Image credit: American river otter. Edward Krumanaker, photographer contributor. National Geographic.
Behind our unit is a large pond which means we are treated to wildlife sightings. A few times we’ve seen otters swimming (very fast) in the pond (toward Oak Drive). One day my husband called me to come quickly. On the bank were four otters sunning themselves!
Did you know that Mote's latest exhibit is about freshwater otters and the waters they live? Here are some interesting facts about river otters:
- River otter mating season is December to April.
- River otters live about 14 years in the wild.
- A river otter's luscious pelt is waterproof and allows temperature regulation.
- A river otter's diet is primarily fish, crustaceans, turtles, rodents, and birds.
- River otters will only settle where there are sufficient vegetation coverage, accessible high water quality, and an abundant food supply.
- Otters have webbed feet and nostrils and ears that close in the water.
- Otters are playful and are sometimes seen playing with their young which also teaches them survival skills.
One of the things I most appreciate about living in Wildewood Springs is that the residents value and protect our Florida oak grove habitat and embrace the idea that we share it with wildlife that called this land home before we did.
The otter is one of my favorite animals. Though not like the otters we see here in Wildewood, the sea otter shares similarities of playfulness and care of their young. Here is a cute video of a mama sea otter holding her day-old pup (Monterey Sea Aquarium). And another of two sea otters holding hands while they sleep.
The otter is one of my favorite animals. Though not like the otters we see here in Wildewood, the sea otter shares similarities of playfulness and care of their young. Here is a cute video of a mama sea otter holding her day-old pup (Monterey Sea Aquarium). And another of two sea otters holding hands while they sleep.
