River Otter Antics

For several years while visiting the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone national park we have tried to see the river otter family. Up a short but steep trail to Trout lake was to bring us amazing views of them. Never happened- until this summer. While i was at Yellowstone the temperatures were unusually high for that time of year. Hiking anytime after 10am would be tough for me in the heat. The problem was that I was getting up at 5am to go look for wolves and by the time I was done with that and my other morning wanderings it was 10am. One day I heard too many stories and decided i could do it- lots of fluids, some snacks, and a lot of stopping along the trail. 6,800 feet elevation and 1/2 mile for some of us out of shape flatlanders is a challenge!

This is a very popular trail so I parked the truck nearby on the road shoulder. Grabbed the walking stick and backpack and off i trudged, Hot, sunny, and busy trail I wandered and stopped to rest and admire the views, wildflowers, and butterflies. Talked to excited individuals who assured me the otter family were out and about near the den. Yes, they're playing near the tree, just follow the trial and you'll see the kits swimming around and an adult grooming on the lake shore.

Blurry otter tail back end

I found the spot just in time to see an adult swim parallel to the shore near me for about 5 minutes. It was an obscured view and then it disappeared into what I figured out later, was the den. That's it- no babies, no playing, nothing!

Sweet- one of many many wonderful photos of my time with these guys.

I was not giving up. I found a small log to sit on in the shade and stayed for 2 hours waiting for them to appear. I talked to many a hiker and passed the time just being present. Although, the bald eagle sitting right over my head was invisible to me and me to it until someone made a commotion and it discovered my quiet presence. Off it flew across the lake. 

My 2 hour wait was greatly rewarded with at least half an hour of fun in the sun. Four otters rolling and playing and adults cleaning youngsters were the treat of the day! Of course getting photos just makes it all the better. They stayed close to shore and the small crowd of admirers quietly followed them as they moved back and forth along the shore. 

Otter getting ready to go back in the den

They finally disappeared after the male started woofing an alarm due to some folks waving a white cloth on the hillside. He gathered and moved the young ones off back to the den and we were all left with awe. What a gift given when one waits patiently.

Den area