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A calm Tennessee pond with cattails and a creek flowing in, a stick beaver lodge near the far bank, soft evening light and reflections.

Wildlife of Tennessee · Pond, Creek and Water Animals

North American River Otter in Tennessee

Can empty a stocked pond in a night, and the species is regulated. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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A North American river otter standing on a rock at a clear Tennessee creek holding a fish, wet fur, soft light.

At a Glance

About the North American River Otter

Animals around ponds, creeks and shorelines flood land, burrow into banks and take fish and poultry. The right control depends on the animal and the water.

Call TWRA First

Risk: Can empty a stocked pond in a night, and the species is regulated.

Call 615-357-7797

Scientific nameLontra canadensis
Size3 to 4 feet
Where it shows upStreams, lakes, farm ponds and backyard koi ponds
When it is activeDawn, dusk and night

Signs You Have One

How to Tell

These are the clues that point to a north american river otter.

  • Fish remains and scat full of scales on banks
  • Slides on muddy or snowy slopes
  • Missing fish from backyard ponds

Call TWRA First

What We Do About the North American River Otter

This animal is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. If it is a danger or is injured, call TWRA. We help you protect your property, pets and garden with fencing, deterrents and securing food.

Prevention

Keep Them Away

Simple steps that help for this kind of animal.

  • Protect valuable trees with wire wrap
  • Use culvert guards to stop beaver dams
  • Fence ponds and coops against otters and mink
  • Check rules before trapping or moving any animal

Similar Animals

More Pond, Creek and Water Animals

Free Tool

What Animal Is It? Identifier

Pick where it is, when you notice it and the signs you see, and get a ranked list of the likely Tennessee animals.

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Good to Know

Questions About North American River Otter

Still have a question?

Call 615-357-7797

How do I know if I have a river otter?

Common signs: fish remains and scat full of scales on banks; slides on muddy or snowy slopes; missing fish from backyard ponds.

Is a north american river otter dangerous?

Can empty a stocked pond in a night, and the species is regulated. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.

What does Music City Wildlife do about a north american river otter?

This animal is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. If it is a danger or is injured, call TWRA. We help you protect your property, pets and garden with fencing, deterrents and securing food. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Free Estimate

Tell Us What Is Going On

Describe what you see, hear or smell and we will get back to you quickly with a plan and a free estimate. For an animal in the house or any emergency, skip the form and call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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