Otter in Union County?

[logs22]

So I was doing a little night fishing at Lenape Park pond, which isn't my preferred local spot but everywhere else is offimits for stocking so I decided to make due. As I walked up I saw something swimming and splashing around. I figured it was just a carp as that pond is filled with them so I turned on my headlamp and what i saw was definitely no carp. It looked to me like an otter. I thought maybe it was a muskrat but as I watched it was way too fluid and sleek for a muskrat. It was swimming around more like a seal than any muskrat or beaver.i have seen. I checked online and see that there are otters all over NJ but I found no record of one ever being spotted in UC. Anyone else come across otters in NJ?

[CroboNJ]

Can't say I have, but it's a cool find.

[bigfishy]

never saw an otter in nj but lots and lots of mink

[Skunk City]

Probably a beaver. They are very active this time of year, especially at night. I've ran into them twice this week. Their massive tail slaps are pretty startling, especially when you aren't expecting it!

[Eskimo]

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I have seen otters in the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. I guess it's not impossible for a wayward otter to find himself in an urban park pond.

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[acabtp]

it was a beaver or muskrat

[logs22]

Originally Posted by acabtp

it was a beaver or muskrat

Challenge accepted. I will return if\when I see and photograph the otter\muskrat\hallucination.

[Billfish715]

Why not an otter? I've also seen them in the Great Swamp. There have been flocks of turkeys throughout U.C. I've seen gobblers and hens in downtown Westfield and Clark and roosting on houses in Plainfield. There have been bears, coyotes, foxes, lots of deer, pheasants, woodcock, and various waterfowl. Why not an otter.

We had one hanging around our dock in Manasquan. They do get around. Why should there not be an otter in Cranford? As for the fishing, it's still my go to spot for carp. I just wish there were a plan for dredging the place though.

I'm happy that you saw an otter. Most people never will. Good luck seeing one again. They are very skittish. As for beavers, their tell tale tree falls and gnaw marks would be a good indication of their presence.

[liveitup1.75liter]

I saw n otter a few weeks ago in raritan below the junction.. bigger then a muskrat.. longer then a beaver. But it had a dog tail.. big mighty impressive rounded tail.. seen many of mink in my.days so I rules that out too..

[Jigman13]

There was a seal in Woodbridge a few years back. Legitimately on the road off of St George by the Wendy's. I think an otter can find its way into UC.