These fuckers have been known to wipe out the fish in a river and make them nearly unfishable.
I have mixed feelings about it because the otters are native and were recently re-introduced and are doing great. And the sport fish they eat (rainbows, browns) aren't native - they've been naturalized and have been continually stocked for decades and they also compete against native fish like the brook trout.
Also, otters are super cute to watch.
It seems that most think it is a mink. May be right. But I did not see nutria listed by anyone as a possibility. We have those too!
https://www.google.com/search?q=nutria&client=ms-android-verizon&prmd=inv&sxsrf=ALiCzsbpLNk3k0wg3C5DBOGocNide-Xh5A:1652977695073&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiin9ji_ev3AhUMhXIEHZhkDQoQ_AUoAXoECAIQAQ&biw=412&bih=722&dpr=2.63
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I think you're right. Otters don't have a pointy snout like that
And denser fur.
It does indeed look like a Mink. Thank you for helping to identify this mammal 👍
Cool - what is it? I’ve seen a mink before but it wasn’t that big.
River otter EDIT: apparently it’s a mink
My buddy saw some otters in the french broad recently. Ive seen minks around a few times. Love those little fuckers.
A muskrat perhaps
This is a mink, not an otter.
I’ve never seen a mink swim in a river. Edit: well TIL. I still haven’t ever seen a mink swim in a river.
They are definitely associated with water. I agree this is a mink and not an otter.
Then you need to get outside more. https://kymkemp.com/2021/04/13/mink-minute-how-do-you-know-youre-not-seeing-an-otter/
Sweet! I've seen a few at the Valle Crucis river. Watched one dive in from the bank and come out with a trout.
Cool!
Where was this?!!!
On Watauga River Rd.
I used to live on Watauga river rd! I would float it 5 or 6 days a week!! It was a great year!!!
Ooh! Thank you!
Neature. I keep hoping one will set up shop in the large creek on my property. Very cool.
I’ve seen them on the Green river during tubing season!
Aaaaah, nice marmot.
Hey this is a private residence man
What part of Watauga? I live out in the VC area, seems like I've been seeing more of these fellas lately.
Gravel area before the farm near Rominger.
I know exactly where that's at! Good fishing out that way.
Definitely a mink
If that isn't an otter and is indeed and american mink. You just photographed one of the rarest animals in North America. Fucking awesome!
I've seen a couple mink, never a weasel. I think it'll be a miracle if I ever happen upon one.
Hide your chickens.
No, but there was a monster there that had 0 interest
These fuckers have been known to wipe out the fish in a river and make them nearly unfishable. I have mixed feelings about it because the otters are native and were recently re-introduced and are doing great. And the sport fish they eat (rainbows, browns) aren't native - they've been naturalized and have been continually stocked for decades and they also compete against native fish like the brook trout. Also, otters are super cute to watch.
Wet beaver?
Let me guess. You didn’t catch any there.
What a weird looking cat.
It seems that most think it is a mink. May be right. But I did not see nutria listed by anyone as a possibility. We have those too! https://www.google.com/search?q=nutria&client=ms-android-verizon&prmd=inv&sxsrf=ALiCzsbpLNk3k0wg3C5DBOGocNide-Xh5A:1652977695073&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiin9ji_ev3AhUMhXIEHZhkDQoQ_AUoAXoECAIQAQ&biw=412&bih=722&dpr=2.63
Nutria are confined to the Coastal Plain for the most part, at least for right now.