Your guide to best spotting a river otter in the SC Lowcountry to get that perfect Instagram
If you’ve ever caught sight of sleek shapes gliding through the calm waters of a Lowcountry marsh, chances are you’ve encountered one of South Carolina’s most charismatic mammals, the river otter.
These playful, curious creatures are year-round residents of the Palmetto State’s waterways and a lucky sighting for those who catch a glimpse.
Where to find them
In South Carolina, river otters are found throughout the state’s major river drainages, but they are most abundant in the coastal plain, particularly in salt marshes, blackwater swamps and brackish inlets, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
These habitats provide the perfect mix of food and cover.
Otters are also commonly seen in managed wetlands, salt marshes and estuaries of the Lowcountry, including around Hilton Head and nearby islands.
When & how to spot them
River otters are active year-round and do not hibernate. Their thick, waterproof coats keep them warm even as temperatures dip through autumn and winter.
River otters are nocturnal and most active at dawn and dusk. During the colder months, the SCDNR says that otters tend to reduce their daily movements, but local experts have noted that it’s not uncommon to spot one during the day in undisturbed areas.
But catching a glimpse can be tricky, since they prefer uninhabited areas with clean water where food is abundant, the South Carolina Aquarium says.
Even if you don’t catch them in person, you can still tell when otters are nearby.
Their playful nature leaves behind telltale signs such as slides, which are smooth, 1-foot-wide tracks that descend into the water. These slides often appear on muddy or sandy banks, islands, or under low bushes and brambles along creeks and streams.
Otter habits
The otter’s breeding season occurs in late winter and early spring, with the young often born in late winter.
The pups’ eyes open after about three weeks, and by the time they are eight weeks old, they’re ready for their first swim.
When it comes to food habits, river otters are carnivores and can consume about 2½ pounds of food per day. Their diet includes fish, crayfish, crabs, amphibians, reptiles, and other aquatic organisms.
The SCDNR says that otters spend much of their time feeding and playing in groups, or repeatedly sliding down steep banks of mud or sometimes snow.
For other facts about otters in South Carolina, click here.
