Conservation Status: Least Concern

Habitat: Rivers, lakes, wetlands across North America

Why spotlight a non-endangered species?

The North American river otter is a conservation success story. Once heavily impacted by pollution and habitat loss, otter populations rebounded thanks to cleaner waterways, habitat protection, and environmental policy.

Why it matters

Otters are indicator species—their presence signals healthy ecosystems. Their recovery shows that conservation works when action is taken early and consistently.

The takeaway

Not every wildlife story is about loss. Some are about recovery, responsibility, and what’s possible when humans protect nature instead of exploiting it.

Protecting species before they become endangered is just as important as saving them after.