Where Do They Go in Winter?

In winter, river otters stay active and take advantage of what winter offers. When temperatures begin to plummet, they grow in an extra thick coat to help guard against the cold. Having a thick undercoat along with a water-repellent outer coat lets them handle the coldest days of winter with ease. Becoming much more active during the day, otters use openings in the ice and look for crayfish, one of their favorite winter meals. If an otter can’t find an opening in the ice, it might make use of a nearby beaver dam to get under the ice and into open water.

Look for otters in aquatic habitats — rivers, lakes, and marshes. They prefer tributaries of major, unpolluted drainages where there is minimal human disturbance. Learn more about Ohio’s otters: http://ow.ly/cmeE30a0tJM

Best Viewing Opportunities:
– Grand River Wildlife Area, Ashtabula County
– Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area, Trumbull County
– Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area, Wayne & Holmes counties
– Stillwater Creek, Harrison & Tuscarawas counties
– Little Muskingum River, Monroe & Washington counties