Males approach female North American River Otters now for mating. As you can see in Perry Hoffman's photo, the male holds the female's snout in his mouth. Ouch!

More not-so-loving courtship behavior.

It can be painful for the female, and maybe that is why once mating is done she has nothing to do with the male and he is persona non grata. If you see a family of River Otters, it is the mother with her offspring.

River Otters cannot abide pollution so that fact they are thriving here on the Mendonoma Coast is a testament to the clean waters of our rivers and streams.

Thanks to Perry for allowing me to share his photos with you here. He has a photography opening at the White Cap in Anchor Bay on May 19th from 3 to 6 pm. to see much more of Perry's photography, here is the link to his website: https://magentaraven.com/

It's lightly raining this afternoon. The wildflowers are glorious now, so when the rain relents, the Mendonoma Coast will be a feast for the eyes!