Why, I Otter…
Texas River Otter
This is Passport to Texas
Eight years ago when wildlife biologist Gary Calkins was conducting statewide otter surveys, we talked about it on our radio show; he invited listeners to send in their sightings.
Really, when we started this thing, I sort of assumed that otters were pretty well just East Texas-centric, maybe in the Neches…Sabine River…Red River. That type of thing. But, man, the population that’s in the Colorado River is way more than I had expected and a lot farther up the Colorado River than I ever expected, and then a lot farther up the Red [River] than I ever expected. [There are] just a lot more in general than I really thought there were out there just based on the number of people reporting stuff.
Because of you, we know there’s greater distribution of otters throughout Texas than previously thought. These mammals are surprisingly common in urban areas, such as Austin in Travis County and Houston in Harris County.
Obviously, I think there are just more people out there are seeing them and reporting them. But those two counties—you’ve got Ladybird Lake, and all the different structures in the Colorado River. And then the thing with all the bayous that run through Houston, and so there’re a lot of otters using that because it has been a created, perfect habitat.
Gary Calkins welcomes all public otter sightings in Texas, ideally with photos. Find out how to get in touch at passporttotexas.org.
The Wildlife restoration program supports our series.
For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.
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NOTE: Since producing this program, Gary Calkins has retired from Texas Parks and Wildlife. If you have an otter sighting, send your information HERE, and I will make sure it gets the the right person.
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