photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
fotabug | all galleries >> Past PAD Galleries >> Photo-A-Day 2013 > River Otter
previous | next
01-NOV-2013 Vern Rogers (fotabug fotos)

River Otter

I got a chance to see some River Otters at Delta Ponds. It was quite a thrill because I don't believe I have seen one before.

North American river otter from Wikipedia -

"The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or the common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. An adult river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 31 lb). The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur.

The river otter, a member of the weasel family, is equally versatile in the water and on land. It establishes a burrow close to the water's edge in river, lake, swamp, coastal shoreline, tidal flat, or estuary ecosystems. The den typically has many tunnel openings, one of which generally allows the otter to enter and exit the body of water. Female otters give birth in these underground burrows, producing litters of one to six young.

North American river otters, like most predators, prey upon the most readily accessible species. Fish is a favored food among the otters, but they also consume various amphibians, turtles, and crayfish. Instances of river otters eating small mammals and occasionally birds have been reported as well.

The range of the North American river otter has been significantly reduced by habitat loss, beginning with the European colonization of North America. In some regions, though, their population is controlled to allow the trapping and harvesting of otters for their pelts. River otters are very susceptible to environmental pollution, which is a likely factor in the continued decline of their numbers. A number of reintroduction projects have been initiated to help stabilize the reduction in the overall population."

Nikon D3 ,Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR AF
1/320s f/5.6 at 400.0mm iso900 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
share
Judith Barnett17-Nov-2013 15:22
We have all seen them in the zoo and on tv but it must be a thrill to see them in their natural habitat.
paplvr10-Nov-2013 18:38
Very cool Vern! I went looking for them in FL where they'd been seen but alas, no otters. Linda S
Larry Umthun05-Nov-2013 00:04
Nice find of this elusive guy!
Ann04-Nov-2013 17:53
Wow, superb capture Vern. So difficult to get an image of these shy creatures.
Johnnie Rogers 04-Nov-2013 10:49
You are a lucky guy Vern, I have never seen one, let alone taken a photograph of one!
Julie Oldfield04-Nov-2013 00:51
Awesome catch!
Sam Rua03-Nov-2013 07:13
Cool find and a nice comp, Vern.
Paul Milholland02-Nov-2013 21:03
Congrats on getting a shot of this guy.
Irene Wehrli02-Nov-2013 18:34
What a cute guy, he is working hard it seems...
Irene
Helen Betts02-Nov-2013 17:29
What great fortune for you, and an excellent capture of this cute otter!
parrothouse02-Nov-2013 14:45
Certainly not something you see every day. Interesting critter.
Roger Bailey02-Nov-2013 11:44
A very nice image, you got him clear of the water.
Shmuel Halevi02-Nov-2013 11:22
Nice catch.
John Ewing02-Nov-2013 08:59
Nice wee fellow, very well captured. These are the only kind we have here.
John Reynolds LRPS02-Nov-2013 08:54
Well done, Vern, nice capture. V.
Martin Lamoon02-Nov-2013 07:19
Superb wildlife capture.
V
Bea.02-Nov-2013 06:28
Such a thrill to get such a shot of a wild creature, well done Vern.
Guest 02-Nov-2013 05:33
good catch Vern.
Hernan E. Enriquez02-Nov-2013 05:14
Very nice capture!
Jack Hoying02-Nov-2013 03:43
Great catch!
Carl Carbone02-Nov-2013 03:37
Super find! Nicely composed.
Steve Thuman02-Nov-2013 03:30
Beautiful little rascal!
Ruth Voorhis02-Nov-2013 02:48
Lovely capture, Vern.
Laura Milholland02-Nov-2013 02:38
Very exciting and a terrific shot, Vern. It's always a treat to see the marvelous creatures of nature.
Jim Coffman02-Nov-2013 01:52
What a great find!! Very nice image.
FelixsNana 02-Nov-2013 01:46
Oh man Vern I'm jealous! How lovely to see such a sweet critter.
Chris Cochems 02-Nov-2013 01:41
Wonderful opportunity, Vern. As usual, you did a great job on it. I rarely see them outside of a zoo, and never long enough to photograph.
Walter Otto Koenig02-Nov-2013 01:28
Nice catch of this elusive guy.
JSB PHOTOGRAPHS02-Nov-2013 01:02
Fantastic photo opp, they sure are fun to watch and very good at fishing.
Frank Brault02-Nov-2013 00:46
A superb image. Love the light, color and compositor. V
Wong Tsu Shi02-Nov-2013 00:35
Lovely, we have otter here as well in the Tropics.
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment