Report Otter Sighting
Have you seen an otter?
The largest aquatic weasel in Colorado, the river otter is a powerful river predator and keystone species.
Make a Positive Identification
Species Comparison
Colorado is a wonderful place full of many species that can sometimes be tricky to tell apart. Take a moment to review the information below to help confirm if you've spotted an otter, and then feel free to share your sighting information!
River Otter
Physical Characteristics
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Noticeably larger than mink; adults up to 5 feet long
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More rounded face with larger nose
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Tannish brown with lighter cheeks and underbelly
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Swims mostly with only head above water, often only top of head
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Leaves U-shaped wake when swimming
Mink
Physical Characteristics
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Noticeably smaller than otters; adults around 2 feet long
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More sharply pointed face with smaller nose
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Reddish brown to black, sometimes has a white chin spot
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Swims near surface with much of body visible
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Leaves V-shaped wake when swimming
Why Report Your Sighting?
If you observe wildlife, this information could be incredibly valuable to CPW. Wildlife observations by members of the public, and private landowners in particular, can help inform wildlife management in Colorado. You may be concerned that reporting wildlife activity will compromise your privacy, or may make species location information widely available, but there are laws in place to protect your privacy and to protect species location information from public disclosure if you choose to share this information with CPW. While the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) makes many government records public, there are exceptions to CORA that protect your personal information, information about private property, and animal location data.