Did you know... ...waterside living, abundant seafood, and endless playtime are as appealing to river otters as they are to people? It's true! From their small family dens along our canals and waterways, river otters flourish in SW Florida for all the same reasons we do! (I don't believe they golf, though.) River otters are charming, playful, and expressive... ...and they play a vital role in our ecosystem as top predators. They help maintain balance by controlling prey populations, preventing the fish and crustaceans they hunt from over-populating. In fact, their presence is a great indicator of the health of a freshwater habitat. It's important to respect these adorable little predators... ...who can be incredibly fierce defenders of their homes and young. River otters have been known to run off larger predators like coyote and even alligators. They are enjoyable to watch, but sadly they do not actually want the hugs they seem so perfect for. Maybe I'll order ...