When photographing the post-storm blanket of snow on the river, I came across otter trails at the stepped waterfalls. The water and falls are often hidden beneath the snow, and the rocks deeply fissured, so the going was dangerous and I couldn't get closer. Used a DA 50-200mm and 18-55mm for these shots. Look for the trails crisscrossing the snow and disappearing into the open water (where it can be seen). I saw the family of five otters (Mom and four kits) last summer nearby. Double-click on the pictures to enlarge the images.

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[Bob Harris]

beautiful snow photos, life goes on in that frozen land, the otters are really cool animals and very tough it would seem. thanks Bob

[Scottnorwo]

Nice shots, now that you have us following the otters trail, where is he? Or is this a wheres waldo game

[BillM]

That Otter mom has to be the most 'frazzeld' mom around with kids like that Tamia.
Love your pics.Back in early 80's had the chance to take some chromes on my
ME spr. of our conservation dept. here catching some turkeys with nets to trade for otter's
with some folks in your area,to reintroduce otter here. Seen one so far,
need weatherproofing like you have to get a good pic.

[Sailor]

I'm not tracker enough to follow the trail, but I sure enjoyed the photos - particularly the last one.

Jer

[Tamia]

Thanks, Bob. I'm amazed how otters manage in such cold climates, and they always seem so cheerful.

Thanks, Scott. I could not possibly have gotten out onto that river in those conditions, but I am looking forward to going back to see if I can get pix of the family.

Bill, thanks, and you're right about otter mothers. I watched a remarkable scene where the "kids" were stuck on a mid-river boulder and called out for Mom to come save them. Wrote about it here.

Jer, thanks much, and I think I'd have needed a SCUBA outfit to follow them!

[slowpez]

Tamia, your exposure for snow is spot on. Too bad about not being able to follow the trail to where the otters play but the tracks make for a very nice story.

[tessfully]

My favourite thing getting out early in the a.m. after a fresh snowfall is seeing who has been around... love animal tracking and your photos are wonderful.

[Tamia]

Thanks Tess! I love tracking, too. Winter's sometimes the only time to see just who's been out and about.

[Aon]

Nice shots! The snow looks really beautiful in these.

[Tamia]

Thanks Aon!