Tag Archives: North American River Otters

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A family of North American River Otters makes the Gualala River area their home. Rozanne Rapozo recently photographed the mother with her three offspring, called pups or kittens.

The pups will stay with their mom for about a year, or until she has another litter.

Here is a close-up of the mother.

River Otters are deemed semi-aquatic. They are equally comfortable in the water and on the land. For fun, here's a photo Catherine Miller took of River Otter prints, the prints with five claws.

Thanks to Rozanne and Catherine for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

The fog has been persistent over the ocean today, keeping temps down. No wind today, a lovely day here on the Mendonoma Coast.

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North American River Otter females seem to only tolerate a male with mating on his mind for a very few minutes. Once the deed is done, he is expected to leave...PRONTO! Rozanne Rapozo recently photographed two River Otters mating in the Gualala River.

Immediately afterwards, the female is driving the male away.

Rozanne said the male had wounds on his face, possibly from this female or a previous female? The female then caught herself a small fish and proceeded to eat.

Interesting dynamic going on here! Thanks to Rozanne for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

We actually had a little rain late this morning. Nothing measurable but enough to wet the bricks in my courtyard! This afternoon is sunny, cool and breezy - sounds like spring on the Mendonoma Coast!

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A family of River Otters lives in and alongside the Gualala River. Ron Bolander recently spotted them. In the first photo a mother River Otter is in the river with several of her offspring on the rocks. ooo, she is sending a *look* to Ron!

Here is a curious River Otter.

And two  young ones look up at Ron.

North American River Otters are considered semi-aquatic. They swim in the ocean, in freshwater creeks and rivers, and they walk on land. River Otters can't abide pollution so their presence is a testament to the clean waters of the Mendonoma Coast.

Thanks to Ron for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

Another beautiful Autumn day, though cooler. Nice!

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North American River Otters, Lontra canadensis, can only survive in unpolluted waters, a testament to the clean waters of the Mendonoma Coast. On our recent kayak trip, Rozann Grunig photographed a River Otter that had just climbed out of the Gualala River and onto the riverbank of the lagoon.

And below is a photo Siegfried Matull took of a River Otter with a fish in its mouth. 

Along with their favorite food, fish, River Otters have been seen cooperatively taking a Gull, or even a Brown Pelican, found resting on the river, unknowing there was danger.

River Otters have been seen playing - sliding down riverbanks or along kelp beds. They are part of the fabric that is the Mendonoma Coast.

Thanks to Rozann and Siegfried for allowing me to share their photos.

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River Otters, Lontra canadensis, can be seen near the mouths of the Mendonoma Coast's rivers and creeks. There is a family of River Otters living in dens on the banks of the Gualala River. They are members of the Weasel family. 

Siegfried Matull photographed a River Otter with a fish, which is their favorite food, and has kindly allowed me to share it with you.

We don't have Sea Otters this far north, for which abalone divers give thanks. River Otters can move on land and sea, whereas Sea Otters never leave the water.