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The face of the river…was not a book to be read once and thrown aside, for it had a new story to tell every day.
Mark Twain
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Protect The River
What is Otter Spotter?
Otter Spotter helps protect the Verde River and the animals that live there—especially river otters! We use river otter charm and the good news of their recovery in our waterways to show that we humans have the ability to solve environmental problems. When river otters thrive, we know our waters are in good shape.
Why Spotting Otters Matters
River otters were once gone from this area because of pollution, trapping, and habitat loss. They were reintroduced to Arizona in the 1980’s, and we’re on a mission to discover how far they’ve spread and how they’re doing. That’s where your eyes on the waterways come in.
Become an Otter Spotter
All you need to do is keep your eyes and ears open when you’re near the Verde River or one of its creeks. If you spot a river otter try to take a photo or video—from a safe distance.
Spotted Otters
Check out photos and videos of river otters spotted in the Verde River watershed!
These clips were shared by Otter Spotters like you. Watching otters in action helps us learn more about where they live, what they eat, and how they behave. Have your own otter sighting? Don’t forget to send us your photo or video using the Otter Spotter form. You might see it featured here!
FAQs About River Otters
Are river otters the same as sea otters?
No. River otters live in freshwater like rivers, lakes, and coastlines, while sea otters live in the ocean. River otters are slimmer and faster on land. Sea otters are bigger and spend almost all their time in the water.
Are river otters friendly?
They might look playful, but river otters are wild animals. They usually stay away from people. It’s best to enjoy them from a distance and never try to feed or touch them. Keep dogs away from the water if you see an otter.
What do river otters eat?
They are carnivores and eat mostly fish and crayfish, but also aquatic insects, rodents, frogs, and birds when they can get them. They eat what is easiest to catch and most plentiful.
Where do river otters live?
River otters live along waterways. They have resting places beneath roots, in thick brush like willows and among reeds.
Are river otters endangered?
Not everywhere, but in some places they are rare. In Arizona, river otters were wiped out over 100 years ago, but they were brought back in the 1980s. We still don’t know how many are here, so every sighting helps!
Can I see otters in the Verde River?
Yes—if you’re lucky! Otters are shy and fast, so they can be hard to spot. Early mornings or quiet times are best for otter watching.
Are river otters an invasive species in Arizona?
No. River otters are native to Arizona’s waterways, were extirpated, and then reintroduced to revive their historical range. They are neither invasive nor harmful to Arizona’s ecosystems.
The Southwestern subspecies, Lontra canadensis sonora, once inhabited Arizona’s rivers like the Colorado and Gila. Due to over-trapping and habitat loss, they were wiped out by the early 1900s. In the early 1980s, otters from Louisiana (Lontra canadensis lataxina) were released into the Verde River to restore populations.
What is a watershed?
A watershed is an area of land where all water from rain, snow, and runoff drains into a common waterway or seeps into aquifers. The Verde River Watershed covers about 6,600 square miles of central Arizona. Water from mountains, creeks, and land across this area flows into the Verde River, which eventually joins the Salt River near Phoenix.
This watershed provides clean water, supports wildlife like river otters, and supplies water to communities and farms. It’s a vital natural system that helps recharge groundwater, reduce flooding, and sustain healthy ecosystems.
When we don’t take care of our watersheds, we hurt the animals—and ourselves. But the good news is that we can all help protect them. Keeping trash out of rivers, using less water, and planting native plants are just a few ways to make a difference.
Verde River Watershed Schematic
The Verde River Otter Spotter Program
The Verde River Otter Spotter program is proud to partner with River Otter Ecology Project (ROEP) national Otters for Waters initiative, a collaborative network of locally driven projects that use shared data and the natural appeal of river otters to inspire public engagement and promote healthy waterways. Otters for Waters leverages the river otter’s recovery and charisma to support water conservation efforts nationwide through partnerships with organizations like ours. As powerful indicators of waterway health, river otters symbolize the progress we can make in restoring ecosystems that benefit all species—including people. By collecting data on otter sightings and habitat use, the program builds awareness of the vital link between wildlife health and clean, flowing water. Together, we are deepening our understanding of the Verde River’s ecosystem and strengthening efforts to protect it.
