I suspect that the Otter was frightened by the screaming kids and other potentially threatening behavior. Wild Animals, especially Predators, are very attuned to scent and Body Language. They can smell your emotional state, be it anger, fear, curiosity or whatever. Etiquette is very important when dealing with wild creatures. Assuming the animal isn't cornered, injured or ill, the likelihood of a hostile encounter is minimal.
I once had a close encounter with a large Male Fisher, an animal that is at the top of the pecking-order in the woods. We made eye contact for what seemed like a long time, he sized me up, decided I wasn't a threat, and continued his journey, passing less than 2 feet away from me like I wasn't even there. It made a strong impression on me. When we made eye contact, it was if he could read my mind. He never raised a hackle, never growled or displayed any aggressive posture. I did the same. It was like two strangers passing on a sidewalk.
The best thing to do is avoid contact, that's what they do in the vast majority of cases.
The two things I fear most is a pack of feral Dogs and a Human with a gun that doesn't know what they're doing.
Edit history
Recommendations
0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):
= new reply since forum marked as read