We saw fresh signs of Northern American River Otters along the shore of Great Cove on Sunday (January 5). We waited in wince-inducing winds for the weasels’ reappearance, but our waiting was in vain. No regrets, though; we’ll keep looking. In the meantime, we’ll share a few thoughts about these playful creatures as well as a couple of prior winter images of them.
It’s always reassuring to have otters nearby, since they won’t inhabit polluted areas. Although at home on the shore, they have all the latest equipment for hunting and playing in water: webbed feet; undulating tails; self-sealing ears and nostrils; special lungs that allow up to eight-minute underwater hunts; special eyes that increase vision in murky water, and whiskers that are sensitive to underwater vibrations caused by prey or playmates.
Otters often are seen in small, happy-looking groups, which are known by numerous collective names, including bevy; family; lodge; raft, and – our favorite – “a romp of otters.” (Brooklin, Maine)