records in Ohio. 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 Ohio?

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 Ohio.