Otter Restoration Success: Growing Populations Across New Mexico Rivers
River otters, once common across New Mexico’s waterways, are making a notable comeback thanks to years of focused restoration efforts. The New Mexico Wildlife Federation’s Executive Director, Jesse Deubel, explained that the otters were “eventually extirpated from their native range in New Mexico likely as a result of over-harvesting.” Although the historical population numbers aren’t clear, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish notes that by the early 1900s, river otters had largely disappeared due to unregulated trapping and habitat loss.
To restore the population, the department reintroduced 33 otters between 2008 and 2010, transporting them from Washington to the upper Rio Grande. Since then, their numbers have shown encouraging growth. A 2018 study estimated that the population had risen to around 100 otters statewide. Recently, nine additional otters from Louisiana were released to add genetic diversity, further boosting the species’ resilience. “They provide that ecosystem service of being a top predator,” said Nick Forman, Program Manager for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, adding that the return of otters supports the ecosystem and restores balance to New Mexico’s rivers and lakes.
The otters’ range has expanded to waterways around Taos, Angel Fire, Corrales, Pilar, and beyond. “It’s good to have this species back in the role it’s always played in our rivers and lakes,” Forman noted. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish encourages the public to help monitor the otter population by sharing photos or videos of any otters spotted in the wild.
