If you love Nebraskan nature, you'll want to hear the story of this iconic Nebraska species, which went from being on the brink of extinction to thriving!
The North American river otter, a charismatic resident of our rivers and lakes, was once a common sighting across the country. Yet excessive hunting and habitat loss had grave impacts on their numbers. Thankfully, through the dedicated work of conservationists, this adorable animal is bouncing back!
Otters are the largest members of the weasel family, which includes species like badgers and wolverines.
Their playful personalities and bewhiskered faces make them easily one of North America's most charismatic species. But this popular appeal didn't protect them from the 19th century's fur industry, which reduced their total population to just 4,500 by 1904.
In fact, no one spotted an otter in the Cornhusker State for almost a hundred years.
It wasn't until 1977, when a trapper found an otter along Republican River, that Nebraskans realized the animal could recover.
In 1986, the state took action, declaring river otters an endangered species in Nebraska.
Over the next five years, over 150 otters were released by conservationists along local rivers, focusing primarily on repopulating the Platte River.
Though they remain a rare sighting, there's every indication that the effort to return otters to Nebraska has been successful.
In 2020, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioners were finally able to remove the species from the state's threatened list, a massive milestone in their recovery.
If you want to see wild otters, consider visiting places like Platte River State Park. Even if you don't spot them during your visit, you'll likely encounter other Nebraskan wildlife.
Platte River is one of the state's best spots for kayaking, an outdoor activity that gives visitors a unique glimpse into this special riparian habitat. Add a pair of binoculars to your hiking gear and bring your sharp attention! You might get lucky!
The journey of river otters from disappearing from the Cornhusker State entirely to flourishing today is a tremendous example of what can happen when Nebraskans stand up for the nature we love.
If you love Nebraskan wildlife, you should know the story of this iconic Nebraska species. River otters may not be the most common resident of our waterways, but biologists now consider their population stable. This recovery is the product of incredible collective effort, and it's a result that all Cornhuskers can be proud of.
Enjoy more up-close-and-personal encounters with native wildlife at our state's many parks!
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