If you’ve ever had the pleasure of observing river otters, you know they always seem to be having a great time. But have you ever seen otters playing in the snow?
A woman at Cottage Lake, near Woodinville, Washington, shared a video capturing just that. Cottage Lake is a popular fishing spot, especially during the spring, stocked with thousands of rainbow trout. By spotting otters there, it’s a sign the habitat is a healthy one for people and animals. Plus, it’s a rare joy to behold. Can you count the river otters in the video below?
Images: Screenshots via YouTube
Although many areas of the United States are unseasonably warm, the West Coast has experienced record-cold temperatures in past years. In the Seattle area, such snowy conditions are also a rarity. However, the day after Christmas 2021, they received more snowfall than in the entire previous year, around 3.4 inches.
❄️🦦 River Otters Playing in the Snow at Cottage Lake 🦦❄️
In the video, a group of otters is seen running and playing happily in the snowfall on a boat dock at the lake.
As you can see, the otters enjoy playing, wallowing in the snow, sliding, diving back into the water, and playing chase with each other.
Screenshots via FB/Gina Segadelli
On Facebook, KIRO 7 shared the beautiful moment:
“Viewer Gina Segadelli sent us this video of river otters playing in the snow on Cottage Lake near Woodinville.”
In the comments, people said the otters “won the internet,” and it was the best thing they had seen.
“This is THE BEST thing I’ve seen today. Could watch them play for hours!” said Lisa Rousselle.
Another person loves how joyful these little critters are.
“Naturally full of fun and joy running around playing together, so very cute just love to watch them at play very joyful little Otters 🦦 🦦,” wrote Kristy Miller.
Screenshot via YouTube
For Peter Elias, seeing otters with his wife was a blessing.
“My wife and I were once blessed to watch from very close in our canoe as a pair of otters and their young played in the water. The image has stayed with me as an example of pure joy,” said Peter Elias.
Otters Loving the Snow
When it snows, river otters get a case of the “Zoomies,” much like cats.
Below, see rescued otters Flora, Tilly, and Hobson playing at the Oregon Zoo:
Further east in Yellowstone National Park, river otters thrive in the early winter snow. They can avoid coyotes as long as the river isn’t frozen over. Amazingly, they can stay underwater for almost eight minutes and swim seven miles per hour. Unlike sea otters, river otters are at home on land and can travel 15 miles per hour.
Engaging in group social behaviors like playing in the snow strengthens bonds, just like when humans play.
A river otter’s streamlined body, webbed feet, and warm coat make for instant sledding when the ground is blanketed in snow. As you can see, they even enjoy the taste of the snowflakes on their cute little pink tongues.
Below, see river otters in a zoo having the best time from Minnesota Cold:
Images: Screenshots via YouTube/NatGeo WILD and Minnesota Cold
