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River otters almost vanished from Western North Carolina’s waterways but are now making an amazing comeback. These sleek, playful animals bring joy to wildlife watchers and help keep our mountain streams healthy. But have you ever seen one in the wild? They sure are elusive.

Otters disappeared from many parts of Western North Carolina in the early 1900s due to pollution and overhunting. However, thanks to careful conservation work starting in the 1990s, they are now found in every county in WNC, from the French Broad River near Asheville to the pond behind our house in Tryon. We’ve also seen them while kayaking in Lake Adger. 

River otters are excellent swimmers that can stay underwater for up to eight minutes. Now that’s a long time! They use their powerful tails like rudders to steer through the water and their webbed feet to paddle swiftly after food and away from danger. At about 3 to 4 feet long and weighing 10 to 25 pounds, they’re about the size of a small dog – but much better swimmers!

What I love most about river otters is their playfulness. Even as adults, they love to slide down muddy or snowy banks just for fun. Scientists think this playful behavior helps them stay strong and practice hunting skills.

Their thick fur has two layers – a warm, dense undercoat and waterproof outer fur that keeps them dry even in the coldest mountain streams. This special fur can have nearly a million hairs per square inch! And I, of course, have never figured out who counts all those hairs. 

The other thing I love about them is they are excellent parents. Mother otters teach their pups to swim by gradually introducing them to water, starting in shallow areas. Baby otters are born blind and stay in their dens for about two months before learning to swim. The jury is out as to whether they mate for life, but the whole family often raises their young together.  

They also possess a superpower that very few animals possess. These clever animals use tools and rocks to crack open shellfish and clams. Less than 1% of all animals are known to use tools like humans! They’re also talented hunters, catching fish, crayfish, and even small turtles.

So why are they important? Well, they play a crucial role in keeping Western NC’s waterways healthy. By controlling fish and crayfish populations, they prevent any species from becoming too numerous. This balance is important for maintaining healthy streams.

River otters are one of nature’s best indicators of water quality. Their presence in our rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes tells us that the water is clean and healthy enough to support a complex food web.

River otters face some challenges in WNC. Development along riverbanks can destroy their dens, and water pollution from runoff or construction can harm their food sources. However, local conservation groups are working to protect riverside habitats and improve water quality. You can help protect river otters by cleaning up litter and debris along waterways, especially after Tropical Storm Helene. 

The return of river otters to our area is a success story that shows how wildlife can recover when we care for our environment. These playful animals remind us that healthy rivers are important for both wildlife and people.

If lucky, you might spot river otters early in the morning or late in the evening along the French Broad River Greenway or in places like Lake Adger. Remember to watch quietly from a distance – these wild animals need their space to stay healthy and happy in their mountain home.

Loti Woods is a founder of Champions for Wildlife, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire and empower our kids using art and education. To learn more, visit championsforwildlife.org or email loti@championsforwildlife.org.