- I'm Coyote Peterson, and today, we're featuring the cutest
guest that I think we've ever had on Breaking Trail.
Get ready to meet the baby river otter.
(adventurous music)
- Look at how cute that baby otter is.
- Now, otters, as we know, are related to skunks,
weasels, wolverines, and mink.
- He actually really looks a lot like a mink,
especially with this coat.
Now, they are aquatic predators,
and when I touch his fur, come here little guy.
Come here, hey, hey.
Can you hang out for a second while we get these lines?
Just for a second, and then you can go explore.
Let me see that bottle of milk.
Let's see if he's hungry. Come here.
Now, this baby river otter was recently orphaned,
and the wildlife sanctuary that we're working with right now
has taken him in and is tending to him.
Hopefully, he'll be able to be released back into the wild,
but, if not, he's going to have
a very comfortable life here at the sanctuary.
They are opportunistic feeders,
so a little one like this would be drinking milk,
but, when he gets bigger he's going to want to be
eating fish, snakes, frogs, anything that can find its way
into that mouth is fair game.
Still thirsty? Want some more? There you go.
And, you'll notice how streamlined this animal's body is.
They're incredibly cumbersome on land,
but as soon as they get into the water,
they are lightning quick.
I've had a lot of people write in and say,
"Coyote, can you do an episode with an otter?"
And, I didn't think it would be possible
because catching one in the wild is almost impossible.
But, we are so fortunate to have
this little otter with us today,
so hopefully you guys are enjoying get up close
with a baby river otter.
Oh, he just splashed milk right into my eye.
Hey, want some more? Are you done?
I think he's done.
He wants to go play in the creek at this point.
Do you have milk on your nose? Let me see.
Okay. I know, buddy. I know.
How cute is this little otter?
- [Cameraman] What's the otter's name?
- Little Orphan Otter.
- [Cameraman] Little Orphan Otter.
Are you going to give him a proper name?
- That is his proper name.
His first name is Little.
His middle name is Orphan.
His last name is Otter.
- [Cameraman] I thought it was Baby Otter.
- Well, he's just Baby Otter because he's still a baby.
Even when he grows up, he's going to be Little Orphan Otter.
- All right, well, you've had your bottle of milk.
Are you ready to go splash around in the creek?
I think he's ready.
All right, you lead the way.
(classical music)
- [Coyote] Exercise is an important part
of this baby otter's daily routine.
So, taking a trek down to the creek for a quick splash
goes a long way for his rehabilitation back into the wild.
(classical music)
There you go.
He's like, "I didn't realize that the water was here."
He's getting his feet wet. Here he goes.
And, he's off, right in his natural environment.
Look at that. Look at that tail going.
(classical music)
Now you look like a little otter, don't you?
(otter barks) Yeah. All right.
Well, he splashed around in the water for a little bit,
but, now we get a little dry-off and he's talking to me.
Was that fun? (otter barks)
Was that fun playing around in the water?
Yeah, oh, there you go. Look at that.
Scratch his belly. Look at him scratching his belly.
I think I've formed a pretty good friendship
with this otter at this point.
You having a good day?
Couple bottles of milk, splash around in the creek.
Now, it looks like you're getting ready for your nap.
Curling up in a ball, scratching your face on the grass.
It's a tough life being an otter, you know.
You stink, you know that? You stink.
You absolutely stink, but I still love you.
Here's a little butt-scratch for you.
Whoa, that feels good, doesn't it?
Whoa, that's the spot, isn't it?
Yeah, he loves that.
And, feels good, huh?
All right. I think he's getting kind of tired,
and, at this point, he's ready for his nap.
He has had a big bottle of milk
and a good splash down in the creek.
So, we're going to get him inside
so that he can have his rest.
I'm Coyote Peterson.
Be brave.
Stay wild.
We'll see you on the next adventure.
If you thought that was one wild adventure,
check out the time that I got up close
with Little Orphan Otter's feisty cousin,
the American pine marten.
And, don't forget.
Subscribe to join me and the crew
on this season of Breaking Trail.
(animal howls)