Harbor Otter

Late last month this little otter spent a few days in the Homer small boat harbor. What a showoff! It was very approachable and not at all shy as dozens of visitors walking the dock followed it up and down the wharf shooting photos.

"How cute!", everyone exclaimed. When asked, I told folks that otters are vicious predators, right up at the high end of the food chain, with only seal, sea lions, and killer whales above them. I've seen them shred whole octopus alive that they've chased down.

You'd think the animal with eight legs would have an advantage, but that's not the case. As cute as they appear, they are still a wild, wild animal.