Monday, November 17, 2008

55. ~ Otter ~

These creatures are known to the Inuit as "amikuk." Otters bob up and down all day in the water like a cork. Sometimes it appears that the rougher the waters are the better the otter enjoys it. Otters have a full dark brown/black fur coat. Sea otters are the largest of the otter family. A mother otter will swim on her back carrying her baby stretched lengthwise on top of her, while securing the baby with her hands and arms. Otters are right at home in the water and when they wish to collect their meals they simply expel the air from their lungs to swim underwater. They are able to dive more than three hundred feet. The otter's lungs act like a balloon, so in order to dive she must release the air to hunt for her and her baby. Otters can weigh eight to eight-four pounds. Their head is rounded with tiny ears and white whiskers. Older otters can be seen with a silvery coloured head. The have a life span of approximately twenty years. They have the reputation of having the finest mammal fur. They are group oriented creatures. These groups are called rafts, as an otter spends a great deal of the time on its back to eat, sleep, and relax. Have you heard the expression the ties that bind? Well, the otter will tie and wrap their bodies so they don't drift away. It is also a perfect way for a momma otter to rock her pups to sleep. Otters have webbed feet. They are constantly grooming. Otters are playful and they love to slide around on their stomachs.

Medicine:

Otter medicine teaches us to balance work, play and rest. An otter reminds us to listen to our inner child. The otter teaches us we can get along with most people if we truly try. Otter medicine reminds us to spend one-on-one time with each of our children. Its medicine reminds us not to play favourites with family members. The otter teaches us to enjoy and make the most of each moment.

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