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In 1995, the IDNR reintroduced the River Otter to Indiana after their population was depleted due to habitat loss, trapping, and pollution. Since then, they are reported to live in 87% of Indiana’s counties and continue to grow. It has become one of Indiana’s true conservation success story.

River Otters live in burrows along the banks of a river, lake, and swamp to keep close to a water source as well as their main food source: fish, turtles, crustaceans, and amphibians. But how do you know if you have an otter around? For quick confirmation, look for any tracks on river banks. River otter tracks tend to be 2 to 4 inches long by 1 to 3 inches wide. Depending on the soil type, the web between their toes, as well the claw marks, may be evident. River Otters have long, tapered tails that drag along the soil; their small eyes, and their long whiskers enable them to sense prey underwater. With their head the same size as their neck and short powerful legs, they are capable of streamlining through the water hunting for food.

The River Otter is known to be a social mammal living in our Indiana watersheds. Pups are known to play and chase one another as a game and, in turn, learn survival techniques to hunting and fighting. River Otters have been known to slide down muddy river banks often ending in a splash. These moments Nature presents are reasons outdoorsmen cherish running across these animals.