Community Science: Become an Otter Spotter
Did you know that otters are found in the VLAWMO watershed? River otters are important indicators of watershed health. They need connected habitats that include healthy lakes, streams, and wetlands.
VLAWMO is proud to partner with the national Otters for Waters initiative through the River Otter Ecology Program. This collaborative network of locally driven projects uses 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 VLAWMO.
Share where you've seen otters locally.
Community members are invited to help gather data of where and when otters are seen in the watershed. Keeping track of otter sightings helps scientists understand more about otters and local water quality.
See where otters have been spotted.
The Otters for Waters website features a map including reports from community members.
Note: While the program features sites throughout the country, adjusting the map view to Minnesota allows you to see all the otter activity in the VLAWMO watershed.