North American River Otter

For a number of years, people thought the river otter (Lontra canadensis) no longer lived in the Temescal area, but it's starting to make a comeback. River otters have been spotted in Lake Temescal and along the upper branch of Temescal Creek which runs alongside Highway 13. They tend to hunt in areas with easy-to-catch fish and stay close to shores with dense, shrubby growth. Because they have to stay warm while hunting in cold water, they eat a lot—mostly fish but will prey on anything including frogs, crayfish, shellfish, insects, small birds and mammals. If you see on on your walk, you can report your otter sighting on https://riverotterecology.org.