About the Cover…
All photos courtesy Mike Davis
Betsy Cross with Mike Davis
These December photographs, taken in Hays County by Mike Davis, document a rare and compelling moment: a family group of four otters moving through the river together.
North American river otters appear to be quietly reclaiming their place in Central Texas waterways and have been removed from the state “species of greatest conservation need” as numbers have improved. https://www.sariverauthority.org/blog-news/south-texas-natives-river-otter/
After otters were spotted swimming in the San Marcos River in February 2024 , Ivan Castro-Arellano, Professor of Biology at Texas State University, commented to the University student newspaper that their resurgence could be attributed to restrictions on otter hunting and trapping, along with the removal of invasive species and the enhancement of habitat with native plants.
Because otters need healthy fish-rich waterways, their presence is considered an indicator of good ecosystem health. Dr. Castro-Arellano said their reappearance in the river was an indication that the water body was in good shape. https://www.chron.com/life/wildlife/article/river-otters-texas-19417798.php
In one striking sequence, a lead otter carries what appears to be a good-sized largemouth bass, closely followed by a second otter—an intimate glimpse into both the hunting skill and social bonds of this species.
Elusive, playful, and now more visible along our local waterways, these semi-aquatic mammals are a hopeful reminder that conservation efforts and habitat restoration can allow native species to rebound.
All photos courtesy Mike Davis