River otter

River otters serve as an excellent indicator of the ecological integrity of freshwater ecosystems. As semi-aquatic, top-level predators, otters prey upon a wide variety of freshwater organisms. They are year-round residents and are closely associated with the health of riparian habitats, favouring undisturbed sites with overhanging vegetation and late succession stages of vegetation such as mature forests.

Conservation efforts

River otters remain active throughout the year but detection of fresh activity signs is simplified in winter because of the conspicuous, corridor like tracks each animal leaves in the snow. Using a snowmobile to travel on the frozen rivers, our Resource Conservation staff document all snow tracks found, along with other signs of otter activity (scats, water access hole, burrows, etc.).

Did you know?

Rather than create their own burrows, river otters usually use burrows or dens created by other species or naturally occurring shelters such as hollow trees or logs, undercut banks, rock formations and flood debris.