You’d think that the otter relatives would have a few similarities but I’m beginning to have serious doubts.
It’s not that I have a lot of experience observing. For the last few decades, otters have been pretty much like UFOs and Sasquatches – lots of reports of sightings and a few blurry photos that really could be anything.
I think it all started in Yellowstone a few years back when we were told the river otters were down by the … river. Maybe it was a figure of speech but they remained safely out of our sight.
Our regular trips to Prince Albert National Park (PANP) in Saskatchewan the last few years have peaked my otter interest. A few of our favourite haunts have consistently showed serious evidence – holes in the ice, unusual-looking tracks in the snow and a sign announcing the presence of otters. I even got an out-of-focus photo of a brown creature slipping into the water. Could it be …
“I suppose they have good incentive to keep moving so they don’t get frozen in place during a harsh winter!”
A weekend ago in (PANP), we noticed some otters on the lake ice far off in the distance. Maybe I should say there were brown, living creatures and they looked promising. When it was clear they weren’t going to be running up to us to say hello, we ventured out on the lake in their direction.
It was only a little disconcerting to step through a foot of snow into a couple of inches of water before finally hitting solid ice. We reminded ourselves it was too early in the season to fall through. Definitely. Almost certainly.
We casually sauntered on the lake towards the otters though I felt more than a little conspicuous in a sea of white. Unfortunately the otters disappeared before I got in good range for even my long lens. Thankfully I did manage a few shots.
There’s nothing quite like a nap on the beach …
That got me thinking of the river otter’s coastal cousins in California which I first observed within the last few months. They really don’t have a lot in common.
Each of the three times we’ve gone to Elkhorn Slough the sea otters were hanging out as if they were waiting for us. The first time we saw them before we noticed the sign announcing their presence. It’s somehow comforting to always have them there.
As for activity, it’s always nap time for the sea otters. We were told about all the time they spent fishing but that might be another one of those UFO reports. These guys were always napping or slowly pushing themselves in the water. They sure know how to kick back and relax.
Back in Canada, the river otters we saw were constantly on the move. I suppose there is good incentive not to get frozen in place during a harsh winter. All that calorie-burning activity might also explain why the lazing-around sea otters were so much larger, huge in fact. It was like a completely different animal with built-in slippers and an extra thick onsie. You’d hardly think they were related.
Of course, the one thing they have in common is that they are both some of my favourite photo targets. And now I have the photo evidence!
Or floating in the water and taking it easy.
Krahnpix 
I kept laughing while reading this. It’s a good thing.
Great pictures, again. They are a bit otherworldly, those otters, and the way they float…
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I completely agree on the value of laughter and highly recommend it. I’m happy to hear about it too.
Those otters truly are unlike any other creature. I think that’s a leading reason why I enjoy them so much.
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Perhaps you should invest in some snow-camouflage gear and water wings for your next expedition onto questionable ice!
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I’m guessing that would really get the otters chuckling – what the heck is that crazy guy doing now!!
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Otters are so cute. And sometimes they hold hands when they sleep to make sure they don’t drift apart, aaaaaw.. 🙂 Great shots, Lyle.
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I guess we’ll mark you down as another fan! I just can’t get enough of those adorable creatures and holding hands when they sleep is another photo I’d love to have.
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We loved the Elkhorn Slough, too, and I’d so love to visit it again! I’ve seen otters a few times near our cabin in northern Minnesota while paddling my canoe, but they’ve always been too elusive for any successful photographs. I keep hoping, though!
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Where there’s otters there’s hope – maybe you’ll get one soon! I would like to get back to Elkhorn Slough as well. It’s a special place especially now with memories.
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In Glacier Bay we had River Otters and Sea Otters in the same vicinity. The river otters are huge – nearly 90 pounds, and they make really loud noises when they are mating on your porch. Sea otters were very reliable photo subjects especially in the evening when they were hunting. I never saw one on the beach though.
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Having both in the same area was a special bonus though trying to sleep through the noise might have its downsides.
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Down by the river-I shot an otter.
I’ve never managed to shoot an otter, but they are fun to watch. So playful. Love the look in the banner shot, Lyle.
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They are amazing creatures. Their movements on land and in water are fascinating to watch. I only wish I could see more of them.
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I’ve still got shivers thinking about walking over a frozen (supposedly) lake. Don’t get much of a chance for adventure such as that in Australia.
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I thot you might be amused by this photo https://www.facebook.com/enrsahtu/photos/a.1121650357848715.1073741828.1117062041640880/1311517775528638/?type=3&theater
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I am lost for words ……….
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Otterly amazing shots, Lyle. It is a little shocking that anyone ever captures images of a river otter. I can count on two fingers the number of times I have seen a river otter in the wild and on one finger the number of times I have managed to get a photo. They are rare and elusive, which makes that first shot so special. As for the southern cousins, I lived for a year in Monterey, California and got to see them with some regularity. I was amazed how they could eat while floating on their back and using rocks to crack open shellfish.
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Yes I am blessed. A year in Monterey. My goodness that could certainly provide some amazing wildlife photography. I’m guessing that was before you took a more serious interest in it.
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Yes, that was back in the early 1980’s, long before I was bitten by the photography bug.
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Stunning pictures of these animals.
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Thank you. The opportunity to take their photos has made them much more endearing to me. They are wonderful creatures.
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Wonderfully captured photo. This intrigues me, immensely. I hope I have the pleasure of seeing some otters soon.
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It was great fun to have the pleasure of their company. I hope you get the opportunity.
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Beautiful photos of these fun loving creatures, Lyle! I wonder if they ever get mistaken for young Loch Ness type monsters? 🙂
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Thanks. Another elusive creature that seems to avoid crisp images! I’m betting the answer is yes.
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Brilliant photos! Luv the nap on a beach. Otters are lovely animals!
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Thanks. Those otters of all sizes have my interest. So much fun to photograph.
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Wonderful. Your photos are always the best. I remember watching otters along the Yellowstone River many years ago. We didn’t have any binoculars, but we watched them on the opposite shore for nearly an hour. Whey suddenly took off – into the air, flapping their little “otter” wings – we both yelled “flying otters!” We were so invested in those ducks being otters that we were sure we’d discovered a new species!
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That’s funny! Well told. I have been convinced many times that I was seeing something exciting only to have it turn out to be a rock. Oh the disappointment.
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Otters are amazing. I wish I had one-tenth of their energy! If you are ever in the Portland, OR, area, the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a reliable place to spot river otters. Nice shots!
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Duly noted. Thanks. They are fascinating creatures and I only wish I got to spend more time with them. I keep getting all these positive reports of Oregon which makes me want to check it out. And yes – spare energy would be nice.
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