River Otters

North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) are a mid-sized (10-30lbs) Carnivoran species. River otters are a semi-aquatic mammal, spending much of their time in the water feeding. They have voracious appetites and are frequently found consuming various species of water fowl, crustaceans, shellfish, and fish. They also eat small mammals, amphibians, and occasionally fruit. River otters can live on their own or in family groups. They can be found in fresh, salt, and estuarine waters.

River Otters & Fish

Some people worry that river otters are having negative impacts on stocked/game fish populations. While river otters do eat some fish of commercial and recreational value, many studies have found that a large majority of their diet is made up of non-commercial/recreational species and even a lot of non-native/invasive species. Co-founder Yasmine Hentati has been analyzing some river otter diet from the Greater Seattle Area and will soon have results to share!

River Otter Latrines

Like raccoons, river otters have the tendency to latrine, meaning they poop in similar places repeatedly. These latrines can sometimes be in inconvenient places like on docks or in boats. Luckily it is very easy to remove river otter scats and they can usually be hosed away effectively. Here are some ways to deter latrines:

Fencing/securing areas you don't want river otters in.
Covering boats.
River otters prefer to poop on wood docks, consider covering a dock in an alternative material.
Using scent deterrents. Some scent deterrents may work, but need continual reapplication (Pinesol, ammonia, predator urines). These are not always scientifically vetted.

We also offer latrine removal services. For more info, click below.

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Have questions about river otters? Click below to see if it's already been answered, or submit a question to be answered!

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