DENVER ~ As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, Colorado residents may also have another milestone to commemorate - the 50th anniversary of the successful reintroduction of River Otters in the state. Governor Polis brought attention to this lesser-known anniversary during a press conference today.

While the semiquincentennial and sesquicentennial celebrations may take center stage, Governor Polis emphasized the importance of recognizing the role that River Otters play in maintaining the health of Colorado's rivers. "These slippery, but playful, creatures have successfully spread across the western slope since their reintroduction and we are proud to include them in our 250/150/50 celebrations," he stated.

According to CPW Director Laura Clellan, River Otters had been eliminated from Colorado by 1910. However, between 1976 and 1991, CPW reintroduced over 120 otters sourced from healthy populations in other states. Five locations with high-quality otter habitat were selected as release sites: Cheeseman Reservoir, the Gunnison River, the Piedra River, the upper stretch of the Colorado River in Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Dolores River.

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Since then, surveys conducted between 2003 and 2017 have shown that otters are now well-distributed on Colorado's western slope. "Our staff's field observations and public sightings submitted through iNaturalist suggest that otters are thriving in these areas," said Clellan.

Colorado is among 21 states that have made efforts to reintroduce and foster River Otter populations. And with their success in Colorado, CPW's focus has shifted towards monitoring these populations. This year's survey efforts will provide a better understanding of otter populations statewide.

As Coloradans look forward to celebrating their state's sesquicentennial and America's semiquincentennial in 2026, they can also take pride in the successful reintroduction of River Otters and their important role in maintaining the health of Colorado's rivers.

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