River otters, (not the ones in the story): Lontra Canadensis
Picture credit: Dmitry Azovtsev
This morning there was a sweet story on our local TV news about three tiny river otter babies who were rescued recently and right now are fighting for their lives.
It was disappointing that after spending most of the day calling and searching, not one picture of a baby otter was available, or a person to approve their picture being used.
But, thankfully, they are in the stories below for you to enjoy.
The wee ones are being tenderly tended to and nursed by kindly volunteers at the Florida Wildlife Hospital/Rehab and Sanctuary in Palm Shores Florida, which is located between Melbourne and Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic Coast.
Please make sure to look at their Wish list to see exactly what they want and need, to allow them to continue doing their good work.
This non profit organization is very dependent on volunteers and donations from the public, to continue their work with injured and abandoned wildlife here in Central Florida.
Seeing these tiny babies today, brought back happy memories of the many seen in Monterey Bay years ago.
The otters ongoing frolicking delighted the visitors to the waters all around the Monterey Bay Aquarium who would stand and watch them play for hours.
The river otter is a small to medium sized fur bearing mammal found widely across the Country, usually near food and water sources of their liking, and they usually live in Dens near their chosen food and water sources.
The most common food of choice will be fish or amphibians, yet they can also be omnivores eating a wide variety of available foods.
Attention to water quality in America has helped the river otter stay out of trouble, it is fairly adaptable to many types of water, from rivers and ponds, to lakes and coastal fresh water estuaries.
In the early discovery years of this country and the encroaching civilization that accompanied it, this sleek beautiful animal had been mercilessly hunted by trappers for their fur, nearly to complete decimation, but at this time, for many reasons, their numbers are a bit more stable.
Their greatest threat today, is their habitat and/or ecological destruction, basically the things that bothers us, bothers them as well.
After learning more about these beautiful, delightful creatures, perhaps, like me, you will believe that they were indeed quite lucky to be rescued as they were.
Places to learn more:
Three baby otters rescued in Palm Shores
River otters are playful inhabitants of Florida’s watersheds
Wildlife officials rescue otter pups found at Titusville construction site
Wildlife officials rescue otter pups found at Florida construction site
Walking with the Alligators 
Such sweet little babies Donna. I hope they all make it, as well as the original three you wrote about. It’s a puzzlement that there are any wild animals still living in these polluted waters that once welcomed the babies of all species, whether those of the air, land or water. The knowledge that man is poisoning himself as well as the wildlife should be enough to make everyone try to clean up the mess that has been made of this environment, but they just keep on tearing down what Mother has given so freely, and covering it with the dust and debris of the concrete and steel they seem to find preferable to Nature.
Will they learn in time? In my town, no, when the living trees were killed to put up concrete trees I lost hope for this place, but at least I won’t live long enough to see the end of it. I pray your Swamp will survive and carry on for us all.
Peace, Love and Hugs. Angie
Dear Angie:
PLEASE do not give up hope. If there is to be any change, we must all keep speaking for those with no voice. If we do not, or worse, if we stop, what hope do they have? We are ALL that they have.
Please stay strong and keep caring.
I’ll continue to hope Donna, and to speak out also. I think I’m just very tired right now, with the never ending renovation raising dust (asbestos) all around me, and my cough getting worse since the move. I just cough so much now it keeps me exhausted, but I do continue to speak out against abuse in all forms. It’s too late for me, but there is hope for future generations, both animal and human, if we can only educate the human equation while protecting the animal half. This old lady is just getting worn out now, but still can’t find rest or ways to relax. Too much left to do.
Never stop, the fight will give you energy and passion!
I’ll continue til my last breath Donna. Mainly speaking from exhaustion right now, and that will pass. Thanks for the boost!
People like you are why I want to continue fighting for them! I get down too and all of you are always there for me!
wonderful to hear
of their safe refuge 🙂
Yes, they were so lucky, it could have turned out badly. But they do still have a long way to go.
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Rescue of river otters ….
Thank you so very much for sharing this with ALL of your peeps~
Wonderful, thank you, I live near the Indian River and haven’t seen any (yet!)
Don’t know if these look like the ones in California, they were adorable and quite popular at Monterey Bay~
I was out on the Sacramento River near Redding several months ago when we spotted four river otters making their way up the river. We were on a bike/walking bridge over the river that provided an excellent viewing platform. We must have watched them for 45 minutes. What magnificent creatures. Thanks for posting. –Curt
Yes they are a pure delight to watch. In Monterey Bay, they always have huge followings!
The sea otters like to swim on there backs and crack shells on their chests. They don’t mean to be, but they are beyond cute. I’ve kayaked out among them in Monterey Bay. –Curt
Lucky you. Jealous…
Helping animals is the core of my existence! So glad to know others know how precious animals are!
They need all of us in their corner. We ARE their voice…
Reblogged this on IdealisticRebel's Daily View of Favorites.
Thank you so much for sharing their story…
So pleased to hear about the good outcome for the baby otters. So refreshing to know there are people who care about animals. I hope you and Breanna are well now. I have wondered how you were doing. I am rather behind lately with viewing blogs I follow so may have missed news of your recovery.
All is good for both of us. Thank you so much. Hope you are well too!Stay warm we are freezing in Florida right now~