Otter Tracks

This is my winter project.. I know where these guys live but haven't seen them yet because I usually have my dog with me.. As much as the dog will be disappointed at leaving her behind I want to try getting some shots.. Does anyone know of any attracting things I can do to bring them out of thier den?

I don't know about attracting them, but we have a lot of them around here and they don't seem shy at all, probably your best bet is to scout their movements and then just set up and hopefully photograph them.

I really hate to say it, but probably your best bet would be to leave the dog at home and bring a chair to sit on for a couple of hours. They will know about the predator (well, she at least looks like one to a potential food source) long before you see the otter.

If it is any consolation, I am more or less going through the same thing with a beaver that lives in(!) Columbus, Ohio. Keep in mind that Columbus is something the 13'th largest metropolitan area in population in the country, so it is pretty cool to see animals like this with civilization so near.

I'll skip the chair, Bernie and wear my water proof snowpants.. A drift can be pretty comfortable.. These guys are in a cedar swamp about a half mile walk down the river bank for me but pretty brushy.. Wish me luck.. I may wait til it freezes more and then wait at an entrance..

Otters are a real elusive animal. I shot them for a project for the California DNR a few years ago and in 3 years ( in an area where they are plentiful in non-winter conditions) I got about about 10 good images. Good luck, and if you get a keeper you really have something!
JG

Susie, if you spray yourself with Eau du Trout, I suspect you'll get their attention.

Good luck with the shooting!

LOL! Excellent idea! I'll get me some stink bait they use for bass fishing and try that! Maybe.... NOT! Then again it may be worth a try..