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Otters in the Willamette River

A close up of a river otter's face as it swims

Have you been lucky enough to catch a glimpse?

Photo by NPS/Neal Herbert

Why did the otter cross the river? To get to the otter side.

River otters are some of the most playful wild residents of the Willamette River. They are somewhat elusive, so seeing them is a rare treat. Wild river otters can live to be 8 or 9 years old, while captive otters like Tilly, Flora + Hobson at the Oregon Zoo can live into their 20s.

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