What Do Otters Eat Regularly?

As aquatic mammals, otters spend most of their time in the water. Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that they indulge in food that can be found in and around rivers.

However, otters differ from similar species like beavers, muskrats, and nutria that feed on plants. Otters are meat eaters.

The otter diet consists mainly of fish and crawfish, but they also consume toads, frogs, reptiles, and even small mammals. When they are hungry for larger game, otters will attack birds, young beavers, and muskrats.

Otter Diet Problems

While most of their activity takes place in the water, these pests can be a nuisance to homeowners who live near rivers.

After catching fish, otters eat their prey on the shore. Though they usually consume the entire fish, the animals may leave bones and other remains on homeowners’ properties, which can attract other unwanted wildlife.

Otters are especially damaging for property owners who run hatching sites or keep fish in their ponds. They can cause major business losses by clearing out fish populations.

Outsmarting Otters

While some prevention methods are available, an otter is smart and can navigate through many barriers. Turn to the professionals at Critter Control for strategies to stop damage caused by these pests and their eating habits.

Get them out.
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Experiencing a wildlife or pest issue? We can help! Complete this form and your local Critter Control® office will contact you to assist.
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