River Otter

Lutra canadensis

Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae

Status: Fur is of moderate value. Official Montana furbearer managed and protected by regulated fur harvest seasons.

Identifying Characteristics: Large, weasel-like, torpedo-shaped, aquatic mammal with a long, round tail. Thickset but streamlined body supported by short, powerful legs. Long stiff facial whiskers located behind and below the nose. Small ears, broad snout, and webbed feet. Body is a rich brown above with a silvery sheen below. The pelt consists of a dense underfur protected by longer stiff guard hairs. Total length: 35 to 54 inches. Weight: 11 to 33 pounds.

Habitat: Inhabits streams, rivers, and lake borders. Riparian vegetation is a key component of otter habitat. Otters often use bank dens first created by beavers. Availability of food, water, and shelter determine the duration and intensity of habitat use.

Food Habits: The otter dies is primarily fish, but it will consume a variety of aquatic prey.

Life History: Active both day and night. One of the most aquatic members of the weasel family. Sociable animal that dens in banks with entrance below water. Breeds during spring; 9.5 to 10 month gestation; delayed implantation; litter size of 2 to 3 is most common.

Similar Species: Beaver - has a flat, scaly tail. Mink - much smaller, feet not webbed.

Further Information

STATEWIDE SEASON DATES: November 1 - April 15 of the following year, except state Wildlife Management Areas and specific closures (See SPECIAL REGULATIONS). Season will close in 48 hours upon reaching the trapping district quota or on the season closure date, whichever occurs first.

Limit: None. The otter season on the Flathead Indian Reservation is closed to all trappers (members and nonmembers).

Trapping District:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Otter Quota:
21 20 36 8 4 2 2

Closures - All areas closed to beaver trapping are also closed to otter trapping.

Quotas: Current harvest quota information may be obtained by calling the appropriate Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional office during normal business hours or by calling 1-800-711-TRAP (1-800-711-8727) 24 hours a day or the FWP website at fwp.state.mt.us. The toll free line and website are updated by 1 pm. (MST) every day. Furbearer seasons will close in 48 hours when a species quota is reached prior to the end of the regular season.

The Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission has authorized the department to initiate a closure prior to reaching a quota or subquota when conditions or circumstances indicate the quota may be reached within the 48-hour closure notice period.

Reporting: Trappers are required to personally report their otter harvest within 24 hours by calling the Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional office during office hours (8 AM - 5 PM weekdays) in the trapping district where the animal was taken so that FWP can monitor quota levels. Reporting can also be made after office hours and on weekends by calling 1-406-449-1065.

Pelt Tagging: Trappers are required to personally present the pelts of otter for tagging to a designated Fish, Wildlife & Parks employee residing in the trapping district where the animal was taken within five (5) days of harvest. Trappers or hunters unable to comply with the five day pelt tagging requirements due to special circumstances or the unavailability of local FWP personnel must still register their pelts within five days of harvest by calling the proper regional office to make arrangements for tagging by FWP personnel at a later time. Pelts not presented or registered to department personnel within 5 days are subject to confiscation.

Carcasses: It is mandatory that the entire and intact carcass of all otter be turned into Fish, Wildlife & Parks in good condition, at the time the pelt is presented for tagging. The skulls will be retained by Fish, Wildlife & Parks for processing and examination and then returned to the owner if desired. Good condition is defined as fresh or frozen and securely wrapped in such a manner as to have prevented decomposition in order that all tissue samples are suitable for lab analysis. Any otter pelt that is presented for tagging without the carcass in good condition shall be subject to confiscation.

Export: A federal export permit is required in addition to a Montana CITES tag before the pelts of bobcat and otter may be exported from the United States. Apply to U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 600 Central Plaza, Room 209, Great Falls MT 59401.