River otters were reintroduced to Colorado 50 years ago (1976) by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and Rocky Mountain National Park. 

During 2026, the Otter Y.E.A.R. (Yearlong Engagement & Assessment of River otters), CPW will make an effort to document current otter distribution and assess population status against the recovery criteria set forth in the 2003 otter recovery plan. 

Two survey efforts will occur in 2026. 

The first method is the traditional “big river” surveys that have been used to gauge status relative to the recovery criteria for several years. 

The second method will be a one-year, agency-wide and partner effort to document otter presence throughout the state using a new cell phone app to record photos and locations of otters or their sign. 

Contacts

Otter Program: 

robert.inman@state.co.us

Accessing the River Otter Reporter App: catherine.adams@state.co.us

Partner Organizations 

can participate by contacting catherine.adams@state.co.us to register their email and get accees to the River Otter Reporter cell phone app that allows you to submit otter observations.

Then download the "River Otter Reporter" app using the blue App Install and User Guide button above.

The Public 

can participate by using iNaturalist 

Survey Period: May 2026 - April 2027

Confirmed otter records will be classified by HUC10 watershed (the small gray polygons in the figure above). 

Photo evidence is required for confirmation, and submissions will be reviewed by at least 2 CPW observers.