Page 6 - PGA Community News - December '23

Page 6, PGA C.A.N.! December 2023 December 2023
Northern Notes

“Otterly” Amazing Otters acts like a rudder in the water.
Their nostrils and ears close to keep
By Katie Roundtree, water out, and waterproof fur keeps
Director of Finance and them warm. Otters have the densest
Administration, Northern coat of any animal – as many as
Palm Beach County a million hairs per square inch in
Improvement District places. Because of this, otters were
River otters are mainly once hunted to near extinction for
f o u nd i n f r e shwa t e r their fur. Their colors range from
ponds, streams, canals, light brown to dark, rich brown.
and marshes everywhere They are strong swimmers and can
in Florida, except the swim about 6 to 8 miles per hour,
Keys. These charismatic holding their breath for up to eight minutes. On land, Active mainly at night, otters are excellent hunters.
mammals are a member of however, they can run up to 15 miles per hour. Their diet consists primarily of fish, amphibians, insects
the weasel family and are comfortable both in and out Otters spend much time on land, often traveling and crustaceans. Their powerful teeth and jaws are made
of the water. Otters grow to about 40 inches, weighing considerable distances between waterways. Most otters for catching and gripping onto slippery fish. An otter’s bite
between 10 to 30 pounds. They have short legs, elongated have at least one permanent burrow (den) by water. The is approximately 615 pounds per square inch compared
bodies, webbed feet and a strong, flattened tail, which burrow’s main entrance may be underwater. It then slopes to the average person’s bite force of around 162 pounds
upward to a nest chamber above the high-water level. per square inch. Their bite is comparable to a German
The burrows are built in the bank of a water body, often Shepherd’s bite! River otters can easily chew through the
Reminder From under tree roots. They dig their own burrow or repurpose tough skin of armored catfish found in our area and eat
the flesh underneath.
an abandoned beaver den. Otters give birth in early spring
As cute as they are, otters are wild animals and should
Palm Beach Gardens to anywhere from one to five babies. Baby otters, called be left alone. Please do not feed them and give them their
pups or kits, stay with their mothers until they’re up to
space. They can be feisty and attack if threatened. River
a year old or until she has another litter. Babies learn to
Police Department swim when they are about 2 months old when their mother otters can occasionally create a nuisance by eating fish
introduces them to the water. Otters are natural swimmers
in hatcheries and stocked ponds or digging dens in pond
Adopt These Habits To and learn to swim quickly. banks. Keep stocked ponds covered or fenced to prevent
otters from entering ponds.
Prevent Vehicle Burglaries Enjoy these native animals from afar. They are fun to
watch and known for their antics in and around the water.
• Please lock your vehicle doors every However, please do not approach them or try to pet them.
time – even for a quick stop or at home. They are far more likely to avoid humans than confront
• Never leave items of any kind inside them. Otters are apex predators and are wild creatures
– cute but certainly not cuddly.
your vehicle. Hiding items doesn’t work! NPDES tip: Please pick up after your pet. When pet
• At a minimum, if you must leave waste is washed into lakes or canals the waste decays,
items, place them in your trunk. using up oxygen and sometimes releasing ammonia.
• Cell phone/iPod power cords, GPS Low oxygen levels and ammonia combined with warm
holders and other key sets act as neon temperatures can kill fish and disrupt the natural food
signs. chain. Pet waste also contains nutrients that encourage
weed and algae growth. Perhaps most importantly, pet
• Park in well-lit areas, stay alert waste carries diseases which make water unsafe.
and call in any suspicious activities to
the police department nonemergency
number: 799-4445.

Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing
Palm Beach County and is a privately
owned and managed company.
Captain’s is committed to providing
dependable, reliable and professional
ground transportation to and from all
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212
To reserve your vehicle:
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com

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