Cute Otters

Otters seem to be naturally curious, even more than cats. Thanks to Kento for sending this in!

Kento writes: My younger sister also took this picture of some otters pestering a malaysian tapir, and she wanted me to share that with you.

Click here to visit Kento's website, Uglorable.com a site dedicated to things that are both ugly and adorable at the same time.

Kento just sent me this picture that was taken by Andy L.  What better way to start out the week than with a baby otter?

Click here to view more of Andy L's pictures

Click here to visit Kento's website

"Ha, you missed me!"

What happens when a hungry coyote tries to go after an otter? The otter toys with and teases the coyote until he leaves. Is this a case of "otter humiliation"? Thanks to Ian for sharing these pictures and story with us.

Ian Gethings writes: This sequence of shots shows the interaction between an Otter and a Coyote that I was privileged enough to witness. It’s taking place in West Thumb, Yellowstone. The nearby geothermal activity keeps the surface of Yellowstone lake ice free in some places. The otter takes advantage of the holes in the ice to allow it easy access to dive for fish. The Coyote is hoping for an easy meal by harassing the Otter into dropping any fish that it has caught. This Otter was way too smart for this and teased and taunted the Coyote for about 10 minutes before the Coyote eventually gave up and left.

Click here to read the rest of this story on Ian's Flickr page

"C'mon in, I dare ya!"

This adorable otter was having so much fun in the snow that it got Andy Critchfield out of the house with his camera! As much as I love otters, I'd probably stay inside, bundled up by the fireplace. Be sure to visit Andy's website to see some amazing nature pictures (and of course, more otters!).

Click here to visit Andy Critchfield's web site, Hardpoint Photography

I wish I had an otter friend that would hang out with me and eat bananas!

How better to start our week than with a dose of ottertude! Thanks to David Gifford for these great pictures. More coming soon...

Click here to visit David Gifford's website

"Read the sign, we're working here!"

Here's a great picture that Jon sent in. This was taken at Paradise Park where Lotty the otter is currently living until she moves to the New Forest Otter Owl and Wildlife Park.

Click here to visit the Paradise Park website

Click here to visit the New Forest Otter Owl and Wildlife Park website

I just did my taxes and I donated money to save the sea otter!  For those of you who are waiting until the last minute, it's not too late for you to help out too!

Residents of California who love otters can now donate money to save the sea otter when they file this year's taxes. It's easy to do and we should all do our part to save the otter.

1. When filling out your 540 form, go to line 63, CA Sea Otter Fund, under Contributions. Fill out whatever amount you wish to donate.
2. If owed money by the state, whatever amount you contribute to the CA Sea Otter Fund will be deducted from your refund.
3. If you owe taxes, whatever amount you contribute should be added to your check you make out to the State.

Click here to find out more at Defenders of Wildlife

Click here to download the Save the Sea Otter Fund Wallpaper

Here are some more pictures of Lotty the Otter from Paradise Park where she's now being cared for.

From Paradise Park: On Sunday 2nd March 2008 an otter cub was brought into Paradise Park wildlife sanctuary, Hayle. It had been found in Penwith, and was quickly taken in, kept warm and offered milk, which it took very well. After letting it settle for a while it was then checked over more thoughly, found to be a female and named Lotty. She seemed to be in good health apart from having a tick on one foot. From her weight of just over 1 kilo and length of 53.5 cm from head to tail, she was thought to be between 7 and 8 weeks old. The animal Keepers continued to feed her with milk designed for puppies and then tried her with some white fish, which she also liked. Initially she lost a little weight but is now gaining well.

Click here to visit the official Paradise Park website

Jon just let me know about Lotty the otter who was found in Penwith in the UK. Isn't she adorable?

Jon writes: Just thought I should alert you to these outrageously cute photos of a Eurasian otter cub who was found a few weeks ago and taken to an animal park in Cornwall, UK, called Paradise Park.
Lotty is now being looked after at the New Forest Otter, Owl and Wildlife Park in Hampshire, where they have more experience of her fellow Eurasian otters.