WEST BOCA, FLA. — If you see a river otter marching your way, run — and fast. Your email address will not be published. Awaken slowly on your high fibreglass kayak (or on a stand-up paddle board, if you prefer) to the morning mew of the playful otters near the calm, kelpy waters. Despite the cute and cuddly appearance and seemingly funloving demeanor, river otters are apex predators. They use it to deter other otters from encroaching on their territory. She slid down the bank of the canal and waded out into the water. If you live within the state of Florida, check out special price rates exclusively for you. Find Otter Animals on www.petzlover.com. A few more shots the today's encounter with the adult female otter on the Union Canal, Edinburgh. He is never shy about sharing his opinions. Book now and receive 20% off. ", Now it's otters attacking pets in Florida waterways. But sometimes, we create our own rivers via canals and wildlife can occupy these man-made rivers. "Otters are curious creatures but never make contact. We have seen the otters emerging from the pipes and then duck back in them as humans approach. An airboat tour on the … Required fields are marked *. Otter territories are vast, covering up to 25 miles (40km) of watercourses and dense vegetation or wooded areas, which they use for resting purposes and for breeding 'holts' (their homes). This water-loving animal is found throughout Florida except the Keys. After the sort of false ground is built up, there needs to be a way to keep any heavy rain from washing all of the new dirt back into the pond. We have seen great blue herons, egrets, ibises, wood storks, white pelicans, moorhens, and anhingas. River otter, photographed at Green Cay Nature center, Boynton Beach Palm Beach County. These adorable creatures are not endangered but are sensitive to pollution causing them to become a protected species. They are predators but are not vicious animals.". After disappearing from most counties, otters are now making a comeback throughout Wales and England. Otter for sale in Florida. "They are usually shy and playful. With murky water nearly up to her waist, Vanon reached Wiley, 3, and began punching the otter in the face until it let go and retreated. Florida Otter Terrorizes Locals Before Finally Being Shot By Police. A river otter was among the 114 animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this past week. The drainage ditches are usually about three feet deep. Our otter habitat is really something to be seen! In Florida, inhabitation of North American river otters is lowest in freshwater marshes, intermediate in salt marshes, and highest in swamp forests. The tail is 40% of total body length and facilitates their strong swimming skills. Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge: River otters all around me! Airboat Tour Rates. "It wasn't going to stop until it killed her.". Experience the excitment and beauty along Citrus Countys nature coast. River otters are a water-loving member of the weasel family. When we were new Floridians, we thought those ponds were merely for nice scenery. Site designed by Ontrax Web Design  © Copyright 2011 - 2021. Different sea otters can be found on the Pacific Coast. Our yard is about a third of a mile from the nearest pond. While in the water, you’ll have a chance to swim and play with small Otters who are mostly curious about you as well. River otters travel alone or in pairs; in Florida, river otters weigh 11 to 31 pounds. Bobcats, foxes, wild pigs, raccoons, rattlesnakes, armadillos and more have been through our yard. For Garrick, the pair were his first otter-attack victims. Will this affect the fishing in this canal? Smallpox 'virus squads' and mandatory vaccinations upheld by the Supreme... New master planned community launches in Houston area, A’s get standing ovation for hitting two Astros, still lose. "I am glad my children were not here," she said. River otters usually prefer fresh water and can be found in rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds, and swamps. After all, the aquatic mammals are cute, and she rarely catches a glance of them. In the wake of the attack, Wiley seems afraid of getting close to the canal, Vannon said. Billionaire at the center of a Wall Street fiasco gave millions to... Sugar Land restraining order may end Chet Hanks' White Boy Summer, An Astros fan's guide to booing every other team in baseball, Megan Thee Stallion says grandma is 'basically' Mexican, Rapper Z-Ro finds he's better off on his lonesome, Michael Strahan reveals his teeth gap is here to stay, Whataburger serves more than $90 million in bonuses to workers. Otters can swim 8 mph and dive up to 36 feet, though few Florida waterways have such depths. In fact, the ponds, lakes and canals are an important part of the drainage system in most communities. Adaptable to almost all kinds of habitats, they are among the few which actually benefit from human development, since food becomes more available. Save time and get more when you book a Discovery Cove Vacation Package, including lodging, your all-inclusive day and more. She'd never heard of otters attacking animals or people standing by a canal. They are predators but are not vicious animals.". We usually find otters in rivers, so you might not see one unless there is a river that runs through the city. Next, take a deep whiff of your freshly brewed morni… You’ll see them in saltwater bays and estuaries protected by barrier islands such as Estero Island (Fort Myers Beach) and the Sanibel-Captiva and Cayo Costa island chain in southwest Florida, and many other aquatic environments throughout Florida. One way to do this is to have drainage ditches and culverts throughout the development to not only carry the runoff water into the ponds, but to act as a holding area for any excess water. The population is increasing. That seems to be a long way to go, just to satisfy your curiosity. The pipes are fairly large, about eighteen inches in diameter; they hold a large amount of water. Hotel Packages Hotel Packages. The… Your email address will not be published. Twitter A sign warning people about the otter that was posted by wildlife officials in Lake Lily Park in Maitland, Fla. “I’ve never seen an animal behave like this,” said one victim soon after the attack. Otters … This guy wondered into our backyard the other day. Therefore, if otters are present in canals it could tell us a lot about the condition the canal is in, and how well we are doing in our aim to clean up canals from the polluted state they were left in, post-industrial revolution. In Florida, otters live in the lakes and ponds that most neighborhoods have. Further floods in 1947 prompted an unprecedented construction of canals throughout southern Florida. Quite a few people were unaware that otters are found in Florida, and other readers were curious about the habits and habitats of this adorable species. Ewert said she teaches about otters in biology, but because of the commotion, she didn’t know immediately it was an otter until she had it by its tail. Freshwater Oasis is designed as a rainforest with trees and clear water, which you can swim in or wade in. He planned to report the incident to the Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. During the dry season, they will recede from the marshland and move to permanent ponds, where water is available and food is in greater supply. It is against the law to disturb or harm them. He must have had an itch on his back that he just couldn’t scratch. In fact, the ponds, lakes and canals are an important part of the drainage system in most communities. It really went for an attack." She stopped to watch. Any light on this situation would be a big help. The extra water stays in the drainage pipes and ditches until the ponds can gradually take the excess water. Otters have large territories, so spraints will be sent off for DNA analysis to identify the otter, including if it is male or female. Airboat Tour 75 minutes $50.00 per person > 3 passenger minimum > 6 passenger maximum Rides are approximately 60 minutes. Then it fell to the sea, killing two, authorities said. So when an otter swam toward her across a canal, climbed a precipitous slope, grabbed her yellow Labrador, Jasmine, by its nose and dragged it into the water, she started to scream, yelling for her dog to swim to the shore. Someone asked if we live in a zoo. Otter Animals available for sale in Florida from top breeders and individuals. A plane dropped a pink cloud in gender-reveal stunt. "I watched them before, but they've never been aggressive," said Vanon, who has been living along the canal for five years. So if you’re in FL and looking for a place to swim … We have been very fortunate to have a large variety of creatures visit our yard. In the Sunshine State, you don’t often hear about aggressive river otters… Then it fell to the... Two more suits with graphic details filed against Deshaun Watson. "It was attacking her to death," said Vanon. I don't think I would paddleboard either! You can explore homes for sale along the canals near St Armands Circle and Lido Beach in Sarasota, or be steps away from the Longboat Key beach and marina. David Hitzig, executive director of the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, thinks the otter probably was being territorial and protective of its babies. Northern river otters are a common sight close to freshwater streams in Florida. long and narrow bodies. Stick with us; the answer is a bit long. Much of Florida was covered in swamps. When we were new Floridians, we thought those ponds were merely for nice scenery. Find canal homes in Florida with your own private boat docks and lifts for convenient access for a day out on the water. Following another population boom after World War II , and the creation of the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project , the Everglades was divided into sections separated by canals and water control devices that delivered water to agricultural and newly developed urban areas. I fish the west Boca Raton canals in south Florida and I noticed a bunch of carp and some otters in one of the canals. No, we are lucky enough to have a small bit of wetlands behind our house, and that connects to a wooded area of several hundred acres. I know there’s largemouth in the canal as well as alligator gar. You won’t find me crawling through any pipes; they don’t make em wide enough for me. Otters Having Fun in Coral Springs Florida - YouTube Andrew Ladanowski filmed these cute otters in the backyard of his home in the Ramblewood area in Coral Springs, FL … River Otters. Florida Residents Florida Residents. Finally, here is the explanation of the otter in our yard. Otters are not known for carrying rabies, a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, but rabies does spread among other warm-blooded animals such as raccoons, skunks, dogs and cats, Garrick said. Last weekend, a 77-year-old Florida woman had to get stitches … We have to apologize for the poor focus of the photo; a rolling otter is difficult to keep in focus. He rolled around in the dirt for a while and seemed to enjoy it. Along with alligators, this is why you don't want to swim in canals. As the water in the pond drains into the water table below, the water level in the ditches and pipes goes down. Great Blue Heronsare pretty large, about 45"-54" tall, and are a bluish-grey color. Otters in Florida are apparently sick and tired of people paddling down their rivers. In Florida, otters live in the lakes and ponds that most neighborhoods have. They weigh 15-30 pounds, are usually dark brown, and have . "It is abnormal behavior for otters," said Seitz. Brushing past mangrove covered islands and narrow backwater canals will sure leave memories of your visit to Homosassa in Citrus County Florida ! View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. Two more lawsuits with graphic details filed against Deshaun Watson, Smallpox 'virus squads' and mandatory vaccinations upheld by the Supreme Court, Master planned community Prairieland Village launched in Houston area, A’s get standing ovation for hitting two Astros batters, still lose, Billionaire at the center of a Wall Street fiasco gave millions to evangelical ministries, How a Sugar Land restraining order may end Chet Hanks' White Boy Summer, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Saving up to 50% on Astros gear is a real home run. SOUTH LAKELAND, Florida (CNN) — A Florida mom says she had to tackle an otter to protect her daughter and dog. Florida's otters are up to no good.First, in March, a 90-year-old man in Venice, Florida, was brutally mauled by a rabid otter, which came streaking from the bushes of an otherwise peaceful street like a cute, button-nosed demon. "They are usually shy and playful. Even that does not explain the visit from the otter. He cleaned up their wounds, gave them rabies boosters and put them on antibiotics. From Holmes Beach, buyers can discover residences on the water with easy proximity to the dazzling bay, marina … Tom Wilding, environmental scientist for the Canal & River Trust, said: “Our previous survey helped us identify a number of otters living across the West Midlands region using our canals. Much of Florida was covered in swamps. But there is another word that describes this animal: fierce. The come-back kid. Hospital … Otters live in burrows on the bank of the water body, often under tree roots. She'd never heard of otters attacking animals or people standing by a canal. drainage ditches and canals along the roadside or you may even see them crossing a roadway. Her kids were attending summer camp and missed their mom's fight with the fur-covered visitor. Seitz had two cases of rabid otters a few years ago. "Maybe the dogs surprised the babies and mom went into defensive mode," he said. "It is abnormal behavior for otters," said Wesley Seitz, a nuisance biologist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. One way to create buildable lots from a swamp is to dig deep ponds and lakes and use the dirt to make firm ground around them. West Coast Expeditions, located on Vancouver Island offers a 5-day kayaking expedition with sea otters tour. Jasmine and Wiley suffered puncture wounds and scratches but didn't need stitches, said Dr. Nicholas Garrick, who treated them at the VCA Boca Del Mar Animal Hospital. Vanan often walks her dogs along the mowed bank of the canal near her home. Swim with Otters Florida can easily be accomplished over at the Freshwater Oasis in Discovery Cove in Orlando. Jul 12, 2012 | Florida Living, Wildlife | 1 |. North American river otters have long slender bodies, short legs and webbed feet. General information. Around 5 p.m. Aug. 3, she spotted four otters chilling out in the water. This is as close as you can get to swimming with otters in Canada, for those that dream of swimming with otters. Leah Vanon learned that lesson the hard way. This 15% off Coogs apparel deal is slammin'. Vanon, a petite mom of 11-year-old twins, was hardly able to get the critter's teeth off the Lab's face when the otter grabbed Vanon's tiny toy fox terrier, Wiley. For example, the otters in the Florida Everglades are North American river otters, also known as the common otter. Last week’s column about Peace River Wildlife Center’s river otter patients raised many questions. Raccoons are prevalent in the contiguous 48 states, including Florida. River otters can be found throughout Florida, except for the Keys, and are most often seen in or near water. Playful is probably the word most associated with the river otter, Lontra canadensis. She never heard a neighbor complain about the otters' behavior. The one in the photo above must have been extremely curious. Otters in the Florida Everglades. Listen A couple of Otters in the canal behind our home in Fort Lauderdale over Thanksgiving weekend - eating a big fish they caught. Their habitat includes the shore and wetlands. They may dig their own burrow or remodel a beaver’s burrow. Unlike many specialized animals that are adapted to water and clumsy on land, otters … By All That's Interesting. Lakes, rivers and rocky or coastal areas are the otters' natural habitats, and they can also be spotted hunting prey in quiet stretches of the canals. Now we get to watch water-loving birds from the lake behind our house. Make sure you click on the images of FOG at the bottom of posts; he usually has more to say on the subject. Published January 18, 2019 "It just came right at me. If you look close he has his tongue sticking out in the photo on the left. This female otter was spotted in the Union Canal in Edinburgh, Scotland. Otters leave their spraint under bridges and tunnels so it doesn’t get washed away. - See 100 traveler reviews, 78 candid photos, and great deals for Crystal River, FL, at Tripadvisor. The North American River Otter is found in South Florida, as well as many other parts of the U.S. Flooding is avoided. Start your Spring wine collection with 6 bottles for only... New Chrome extension can save you hundreds. The otters will swim up the drain pipes to explore what is at the other end. A plane dropped a pink cloud in gender-reveal stunt. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife biologists, gulf-access Cape Coral canals have the low salinity which create favorable conditions for bull sharks to give birth. Zillow has 29 homes for sale in Fort Myers FL matching Waterfront Canal. Otters will swim up the drainage pipes. Back when we lived in Connecticut, we used to enjoy observingthe various northern birds that would come to feed on our back porch. 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