They're not common in the Basin, but they occur in the large rivers there.

Kelly Cassidy

(See http://www.wa.gov/wdfw/wlm/gap/mammals.htm and click on the River
Otter gif file for a map.)


-----Original Message-----
From: sanjer+AEA-televar.com +ADw-sanjer+AEA-televar.com+AD4-
To: Inland-nw-birders +ADw-inland-nw-birders+AEA-uidaho.edu+AD4AOw- tweeters
+ADw-tweeters+AEA-u.washington.edu+AD4-
Date: Wednesday, November 17, 1999 3:53 PM
Subject: Off topic-River Otter at Grand Coulee


+AD4-At 12:45 pm today I spotted what appeared to be a Otter in Cresent
+AD4-Bay Lake, which is in front of our home. Is this a common animal for
+AD4-this area?
+AD4-
+AD4-Sky- slightly overcast.
+AD4-Used 8x40 bins. and 20x60 Kowa scope.
+AD4-Viewing distance-500 yards at first. 100-150 yards at last sighting.
+AD4-
+AD4-This animal appeared to be at least 4 feet long, from nose to tip of
+AD4-tail. The tail was about 1/2 the length of the body, it was very thick
+AD4-at the base and tapered to a point.
+AD4-The overall color appeared to be dark grayish or even a tint of brown
+AD4-except for under the chin and neck area which appeared to be a very
+AD4-pale gray or even white. It swam like a porpoise.
+AD4-
+AD4-I observed it for about 5 minutes and then it dissapeared behind a
+AD4-rock outcropping I took my camera and tried to relocate it, but it
+AD4-must have went on shore. I could not find it again after 2 hours of
+AD4-searching. :-(
+AD4-
+AD4-Jerry and Sandy Converse
+AD4-Grand Coulee, WA
+AD4-mailto:sanjer+AEA-televar.com
+AD4-
+AD4-http://members.tripod.com/nature+AF8-scenic+AF8-photos/
+AD4-
+AD4-Never be afraid to try something new.
+AD4-Remember, amateurs built the Ark and
+AD4-Professionals built the Titanic.
+AD4-
+AD4-
+AD4-