Once prevalent in many waterways across British Columbia (BC), river otter populations have
seen a decrease due to trapping, development, and pollution since the beginning of the 20th
Century (Mowry et al. 2011). Although there are data available on coastal studies of river otter
populations, details on river otter diet and populations in BC’s West Kootenay region is largely
unknown (Mackenzie 2013). During January and February of 2020, colleague Tiffany Muncaster
and I surveyed sections of a 14-kilometer reach of river from Lemon Creek to the community of
Winlaw, BC, to determine the presence of river otter through non-invasive observation survey
techniques. I collected presence/non-detection data on latrine sites, tracks, slide sites, and
sightings based on visual evidence. Signs detected along all transects included tracks, slides,
dens, latrine sites, and river otter sightings. Based on findings from the surveyed areas, the
Slocan River appears to be good habitat for river otters. Tracks were frequently detected along
both sides of the river and a total of 10 dens were observed throughout the transects. A sighting
of three river otters near the community of Appledale directly confirmed presence and further
supports claims of favourable habitat characteristics present in the area.
