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River Otter in Wisconsin

River Otter in Wisconsin

Lontra canadensis

River Otter in Wisconsin — Quick Overview

There are 231 recorded sightings of River Otter in Wisconsin, with 32 observations documented in the past 12 months. Local sightings are most frequently reported in August through November.

When to See River Otter in Wisconsin

Most often reported in August through November.

Monthly sightings distribution for River Otter in Wisconsin
MonthRecorded SightingsPeak Month
January0No
February11No
March22No
April19No
May27No
June22No
July12No
August33Yes
September27Yes
October18Yes
November17Yes
December0No

Compared With Other Regions

Explore how River Otter sightings in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

River Otter is most often reported in Wisconsin in August through November, 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 Wisconsin?

There are 231 documented River Otter records in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin?

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 Wisconsin.