Found these tracks out on a river while hiking today. I've never seen otter tracks so I'm unsure if they are really otter tracks, correct me if I'm wrong.

What's the distance between the tracks? What size are the tracks?

The gait seems about right and there are tail drag marks In that one shot.

The tracks were about 3 inches wide. The distance between lopes varied from about 18 inches to 24 inches. It looked like there was more than one and in the second picture it looks like it was sliding. I was following them for awhile on hard snow and the tracks would occasionally stop and continue after 10 or so feet so I thought it was sliding on top of the snow.

My guess is otter

Yep otter. Just watched one a couple evenings ago running across a field. Would run for a short distance then slide for a ways.

Yes, otter.

Otter.
The distance between the tracks and the pad size tell the tale. Plus a little tail.

Do otter typically always leave slide marks, and some tail drag evidence, when they move on land.

They don't often miss the chance to do some sliding when snow or ice are available.

Otter tracks will show 5 toes and a star like print. Im not sure they are otter.

Look more cat like to me

Cat sliding on his belly?

Wouldn't there be a tail drag if it was an otter ? Also , hard to tell but are there any web imprints on the track ?

Look at the second picture,you can see where the otter slid along on his belly for a ways-at least two or three strides worth before kicking off again.Absolutely no doubt it is otter.

The only reason I couldn't id the tracks at first is because we've been having warm weather and the tracks aren't very clear (snow has melted since the tracks were made). But when I saw he was sliding across the snow I assumed otter.

I don't think they can help themselves from going for a slide. They have way too much fun for being a wild animal. I could watch them all day long if they would stay in place.