Otters!

[zuk808]

I hiked wcc this weekend and ran (swam) into some otters. In the white box area there is a long swim through a slot section, this is where we encountered two otters. I assume they have a den right there, becauses the male was acting sort of aggressive towards our prescence. We went ahead with the swimm staying as far out of the way as possible and had no problems. I did happen to talk to a game and fish officer today and he said that three hikers have been bitten by those otters. So just be aware if you happen to be up that way. Pretty neat animals to watch, but just a reminder that you are in their territory and they will be threatened by you.

[chumley]

No photos?

Joe will have to add Otter to the Fauna directory...

Seriously, I had no idea that there were otters anywhere in AZ. But a quick search brought this interesting info.

Wonderfully adapted to an aquatic existence, the otter’s elongated body terminates in a streamlined tail that tapers from a thick base to a pointed tip. Also contributing to the otter’s fusiform shape is its flattened head and small ears, the openings of which can be closed at will. The legs too are short, and the hind feet are webbed to the toes. The color of the densely furred coat is a rich chocolate brown with whitish underparts. Adults generally weigh from 12 to 20 pounds with lengths ranging from about 3 feet to just over 4 feet. The otter’s webbed, rhomboid tracks are easily distinguishable from the also webbed, but elongated hind tracks of the beaver.

Once found throughout the Salt, Verde, Little Colorado, and probably also the Gila, and Colorado river systems, this species is now confined to the Verde River and its major tributaries where it was reintroduced in the early 1980s.

Natural History
Although most otter activity is at night, hunting is by sight as well as touch, and clear streams appear to be favorite haunts. The otter’s usual fare is fish, waterbirds, turtles, eggs, and crawfish, the latter now being the most conspicuous food item in their droppings.

The breeding season in Arizona is uncertain, but otters elsewhere usually breed in late winter or early spring. Mating usually occurs in the water. Pregnancy lasts about two months, but because of delayed implantation gestation may take up to a year. Dens are located in natural shelters under rocks, logs, flood debris, or in river banks. Litter sizes vary, but usually consist of two or three pups. Weaning requires approximately three months, after which the young disperse.

Hunting and Trapping History
Otters were never numerous enough in Arizona to provide an important fur resource, although old photos show these animals being trapped and otherwise taken for their pelts prior to 1930. Secondhand reports indicate that some otters may also have been killed as fish predators. Whatever its past status, this species is now completely protected in Arizona and has been for many years.

( dead link removed ) says that there are about 100 otters in the Verde system, reintroduced from Louisiana in the 1980s.

I'm not sure I would appreciate encountering a 3-4 foot animal that swims and bites.

I would expect most HAZ members would respect them regardless, but please note that they are a protected species here.

[zuk808]

Sorry, I was kinda caught up in the swim or don't swim decision process and didn't get pictures ( really regretting it). Pictures wouldn't have done the situation justice anyways. I did get some other descent shots though and will post shortly.

[mrpeepers74]

i've seen one at horseshoe resivoir near the dam. lots of floating wood in there. I think they have been taking advantage of the higher waters of the Verde.

[outdoor_lover]

They may be ultra cute, and one of my favorites, but they are still a Wild Animal....

http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/ne ... 963f4.html

[azbackpackr]

People otter quit badgering them!

[big_load]

Unfortunately, many people are neither as smart or as tough as an otter.