Determining North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) Population Density and Habitat Characteristics on the Slocan River, British Columbia

North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) are elusive, semi-aquatic mammals that spend most of their time within aquatic ecosystems or on land-based shelters. The population density and habitat preferences of river otters in the West Kootenay region of the British Columbia Interior are not well understood. A better understanding of how habitat affects river otter occurrence can help predict areas of current and future occupancy, evaluate population trends and identify areas for management focus and restoration. Research projects on habitat characteristics and population distribution have been completed by Recreation, Fish, and Wildlife students of Selkirk College since 2011. Information has been gathered on presence/not detected, habitat preferences, and population density along the north aspect of the Slocan river and the south aspect at the confluence of the Slocan River and the Kootenay River. The intent of this project is to continue collecting data on river otter along the non-represented central reaches of the Slocan River and, together with previous research data, determine river otter population distribution and habitat characteristics. During the winter months of 2020 Cameron MacKinnon and I surveyed a nine kilometer stretch along both sides of Slocan River between Perry’s bridge and Winlaw bridge. Our data is based on presence/non-detection survey methods, along with the collection of latrine samples to further analyze occupancy of river otter. Through our surveys, we observed plentiful evidence of river otter activity, including tracks, dens, latrines, slides and a sighting of river otters as well. I analysed the collected data and reviewed potential trends including the types of signs detected and the surrounding vegetation type, the relationship between river otter activity and a steep undercut bank which separated the shoreline from upslope anthropogenic features. I further analysed the degree of anthropogenic disturbance river otters may to tolerant and considered a comparison of Kootenay River, a regulated river, latrine habitat quality to the Slocan River, a nonregulated river, latrine habitat quality. Through our research we documented that the Slocan River provides favourable habitat characteristics to support river otters.