West Seattle wildlife: River otter sightings near 35th/Avalon

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

After two reports in the past half-hour, we’re putting this out as an alert. While river otters spend a lot of time on land, they’re not usually seen as far from the water as 35th/Fauntleroy/Avalon. One report was from Erin, who wrote, “I SWEAR I just saw a river otter running through the 7-11 parking lot on 35th and Avalon!” shortly after we got a note from Cait that began, “I know this might sound crazy but I’m pretty positive I just spotted an otter alone on Fauntleroy next to the WS Bridge.” So if you’re in that area – be on the lookout!

P.S. If you haven’t seen a river otter before – here’s what they look like. Learn more about them via another great state-produced Living With Wildlife info-sheet.

Shelli Hyrkas January 7, 2014 (5:08 pm)

I also saw a river otter yesterday. It came out from the hedge between two houses and crossed the the street. It was at the corner of 47th and Walker.

Lorraine Fournier January 7, 2014 (9:36 pm)

I saw one yesterday at Holgate and 45th! Thought I was seeing things!

ltfd January 7, 2014 (9:51 pm)

Mountain Beaver maybe?

http://shawncita.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/mountain-beaver1.jpg

Lorraine January 8, 2014 (7:20 am)

Nope did not look any where close to a mountain beaver, it was most certainly an otter. He was in a hurry no matter where he was going,

miws January 8, 2014 (8:00 am)

Let’s see, two sightings on Monday in the Admiral District, and two sightings at/near the 7-11 at 35th & Avalon on Tuesday.

My theory: much like those people who have set a goal to visit every Starbucks in [wherever], maybe the river otter is doing the same with the 7-11’s, at least in West Seattle, for a tasty Slurpee?
.

His possible itinerary:

First stop: The Harbor Av Store, fresh out of the water.

Second stop: California/Admiral Store.

Third stop: California/Charlestown Store.

Fourth Stop: California/Erskine Store.

Fifth stop: 35th/Avalon Store.

Sixth stop: 35th/Henderson Store.

Seventh stop: Delridge/Barton Store.

Eighth Stop: 16th/Holden Store.

And then on down Boeing Hill, back into the Duwamish!

Mike

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