Gallery Spotlight
FLORIDA OTTERS
By Kim B. Parrish
© 2020 – 40 x 30” Oil on Canvas
RIVER OTTER
Lontra canadensis
Trapped subject to state regulations
You have to admire otters. They seem to have more fun in a single day than many humans do in a year. Captive-bred otters are usually cute and cuddly, but in the wild, Florida otters tend to rule the rivers here. With a bold attitude that belies their puppy dog appearance, otters can be extremely territorial at times. They are actually known to attack and eat alligators here in Florida. I have encountered them while fishing or boating, but I always give them lots of respect and a wide berth.
Otters are a highly intelligent, wonderful part of Florida’s wild ecology. As I understand it, the state of Florida still allows the local fur trade to trap, snare and kill these beautiful animals seasonally with no limits. To me, this is surprising, considering we have invasive giant pythons currently wiping out Florida’s native wild mammals.
My original oil painting “Florida Otters” is 40 x 30 inches on canvas; this otter fine art depicts a pair of otters fishing along a creek for carp. Some of my paintings are also available as limited edition reproductions. Thanks for your interest in my work, and I hope you enjoy the beauty of Florida’s wilderness.