By Patrick Norton
CSP board member
River otters have been observed for years in Crystal Springs Creek. One of our members has seen them at the Union Manor property where they apparently had (and maybe still have) a den under s stump at the water's edge. Another member of our group has seen them at Westmoreland Park (see VIDEO) in March 2017. Recently there have been frequent sightings of them at the park, and this past Saturday several of us were at the bridge by the nature play area when a family of three otters appeared just downstream of the bridge.
CSP board member
River otters have been observed for years in Crystal Springs Creek. One of our members has seen them at the Union Manor property where they apparently had (and maybe still have) a den under s stump at the water's edge. Another member of our group has seen them at Westmoreland Park (see VIDEO) in March 2017. Recently there have been frequent sightings of them at the park, and this past Saturday several of us were at the bridge by the nature play area when a family of three otters appeared just downstream of the bridge.
First otter sighted, taking a look at us from a log on the bank.
At first we saw one otter in the water and then climbing up on the bank. Then another appeared, and as we watched the two otters swimming about, clambering up on the shore, popping their heads up chewing on something, it became apparent that there were three individuals in all. They were alternately diving, eating whatever it was that they had caught, and watching us watch them.
Chewing on something- fish, crayfish?
When they had done feeding at that location, and having decided that we were not a threat, they submerged and passed beneath the bridge and headed upstream. We saw them reemerge briefly about 30 yards up, then they disappeared around a bend.
All three together!
As we were engaged with showing passers-by the view from our Creek Cam (GoPro camera on a pole, with a tablet computer for display) we did not try to follow them. We were so delighted that we forgot to watch the display to see if we could capture them on the underwater camera!
Another shot of the trio swimming towards us.
We don't know where this family spends their resting hours. Perhaps it is at the old suspected den at Union Manor, or maybe this is a different family that has a den at a different location. Probably there are not two families occupying our small watershed at once- river otters are territorial and require a lot of food to sustain them, and their home ranges can be pretty large. River otters eat fish, including salmon and steelhead (check here for a great photo of one munching down at Reed Canyon) as well as frogs, freshwater mussels, and other small prey.
Last sighted headed north up the creek.
It was really a treat to see three river otters at such a close range and for so long an encounter. They are beautiful animals and delightful to watch. Please remember that they are wild animals and predators to boot, and should be viewed at a respectful distance. In addition, they are listed as Strategy Species in the Oregon Conservation Strategy and should not be interfered with.
Beaver lodge at Westmoreland Park.
We also checked out the beaver lodge that has been constructed by our resident beaver family farther up the creek. To my knowledge this is the first time an actual lodge has been constructed in the Crystal Springs Watershed in recent decades. Beaver have been present in the watershed for many years (at least since the end of trapping pressure has allowed the population to rebound) but apparently have lived in bank burrows similar to the otter's dens.
A sample of the view from our Creek Cam (TM) at the bridge. Possibly a Redside shiner?
We hope you keep an eye out for the otters when you visit the park or at other locations along the creek. If you do spot them, and especially if you can get a photo or video, please share with us via email: [email protected]
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