North American river otter

Scientific name: Lontra canadensis

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

River otters have a sleek, elongated body with dense dark brown fur, lighter undersides, and prominent whiskers. Males are noticeably larger than females, with a robust head and muscular neck; their streamlined profile is immediately recognizable.

Size and weight

Males: 7–11 kg, body length 66–107 cm; females: 5–7 kg, body length 61–86 cm. Tail adds 30–50 cm.

Habitat

River otters inhabit freshwater systems including rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands with adequate fish populations and bankside cover. They prefer areas with minimal human disturbance and require access to den sites in root systems, rock crevices, or abandoned burrows.

Distribution

North American river otters occur throughout Canada (except parts of the Arctic), most of the continental USA, and Mexico. They favor flowing freshwater systems in forested and mountain regions, avoiding arid lowlands.

Diet

River otters primarily consume fish (particularly slow-moving or schooling species), supplemented with crayfish, mussels, frogs, and waterfowl; seasonal prey shifts follow spawning runs and availability.

Behaviour

River otters are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, often most active at dawn and dusk. They are highly social, traveling in family groups; they maintain established territories marked by latrine sites and leave distinctive slides on banks.

Hunting tips

Key sign includes five-toed tracks in mud/snow with claw marks, rod-shaped droppings deposited at latrines, and distinctive slide marks on banks where otters enter and exit water. Approach waterways during low-light hours from downwind; scan banks and current breaks where otters hunt. Move slowly along riparian corridors and pause frequently to glass pools and eddies where prey congregates.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.

Canada

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.