So we've had a week of warm weather here in Scotland (incredible, but true), and yesterday Gail kindly took me down to the river, thinking I might like a swim.
It did indeed feel quite refreshing when I dipped my paws in the water.
But then I overheard some shouts from a family who were splashing around a few yards upstream.
The mother was telling her kids to look out for otters, and there followed a lively discussion as to whether an otter in the river might bite.
Gail insisted that this was just "banter" and anyway otters are shy creatures who would steer well clear of this popular swimming spot.
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| photo of otter from the internet |
I wasn't so sure, and so I retreated away from the riverbank and opted instead for short walk to say hi to some porcine pals in the nearby field.
I don't think these guys had the energy to get up, much less to bite. When I approached close they barely even managed an "oink"!
Happy Nature Friday everyone, and thanks once again to our ever awesome LLB Gang friends for hosting the blog hop!
we are not sure about the otters but the nutrias do.... we like the pigs the one with the dots looks like the pig of pipi longstocking, if she had a pig... :o)
ReplyDeleteYour porcine pals look as though the heat is just too much! I don't think we have otters here, we don't have any lakes, rivers or ponds nearby - just the sea down the road! Not the ideal environment for them.
ReplyDeleteWe went for an early morning walk as soon as it was light enough to see - just before 8 a.m. (7 a.m. for you) and it was already 30º so we're in for another very hot day! 36ºC in the shade yesterday.
Love,
Paca xx
Gosh that's hot! The pigs had flaked out in 22°C.
DeleteI bet those piggies wished they could have dipped their feet in the cool water too, Nobby!
ReplyDeleteCool water is so inviting on a hot day and a swim is refreshing and relaxing. Poor pigs, though, but I suppose they had some shelter somewhere.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWell, Nobby, that first photo from the bridge is an almost exact copy of one I took that day we met there... except mine didn't have the Heron in it! I don't blame Gail for going again. As I sit here by the sea at Portgordon (beside the Sanny Martins), I must admit it has crossed my mind to put on old shirt and leggings and have a dip! Though today is nowhere near as warm as yesterday... so perhaps I'll just enjoy the view. I envy you being able to meet those lovely piggies, I must say. Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Yes Nobby, otters do bite. they also can be rabid. we had a few miles from us a few months ago, a man and his dog walking were attacked by a rabid otter. they also will bite if they feel threatened. pigs also bite, don't go on the other side of the fence.
ReplyDeleteNobby well I must confess to something here (which might back up your decision to retreat).I don't put my feet in any water if I cannot see them. You just never know what lurks in the murkiness. This being said I would love to stand there with you in the beauty sparkling water.
ReplyDeleteAs for the pigs, my poetic photo challenge next week is a pic of a ginormous pig.
Our feels like temperature today is predicted to be 109.
Hugs Cecilia
We thought for sure you were going to swim over to the family and join in their fun, Nobby. Those pigs are so cute! We love the spotted one the best.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't heard of any river otters biting. As Gail mentioned, they are likely to hide when they see humans....Our Mama can attest to this, because they always disappeared quickly when she tried to catch them on film when she saw them in Northern California.
ReplyDeleteWe have never seen a pig, they sure look like lazy creatures!
xoxo,
Rosy & Sunny
Nobby, you seem to enjoy water like Lee does. We have otters in our lake, and are jealous because we have never met pigs! Lee and Phod
ReplyDeleteMaybe those pigs got all tired out chasing away the otters:)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
Woo - Misty and Timber
I thinik the otter would react to you in his water like you would react to an otter in your yahrd.
ReplyDeleteNobby always good to 'see you' otters and pigs and all ~ hugs,
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laugther and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)