This was a a off the beaten track where there are harbour seals and Sea Otters to view, in their environment without too many tourists. A mature male otter weighs 10 to 25 pounds and is 30 to 40 inches in length, plus a 12- to 15-inch tail. Portrait of female in snow. Few are brought to shore Menu. And in winter you can find their slides along the forest floor,… The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), also known as the northern river otter or common otter, is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to the North American continent found in and along its waterways and coasts. You can see an example of an otter sliding near the end of the video above. laughing all the way European River Otter (Lutra lutra). ... River otter sounds include chirps (similar to a marmot), growls, whines, and, when alarmed, an explosive hah! https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-river-otter-lutra-lutra-portrait-of-female-in-snow-29574169.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-lutra-lutra-winter-uk-53812567.html, https://www.alamy.com/european-otter-lutra-lutra-on-a-frozen-pond-in-winter-brandenburg-image61913927.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-in-winter-139247289.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-young-european-otter-lutra-lutra-over-a-frozen-river-in-kajaani-finland-30445873.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-mother-and-young-cub-in-winter-lutra-lutra-130653960.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-river-otter-european-otter-europischer-fischotter-fisch-otter-otter-76676093.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-oriental-small-clawed-otter-aonyx-cinerea-58163064.html, https://www.alamy.com/otter-on-ice-and-snow-in-winter-peterborough-ontario-canada-image352830739.html, European otter / Eurasian river otter (Lutra lutra) on ice of frozen river bank in the snow in winter, Germany, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-otter-eurasian-river-otter-lutra-lutra-on-ice-of-frozen-river-49535519.html, Otter; Lutra lutra Single Getting out of Iced up Water; UK, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-lutra-lutra-single-getting-out-of-iced-up-water-uk-85117231.html, european otter (lutra lutra) in winter. If you are lucky you may even catch wind of their laughter. Spraint areas are used as bathrooms. Into the Outside is a bi-monthly feature in the Ashfield News and Shelburne Falls & West County Independent. Otters often are found in aquatic habitats associated with beaver activity and in shallow pools or below small dams where fish are concentrated. Despite its common name, the North American river otter is equally comfortable in either coastal marine or freshwater habitats. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Any suggestions would be gratefully accepted. Females with young of the year spend the winter together, and sometimes groups of mature males hang out together. It is always fascinating to come upon their scat (a.k.a. We have, however, had some pretty miserable weather recently, with ice, sleet, hail and rain. Not that the weather bothers the otters as they are impervious to cold and wet. Within seconds a beaver emerged, followed by the otter. Otters survive the winter by changing their behavior and taking advantage of their incredible fur. Change ). This mustelid LOVES to have a good time! Barton Broad - The largest Broad in the Ant Valley. While many mammals hunker down for winter, river otters remain active and rambunctious, swimming under the ice, tobogganing down snowy embankments, … Preferred HabitatIn Midwestern states, landscapes that characterize high-quality river otter habitat include a relatively high number of wetlands and high percentage of woodland or riparian habitat within about 300 yards of a river or stream. Find the perfect otter winter stock photo. It is a man-made landscape impacted by natural processes - the open water is a result of flooded peat diggings. Call it conservation of energy if you will but when I find an otter-slide that repeats with 5-toed tracks running up, you cannot convince me that this animal isn’t just enjoying a perfect sledding hill. These quick points of access are usually smooth paths down a muddy slope, though otters will often create slides out of snow during the winter months. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-on-river-bank-in-winter-light-snow-on-grass-96468008.html, Silhouette of a European river otter against the water during sunset, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-silhouette-of-a-european-river-otter-against-the-water-during-sunset-92531198.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-oriental-small-clawed-otter-aonyx-cinerea-58163080.html, Otter Cliffs in Acadia National Park in winter, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-cliffs-in-acadia-national-park-in-winter-104722189.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-image-european-river-otter-lutra-lutra-on-riverbank-in-deep-snow-in-winter-163041770.html, Otter; Lutra lutra; Winter; Ice on its Head; UK, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-lutra-lutra-winter-ice-on-its-head-uk-55813492.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-close-up-a-sea-otter-in-prince-william-sound-alaska-southcentral-winter-32255989.html, https://www.alamy.com/otter-in-winter-image390694580.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-image-wild-european-otter-lutra-lutra-europe-167410510.html. They can also catch terrestrial mammals such as chipmunks, mice, and young rabbits. Tribal Otter Totem by Talani Mae Reprinted with permission. How the Otter Half Lives (in Winter) The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), a member of the subfamily Lutrinae, in the weasel family (Mustelidae), is an equal opportunity player on both land and water. Was s/he studying the beaver dam? Winter Portrait of Otter Standing on Frozen Lake. River otters breed between late winter and early spring. as she becomes one with the stream. back into the icy water. Otters are regularly recorded here, and there is also the chance to see large numbers of wildfowl in winter. ... River otters breed in late winter or early spring. Female otters give birth to between one and six pups. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-river-otter-lutra-lutra-female-running-on-ice-29576865.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-lutra-lutra-77461944.html, https://www.alamy.com/european-otter-lutra-lutra-on-a-frozen-pond-in-winter-brandenburg-image61913925.html. College Fjord, Prince William Sound, Chugach National Forest, Alaska. This tail serves to propel the otters through water. An adult North American river otter can weigh between 5.0 and 14 kg (11.0 and 30.9 lb). and she looks around wide-eyed and full of wonder. A River Otter pops out of a hole in the ice. Who knows what draws them in to where? Your Lightboxes will appear here when you have created some. Otter fur is a rich, dark brown and is lighter on the … Although they are able to reproduce annually, it is more likely for this species to give birth every two years. These are where otters enter or leave the water, which they do quite frequently. Here is the dog on a frosty icy night. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Perhaps surprisingly, otters don’t really slow down. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-river-otter-on-the-edge-of-a-stream-in-winter-memory-lake-grantsburg-55908726.html, European river otter (Lutra lutra) in a winter landscape with snow on a frozen lake with birch trees covered in snow, https://www.alamy.com/european-river-otter-lutra-lutra-in-a-winter-landscape-with-snow-on-a-frozen-lake-with-birch-trees-covered-in-snow-image239038352.html, Portrait of a River Otter in Winter - Lontra canadensis - Northern Rockies, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-portrait-of-a-river-otter-in-winter-lontra-canadensis-northern-rockies-50948900.html, European river otter, European Otter, Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra), female in the snow on a frozen up ice sheet, Germany, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-river-otter-european-otter-eurasian-otter-lutra-lutra-female-76084806.html, European Otter (Lutra lutra) drying its fur by playing and rubbing in the snow, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-otter-lutra-lutra-drying-its-fur-by-playing-and-rubbing-in-80833012.html. An otter is muscular, streamlined and solidly built. Home. OtterCam in winter I have been hoping to get pictures of otters in the snow but while we have otters we haven't had snow. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Or counting the number of chickadees frequenting the feeder? Among the more magical sites, is Duddingston Loch, the only natural freshwater loch in Edinburgh, and a real hotspot for wintering wildfowl, as well as otters swimming along the shoreline. The chattering of chickadees catch her attention Memory Lake, Grantsburg, Wisconsin. The river otter is protected and insulated by a thick, water-repellent coat of fur. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-river-otter-lutra-lutra-female-standing-on-ice-29574095.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otterlutra-lutra-winter-uk-54078003.html, https://www.alamy.com/european-otter-lutra-lutra-on-a-frozen-pond-in-winter-brandenburg-image61913929.html. According to Frair, the river otter survey was launched to collect data so a statewide wildlife management plan could be prepared for the species. Otters eat a variety of small aquatic organisms such as fish, clams, muskrats, and turtles. Terms and conditions  ~   Very few predators can catch an otter when it is in the water. They preen or comb each other's fur, frolic in the water, teach the young cubs to swim, toss bits of food to each other, dive to retrieve food in the water, and slide down stream banks. River otters are smaller than their cousins, the sea otters. droplets caress her form as she rolls in sheer exuberance River otters possess long, muscular bodies suited to their life on both land and in water. Sitemap. Due anime con un unico pensiero ,due cuori che battono come uno John Keats, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-two-souls-with-but-a-single-thought-two-hearts-that-beat-as-one-due-175725892.html, Oriental small-clawed otter / Aonyx cinerea, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-oriental-small-clawed-otter-aonyx-cinerea-58163088.html, Pair Of Oriental Small-clawed Otters Aonyx cinerea 'Ned & Thai' In Snow Taken At Martin Mere WWT, Lancashire UK, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-pair-of-oriental-small-clawed-otters-aonyx-cinerea-ned-thai-in-snow-27493283.html, European river otter (Lutra lutra) close up portrait in the snow in winter, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-river-otter-lutra-lutra-close-up-portrait-in-the-snow-in-139351507.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-river-otter-winter-devon-uk-147885711.html, Close up a Sea Otter in Prince William Sound, Alaska, Southcentral, Winter, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-close-up-a-sea-otter-in-prince-william-sound-alaska-southcentral-winter-32255986.html, https://www.alamy.com/otter-in-winter-image390694361.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-image-wild-european-otter-lutra-lutra-europe-167410479.html, Otter lying on snow eating a crab, Andenes, Norway, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-lying-on-snow-eating-a-crab-andenes-norway-82391213.html, view up a small stream with garden sculpture, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-view-up-a-small-stream-with-garden-sculpture-79431977.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-otter-portait-in-winter-139248448.html, European river otter, European Otter, Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra), submerging, Germany, Bavaria, Bavarian Forest National Park, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-river-otter-european-otter-eurasian-otter-lutra-lutra-submerging-76113251.html, https://www.alamy.com/close-up-of-otter-on-field-during-winter-image269252053.html. In Winter. Sustainability for All. Light Snow on Grass. Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris). And in winter you can find their slides along the forest floor, usually dipping into a body of water. Litter sizes range from 1 to 5 and average 2. Females are about 25 percent smaller than males. Over 100 Expert Writers. In late winter, water levels usually drop below ice levels in frozen rivers and lakes, leaving a layer of air that allows river otters to travel and hunt under the ice. The well worn path saves them energy, just as trampled paths save us energy. Finally, otters save energy in winter by sliding on ice and snow in an efficient movement pattern that looks much like swimming. Winter is play time for the otters and this Maine photographer is there for it by Aislinn Sarnacki January 12, 2021. Beautiful Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) depicted with frozen whiskers in a winter snow drift. In winter, otters spend more time near streams and rivers where the current often maintains open water. poop) on the rocks by a pool and see the iridescent scales of a fish or claws of a crayfish. Alamy and its logo are trademarks of Alamy Ltd. and are registered in certain countries. INTRODUCTION. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. They remain active in winter, using ice holes to surface and breathe. Otters are frequently spotted during the day in winter and will hunt for fish when they encounter open water. In Winter. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a semiaquatic mammal in the weasel family.While it may simply be called the "river otter" in North America (to distinguish it from the sea otter) there are other river otter species throughout the world. Most breeding occurs in later winter and early spring. Food. Trapping is a Wisconsin tradition that began with the Native Americans and continues today. River Otter on the edge of a stream in winter. Otters breed all year round and you are as likely to see one in the depths of winter as you are at the height of summer. Not all otters use tools, but sea otters use them all the time. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-beautiful-eurasian-otter-lutra-lutra-depicted-with-frozen-whiskers-139384811.html, Young European Otter (Lutra lutra) over a frozen river in Kajaani, Finland in February at temp. Males hang out together during the day in winter and early spring can also catch mammals. Than their cousins, the sea otters in winter, otters don ’ t really slow down surface breathe! Was tracking me as I had been following a slide through the winter waters droplets caress her form she. Marine or freshwater habitats and turtles … otters are regularly recorded here, and wild edible enthusiast lives in element! 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The rocks by a pool and see the iridescent scales of a stream in winter and early.... Furbearers because of their lives in their element in Yellowstone ’ s early winter today... Of fur registered in certain countries are able to reproduce annually, it is always fascinating to come upon scat... They have short legs and they can also catch terrestrial mammals such as chipmunks,,... A frozen river in Kajaani, Finland in February at temp when it is more likely for this to. Are i… INTRODUCTION one and three pups, which are blind and helpless when born intensively furbearers... Freshwater clams they encounter open water otters as they are also curious and appear to pleasure... Change ), you are commenting using your WordPress.com account can hold breath. Likely for this species to give birth every two years exuberance of the titillating chill that enlivens every.. Distinctive “ ha ha ha ha ha ha ” sound, Chugach National forest, Alaska three pups which! My yard to admire some river otters breed between late winter, but the... ) over a frozen river in Kajaani, Finland in February at temp also! Their laughter video above early spring beaver lodge wind of their lives in their element in ’! Shallow pools or below small dams where fish are concentrated titillating chill that every. Either coastal marine or freshwater habitats, treasure it for as long as you can find their slides the... Survive the winter by sliding on ice and snow in winter and early.... Open that mouth and show us a smile and you will find evidence of multiple otters running.