Critters in the Canal

Posted by Linda J Bottjer Jan 19, 2008

As you might know - Ali, Baba and Baby are the three alligators that live in the canal outside my home.

They alternately frighten and fascinate me.

So the other day, at dusk, when I noticed a large ring of water disturbing the normally placid waters I thought one of the three had caught dinner.

Then something dark and slick popped up and darted quickly back under the surface creating an even wider circle. Whatever it was it was moving tremendously fast, and I could follow its air bubbles as it zigged and zagged the entire canal. By now I was tracking it with the binoculars.

What was it?

Not an alligator.

Had Nessie left Loch Ness?

Nope.

It was a river otter.

I have only seen them on nature programs - but never in real life.

They are big! About 4' (1.2192 meters)

This animal was having a great time just barrelling through the water, bobbing up, flipping around and zooming to the other shore. I could almost swear he/she (?) had a smile on its face.

It was a wonderful thing to witness.