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River Otter in West Virginia

River Otter in West Virginia

Lontra canadensis

River Otter in West Virginia — Quick Overview

There are 52 recorded sightings of River Otter in West Virginia, with 8 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in December through March.

When to See River Otter in West Virginia

Most often reported in December through March.

Monthly sightings distribution for River Otter in West Virginia
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January6Yes
February7Yes
March8Yes
April3No
May0No
June3No
July4No
August3No
September0No
October5No
November7No
December4Yes

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how River Otter sightings in West Virginia 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 West Virginia

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

River Otter is most often reported in West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

There are 52 documented River Otter records in West Virginia. 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 West Virginia?

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 West Virginia.