10/02/2026
Did You Know?
The North American river otter is one of Indiana’s most playful and elusive water-loving mammals. Once nearly absent from much of the state, river otters have made an impressive comeback thanks to reintroduction efforts and improvements in habitat and water quality.
River otters are perfectly built for life around Lake Monroe and its tributaries. Their long, streamlined bodies, webbed feet, and powerful tails make them excellent swimmers, while their dense fur helps keep them warm in cold water. They spend much of their time in and around streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes, where they hunt fish, crayfish, frogs, and other aquatic prey.
Although you may never spot one, otters leave clues behind. Look for tracks and slides along muddy or snowy shorelines, or small piles of s**t, often containing fish scales or crayfish remains, on prominent rocks or logs. They are most active around dawn and dusk, which makes a quiet walk along a creek a good time to keep your eyes open.
River otters are also a reminder that healthy land means healthy water. Clean streams, intact streamside vegetation, wetlands, and connected habitat all contribute to the kind of watershed where wildlife can thrive.
So the next time you're exploring the Lake Monroe watershed, keep an eye on the shoreline. You just might catch a glimpse of one of Indiana's most charismatic aquatic mammals!
