Otters

There are 13 otter species worldwide. In the U.S., two—sea otters and North American river otters—make their home here. But only the river otter roams the Chesapeake Bay watershed, primarily occupying freshwater tributaries. We’ve heard of sightings across Bay country from the Corsica River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore to Sherwood Lakes in Virginia Beach to the Tidal Basin in D.C . If you keep an eye out—especially around dawn or dusk—you may just be lucky enough to spot one.

River otters split their time between land and water, spending about two-thirds of their lives on land despite their impressive swimming abilities.

Otters are opportunistic carnivores. They feast on fish, frogs, birds’ eggs—and even aquatic plants on occasion—supported by a metabolism fueled at about a 50 percent higher rate than similarly sized land mammals.

As top predators, river otters help maintain balance in their habitats and often serve as indicators of healthy ecosystems.

Whether twirling through the water or engaging in quirky behaviors like “dancing while they poop,” otters are captivatingly entertaining. Their social play also hones critical survival skills in young otters.

The biggest dangers otters face come from us—especially through degraded water quality and polluted environments that disrupt their food sources and habitat health.

Historically, all otters, both river and sea, have suffered from fur trading and remain vulnerable to oil spills and habitat degradation.

Support efforts like planting trees and buffers to reduce pollution and improve water quality in streams and tributaries. Healthy waterways mean healthier otter habitats.

Minimize fertilizer and pesticide use, install rain gardens or buffer zones, and support sustainable land practices to prevent toxins from entering waterways.

Join our Action Network! Engage with and support clean water policies across the region.

If you’re fortunate to spot an otter, observe from a distance and consider reporting such sightings to local wildlife authorities—especially in areas where otters may be less common.