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Otters are a common animal in Maine. Their numbers have increased in recent
years. They are now at the point where they are being commonly seen even
though they are somewhat a nocturnal animal, although they do a lot of
their traveling during the daylight. This mount is a world taxidermy compatition
winner.
Otters are a fun loving animal and romp and play with complete abandon,
even the adults will play a good portion of each day throughout their
lives. The picture below shows a mount done for a museum by Mr. Grignon
of an otter stealing the brook trout from a fisherman's creel.
 An
average full grown otter will measure 40 to 60 inches long. Their legs
are short so the animal stands only 7 to 9 inches high at the shoulders.
The hind feet are webbed and the otter is an excellent swimmer being able
to catch the fastest fish. Fish are the main diet of the otter. Most of
their diet consists warm water species of fish such as yellow and white
perch which are more common in the southern half of the state, but trout
are taken just as well when the opportunity presents itself. The Otter's
spine is exceedingly flexible and he can bend forward, sideways, or backward
to form a complete circle. The movements of the otter can best be described
as serpentine.
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