Plate II — North American River Otter
The Cutler Bay Chronicles
There’s something special about seeing a river otter in the wild.
Fast. Curious. Intelligent.
Like the water itself—always moving.
I’ve been fortunate enough to see North American river otters on several occasions in the Everglades of Cutler Bay, Florida. Every sighting feels rare now… like catching a glimpse of something trying to hold on.
Long before The Cutler Bay Chronicles, I worked as a dolphin and sea lion trainer, and the very first animals I ever trained were North American river otters. They taught me early that intelligence comes in many forms. Playfulness. Awareness. Trust. Adaptability.
Otters are also indicators of environmental health.
Where otters thrive, the water is cleaner, the food web is stronger, and the ecosystem is functioning the way nature intended. Their presence tells a story about the condition of the land and waterways around us.
My hope is that with better water management, less pesticide and herbicide runoff, and greater respect for the fragile systems connected to the Everglades, the otters can make a strong comeback to the waters of Cutler Bay.
Until then, I’ll keep my eyes peeled for the next sighting.
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