We traveled to Grand Teton National Park, hoping to hike the Grand View Trail. On the way we stopped at the Oxbow turnoff, as it was crowded with people. It was a shock to see the low water level.
The water is now a few shallow braided streams, filled with feeding birds.
Renita suggested we should drive to Cattlemen’s Bridge, (no longer there). Taking the short gravel road, we neared the Snake River and saw three photographers with huge lens.
They were concentrating on the south shore, and we quickly spotted a family group of four River Otters! They were the nearest we have ever been to the otters, (and by they way they are viscous animals and have been known to severely bite people, (taking off extra fingers and attacking the faces of idiots who want to pet them, (they also can carry rabies).
The otters were swimming upstream, and the female was leading the way for the three young ones. She was breaking the current for them, heading upstream looking for water that was deep enough to hold prey.
They find prey as the fish touch their thick whiskers and then quickly catch the fish with their sharp teeth, (I haven’t heard if they eat the fingers they remove). They also catch and eat small mammals, shellfish, and birds.
If you ever visit GTNP be sure to stop at the Oxbow Area, and if you are really adventurist, rent a kayak and paddle the area, (only do this when the water in the Snake is low and slow).
Clear skies
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