Otters in Mississippi: Where to Look and What Signs to Watch For

River otters are most likely in the Mississippi Delta, the coastal marshes along the Gulf, and the Pascagoula River system. The Delta’s bayous and oxbows provide good cover, while the Pascagoula is one of the last free-flowing river systems in the lower 48. Check our Mississippi wildlife page for more on the state’s top otter spots.

Otters are most active around dawn and dusk, though they can be seen at any hour. They tend to rest during the middle of the day, especially in hot weather. Winter and early spring provide the best overall visibility because vegetation is sparse and otters spend more time moving between water bodies.

Otter tracks show five toes and webbing between them, with a distinctive C‑shaped palm pad. Look for muddy slides on riverbanks and trails leading to water. Otter scat (spraint) is dark, often contains fish scales or crayfish parts, and is usually left on logs or rocks. For more on tracks and signs, visit our otter identification guide.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

The Pascagoula River is a strong candidate: paddle its backwaters and look for slides on mud banks. In the Delta, try the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge or the Yazoo River. Coastal spots like the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve also hold otters. Start with patience and a good pair of binoculars.

River otters eat mostly fish, but they also take crayfish, frogs, turtles, and occasionally small mammals or birds. They hunt in shallow water and often leave remnants on banks and logs. Knowing what they eat helps you pick productive fishing areas where otters are likely to feed.