VIDEO: Why Seal Sitters filled in as Otter Sitters for a while

Thanks to David Hutchinson for sharing the video of a river otter (yes, the otters you see here are RIVER otters, not sea otters, which stick to the open ocean). He explains:

The otter was responded to by Seal Sitters earlier this month at Duwamish Head. While not classified as a marine mammal, our theme is “Share the Shore,” so volunteers kept an eye on him while he was using the beach. Thought you might also want to take a look at him going through his normal grooming routine.

Drive carefully on Harbor and Alki Avenues, because river otters do cross the road, as we’ve noted here before – their “dens” are generally inland, but they go out into Puget Sound looking for food.

P.S. Speaking of Seal Sitters, if you’d like to volunteer with the group, sign up ASAP for the next training session – four weeks from tomorrow, March 22nd, but spots are limited and usually fill up in advance. All the info you need is here.

5 Replies to "VIDEO: Why Seal Sitters filled in as Otter Sitters for a while"

  • Community Member February 21, 2015 (7:57 pm)

    Much thanks to the David for sharing the video.
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    That’s a big tummy. They are usually pretty lean animals. I wonder whether it might be a pregnant female.
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    A marine biologist from the aquarium might be able to tell.

  • Marianne February 21, 2015 (8:04 pm)

    What a cutie! Wonder if he has fleas though.

  • David Hutchinson February 21, 2015 (9:44 pm)

    For some great photos of this particular river otter, be sure to visit “Buzz’s Marine Life of Puget Sound” at http://www.buzzmarinelife.blogspot.com .
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    Buzz Shaw is Seal Sitters’ Science and Education Advisor who worked for many years as Public Education Program Specialist at the Seattle Aquarium. If you run across him at the beach, helping out our other volunteers, be sure to take advantage of that opportunity. Buzz would love to answer your questions on the variety of life that calls Puget Sound their home.

  • mrsMarty February 22, 2015 (7:31 am)

    Community Member I was thinking the same, that’s a pretty big or hopefully full tummy!
    And just because she/he “scratched” itself doesn’t mean it was because of fleas, we all itch every once in awhile don’t we! :>)

  • Enviromaven February 22, 2015 (1:06 pm)

    Nothing like a little sand/spa treatment to keep the fur looking good…too cute!

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