Otter Records

Your observations are very much appreciated!
River otters are key indicators of the health of northern California's coasts, rivers and wetlands. This information will be used to describe the local otter population.

NOTE: Please do not enter commas in text !

Date:

Observer's name:

Time of day:

Observer's email:

or Phone:

Location of sighting?

Example to plot on map: Smith River, 100m north of Hwy 101 bridge. Map coordinates if known:

General description of otter's location?

Examples: river bank, muddy slough, ocean harbor, lagoon, freshwater lake, etc.

UTM Coordinates:

How many otters? (record number)

Adults:

Pups:

Pup size? (circle one)

¼ adult size

½ adult size

¾ adult size

same size

Please continue if you have more detailed information?

Otter behavior? (circle one or more or write in a record)

Actively travelling:
swimming walking running

Foraging/feeding:
diving digging

turning rocks pursuing bird

Describe the otter's behavior (were they following each other or interacting?):

Prey items? (record type of prey that otter captured)

Prey item(s):

Did you discover a well-worn otter path or slide? YES NO

Describe location (substrate or habitat situation):

Did you discover (sweet, fish-smelling) otter scats? YES NO

Describe location (substrate or habitat situation):

Did otter retreat to cover or go to ground? YES NO

Describe location (substrate or habitat situation):

Additional information?

Data will be processed by Otter Records Research Group, Department of Wildlife, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, 95521 jmb7002@humboldt.edu or otters@humboldt.edu; phone 707 826-3439 fax 707 826 4060 (Version 8.4.00; update 4.26.08)