Feature Article July 17,2003
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The Otter FamilyWhen driving country roads it is always possible to see wildlife, and the other day I had the privilege of seeing a mother River Otter and three young cross the road in front of me. The young were perfect, half-sized miniatures of the mother, and all four 'humped' their way across the road, presumably travelling from one area of water to another.
A River Otter has discovered that my pond has an open area all winter, and for the last two winters has come at least once during the winter to dig in the bottom of the pond for over-wintering frogs. Needless to say, there are few frogs when spring arrives. Another otter visited the pond one summer day and apparently came in via the outlet, but when it was time to leave was frightened by a bird house on a pole close to that exit not seen on the way in. Possibly a young otter, it 'chattered' and complained until finally it left over the opposite side from the bird house.
Frequently seen in ponds or streams, this member of the weasel or Mustelid family is more playful than most wild animals, sometimes wrestling, chasing other otters, tossing and diving for rocks and clamshells, sometimes repeatedly capturing and releasing live prey and, occasionally, sliding. Sliding can be a play activity, (otters will repeatedly slide down a wet bank) but is more commonly a wintertime mode of overland travel. Otters will bound several times, then use their momentum to slide in the snow for 10 feet or more.
Otters are usually found in or near water and are well adapted for aquatic Iife. Their ears and nose close when they submerge, and their streamlined bodies, webbed feet and long tails contribute to their excellent swimming ability. Their eyes are located near the top of the skull, allowing otters to see above the surface while swimming nearly submerged. Fish make up the greatest portion of the otter's diet. Crayfish are also an important food when available. Other foods include amphibians, insects, mammals and birds. Foods and foraging techniques vary in different areas and at different times of the year. In clear water, otters use their excellent swimming ability to capture fish by sight and direct pursuit. In murky water or mud, they use their sensitive whiskers to locate prey.
After mating, a fertilized egg does not implant until about nine months later, and about 2 months later the young are born. Young otters are helpless at birth, and their eyes do not open until they are at least three weeks old. They grow quickly, and when they are about 60 days old, they venture from the den and are introduced to the water. The females are devoted parents, teaching the young to swim and even catching and releasing prey to improve the young otters' foraging skills. Young otters can care for themselves in about five or six months, but the family usually stays together for at least two months longer, often until the birth of a new litter.
They have few natural enemies, especially while they are in water. On land, young otters are vulnerable to a variety of predators such as coyotes, eagles or bears. But most otter mortality is related to the actions of humans - from trapping, or more indirectly from pesticides and pollutants that have been introduced into the food chain. An opportunity to watch a family of River Otters at play is indeed an enjoyable sight.
Observations: Florence Warren, Bell Line Road, reports that the Eastern Bluebirds have hatched a second family, the House Wrens are busy in 3 bird houses, and she has 4 pairs of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Ioma Robinson, Cole Lake, saw a Sora (usually difficult to see) three times last week, and had a visit from a Pileated Woodpecker. Call 268-2518.
