Ding Darling NWR
Sanibel Island, Florida

The day before I shot these this family of otters came out of the tall grass right in front of us. On the chance that this might be their resting spot we returned the next morning to try to see them again. We stood with the morning sun behind us and waited for 30 minutes. we were about to give up when out came the mother. She checked us out then turned toward the gras and out tumbled four pups. It was a truly amazing and almost spiritual experience to have happen. When they moved off they moved as what appeared to be one organism as they seemed to have this need to be touching their mother and each other. It truly was one of the most exciting experiences we have ever had in wildlife watching!