Otters/Les loutresThough few mammals inhabit the Ottawa River itself, numerous mammal species live near its banks or frequently travel to its shores. Mink and Beaver are often observed, and Muskrat and Otter communities have been reported in various wetlands along the river.

Many mammals inhabit the mixed wood lowlands of the river watershed. Some of the most abundant species of mammals here are rarely seen by humans. These species include Southern and Northern Flying Squirrels, Northern Water Shrews, Short-tailed Shrews, White-footed Mice and Meadow Voles. Sightings of Woodchucks, Red Squirrels, and Eastern Chipmunks are frequent. Snowshoe Hares, Eastern Cottontail Rabbits, Grey Squirrels, Raccoons, Coyotes, Muskrats, Red Foxes, Ermines, Deer Mice, Mink, Striped Skunk, Porcupines, White-tailed Deer and both Little Brown and Big Brown Bats are also numerous. Red Squirrels, Red Foxes, Ermines, Little Brown and Big Brown Bats and Striped Skunk have been observed in the past.

Wolf, Lynx, Moose, Marten, and Wolverine are more restricted to the boreal forest of the upper reaches of the Ottawa River. The Black Bear inhabits the entire watershed, often living near lakes and rivers. This omnivore mostly feeds on vegetation but also consumes fish.

Source: The Ottawa River Background Study by the Ottawa River Heritage Designation Committee.