Tag Archives: River Otters

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River Otters thrive on the Mendonoma coast. They can't abide pollution, so it speaks well of the rivers, creeks and ocean. Eric Zetterholm recently spotted a group of six River Otters in the Gualala River. In the first photo it looks like the one River Otter is looking back at Eric!

River Otters, while very cute, are quite feisty. It's best to watch from a distance and to leash your dog if you find one on a beach. River Otters are comfortable in rivers, creeks, the ocean, and on land. Once a River Otter crossed Highway One in Gualala, something that doesn't happen often.

Thanks to Eric for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

It's HOT on the coast today. We melt when it goes above 80 degrees. It's 95 degrees on our deck in Anchor this afternoon. Too hot!

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Doreen Clay looked over a bluff in Gualala and found a family of River Otters entering the Pacific Ocean.

She wrote, “I was quite excited! The otters moved quickly and disappeared into the sea. We love Gualala, and its wild creatures.”

There is a family of River Otters that lives at the mouth of the Gualala River. They are fascinating to observe. The mother raises her family; the father is long gone. River Otters have been seeing playing with each other and in the waves. These otters can't abide pollution in the water, so their presence here is a testament to the health of our rivers, streams and ocean.

Thanks to Doreen for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

Breezy, cooler weather is the order of the day close to the ocean today.

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River Otters have been spotted at the Gualala River mouth. They are also found in other creeks and rivers on the Mendonoma coast. Gail Jackson photographed two River Otters looking at her. I wonder what the otters are thinking!

Here is a close up of a River Otter, taken by Dard Hunter, eating an octopus.

A year ago I watched one emerge from the Garcia River and proceed to roll in the sand.

The otter rolled with gusto for several minutes, and then was done.

River Otters can't abide pollution, so it's a testament to the clean waterways here on the coast.

Thanks to Gail and Dard for allowing me to share their photos with you here. Warm weather forecast for the weekend!

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Loren Adrian wrote, "Here are a couple of shots from Big River right after the big heat wave. There was a family of [River] Otters on the lower end of the river, a mother and her four offspring. My wife and I paddled up the river about two hours, then returned after we came across a log jam. It was a nice day on Big River.”

If you haven’t explored the trails at Big River, you are in for a treat. The Mendocino Land Trust acquired over 7000 acres in 2002. There is a ten-mile trail, formerly a haul road, that connects Big River Beach to Mendocino Woodlands State Park. You can hike or bike there, with the river flowing gently by your side. It is now part of California State Parks.

To learn more about the Big River Trail, here is the link to the Mendocino Land Trust: https://www.mendocinolandtrust.org/trails/central-coastal-trails/big-river-trail/

Thanks to Loren for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

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River Otters live in and by Mendonoma rivers and creeks. Steve Coffey-Smith recently spotted three River Otters in the ocean.

River Otters by Steve Coffey-Smith

One place you might see River Otters is near the lagoon of the Gualala River. They cannot abide pollution so the fact that they are here is a good indication of the health of our waterways.

Though they look cute, they are feisty creatures. The female raises her pups; the male is only around for mating. One of my favorite photos was taken by Nan Brichetto of a River Otter sleeping on a beach.

River Otter sleeping in the sun by Nan Brichetto (Large)

Thanks to Steve and Nan for allowing me to share their photos with  you here.