Powell in Delaware County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Reviving Ohios River Otter Populations
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 22, 2026
1. Reviving Ohios River Otter Populations Marker
Ohio river otter populations are recovering, largely due to people working together to reintroduce the species and protect their habitats. By the mid-1950s, populations were eliminated through many parts of their range, including in Ohio. In the late 1980s, the Ohio Division of Wildlife began reintroducing the species to eastern Ohio watersheds.
Since the initial reintroduction, river otter abundance and distribution have increased across Ohio. Population trends are tracked through annual surveys.
Watersheds where otters were reintroduced from 1986-1993.
In 2002 the river otter was removed from the Ohio Endangered Species List. River otters have been sighted in nearly two-thirds of Ohios counties and young otter family groups have been seen throughout the eastern part of the state!
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 2002.
Location. 40° 9.429′ N, 83° 7.117′ W. Marker is in Powell, Ohio, in Delaware County. It is at the intersection of West Powell Road (Route 750) and West Olentangy Street, on the right when traveling
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Scioto Valley and in the Columbus Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bald Eagles: A Conservation Comeback (within shouting distance of this marker); Mexican Gray Wolf (within shouting distance of this marker); Bald Eagle (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bald Eagle (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan (about 300 feet away); Welcome to the North American Trail (about 300 feet away); "Celebration of Giving Fountain" (about 300 feet away); Red-crowned Crane (about
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 22, 2026
2. Reviving Ohios River Otter Populations Marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. Trumpeter Swan (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 30, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
