Maine’s river otters normally are happy scavengers, which makes this animal’s response to a dead beaver rather curious.
You have to wonder if something bigger is coming along to claim the carcass.
BDN Contributor Allie Ladd caught the otter’s reaction on his trail camera in late March.
Otters generally eat live prey, but will scavenge if the opportunity presents itself. Their diet consists of fish such as suckers and minnows, plus crayfish and other shellfish. They also will eat turtles, snakes, muskrats and young beavers occasionally, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Otters are not only found in rivers, but also streams, ponds and some lakes in Maine. They are nature’s clowns and are fun to watch as they explore and play. Normally their curiosity overtakes their nervousness, making this otter’s behavior seem even odder.
