Otters in Wyoming in May
Yes, May is a good month to see otters in Wyoming. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 22 of the 191 sightings logged across the year (11.5%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Good month for otters in Wyoming
11.5%
of yearly sightings
22
records in May
#4
busiest month of 12
191
verified records a year
April 2.1%, May 11.5%, June 10.5%. Busiest month is September at 19.4%.
191 verified observations of otters in Wyoming, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When otters are recorded in Wyoming
Peak month
September
37 records (19.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 12 | 6.3% |
| February | 8 | 4.2% |
| March | 5 | 2.6% |
| April | 4 | 2.1% |
| May | 22 | 11.5% |
| June | 20 | 10.5% |
| Julypeak | 25 | 13.1% |
| Augustpeak | 32 | 16.8% |
| Septemberpeak | 37 | 19.4% |
| October | 17 | 8.9% |
| November | 1 | 0.5% |
| December | 8 | 4.2% |
Otters you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| North American River Otter | 191 |
In Wyoming, May carries 11.5% of the year's otters sightings, about 3.2 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (2.1%) into May, and it heads toward June (10.5%) after. The busiest month is September (19.4%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The otters most often recorded in Wyoming are North American River Otter. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which otters you are most likely to see
- North American River Otter191 records
Plan your otter trip in Wyoming
Start with live tours near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main otter viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best otter viewing area in Wyoming.
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Broader backupBook a otter tour in Wyoming
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see otters in Wyoming in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 22 of the 191 verified otters sightings logged in Wyoming across the year, which is 11.5% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see otters in Wyoming?+
May is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though September and August is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for otters in Wyoming?+
September is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through September, August and July, based on 191 verified observations.
Which otters are you most likely to see in Wyoming?+
The most-recorded species in Wyoming are North American River Otter, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See otters in Wyoming in other months
More wildlife in Wyoming