River otters are streamlined swimmers with fully webbed feet, long tapered tails, and dense, oily fur that insulates them in water. They are dark brown with pale brown or gray bellies, and their ears and nose close when submerged. On land they travel with a loping gait, and on snow they alternate loping with sliding.
Habitat & Range
These semiaquatic animals frequent streams, rivers, and lakes, spending equal time on land and in water. They rest beneath tree roots, rocky ledges, or fallen trees and often use burrows of muskrats, beavers, and woodchucks for shelter.
Life History
Fish make up most of their diet, supplemented by crayfish, mussels, frogs, and other small animals. Females give birth to 2โ5 young in February or March; the young are weaned by 4 months but remain with parents until the following spring.
Status, Trends & Threats
Otters were nearly eliminated in Missouri a century ago due to unregulated harvest, but restoration efforts in the 1980s and early 1990s released more than 800 otters in the state. Thanks to those efforts and improved stream conditions, they are once again found throughout most of Missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is river otter trapping legal in Missouri?
Yes, river otters are classified as a furbearer in Missouri and may be trapped during the prescribed trapping season. A valid Missouri trapping permit is required.
What is the best method for harvesting river otters in Missouri?
River otters are primarily harvested through trapping using body-grip traps or foothold traps set along waterways, under logs, or near den entrances. Due to their wariness and aquatic habits, trapping is the most effective method.
What is the river otter trapping season in Missouri?
River otter trapping season in Missouri generally runs from mid-November through February. Exact dates are set annually by the Missouri Conservation Commission and may include a tagging or reporting requirement.
