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IF YOUR PERCEPTION of otters is of laid-back little animals who look cute in photos, prepare to have your world rocked.
A photographer at a wildlife refuge in Florida got these pictures of a large otter chomping into the back of an alligator and killing it.
The pictures were taken in 2011 by photographer Geoff Walsh but were posted on the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge Facebook page this week. The giant wildlife park is made up of thousands of acres of marsh and swamps.
Reptile expert Terry Philip told National Geographic that otters are “voracious predators” who are at the top of the food chain in most places where they live.
Biting the alligator in the neck from behind is a clever trick which stops the alligator from being able to fight back in the way that it usually would, by swinging its head from side to side as it fights, Philip said.
Otters tend to eat their prey alive with their sharp teeth so it’s likely the alligator would have been stripped of its meat shortly after the pics were taken.
Lesson learned: Don’t EVER mess with an otter.
(All pics: Geoff Walsh/Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge)
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The vicious little bollix.
Brilliant.
I much prefer a nice beaver!
In fairness, isn’t the natural world a wonderful thing.
Survival of the fittest.
Mind you my money would have been on the alligator.
Not as good as that snake earlier in the week
Ahhhhh……That explains the “otter with the alligator skin boots” joke
A bit OTT er wouldn’t you say.
The bears of the river.. Good ould Pauric
They’re not even cute, they’re ugly rodents. At least the alligator has some class.
Unless you have seen one wear a tophat and a monocle I doubt they have much class
They’re mustelids not rodents
Probably but you can’t say they do t still look cool.
They’re still ugly.
So are you
I believe that’s a Giant Otter. It’s irish relative is a far nicer creature
As cute as a hungry badger.
There are tales in this country about creatures that were possibly believed to be giant otters. They were known in tales as Dabharchu or water hounds
http://www.mythicalcreaturesguide.com/page/Dobhar-chu
I think I’ll name that otter “Enda”. Looks cute but is a deceitful vicious bast**d.
That croc otter have seen that coming!
That’s decided it! We’ll get the children a pet alligator. Otters are out!
Fair play journal 3 years behind
The pic was only published this week so don’t blame the journal
Ah i know that son did you ever hear of sarcasm? It’s a mad auld yolk
Of course I’ve heard of sarcasm and that wasn’t it.
And I’m not you’re son, pal.
Jesus I’d say you’re right craic on a night out!
And you would be right in saying that Paul.
Now THATS sarcasm !!
Calm down bud. .. You will do yourself a mischief.
Give me a crocodile burger and make it snappy!
Massive water rats, that’s what giant otters.
Not a good week for alligators then
Otters cousin’s, stoats, do the same thing to rabbits. It is pretty gruesome.
Think you’ll find most animals have to eat ,its not a prerogative of humans.
Why? :(
He’s hungry
Fiesty little feicer!!
Oh … It’s a giant wildlife park. I thought it was a small alligator.
Giant otters … Cool … Some sort of nuclear accident?
Nature red in tooth and claw, for the otter it looked liked Sunday lunch. Just watch out Mim/Dad/big brother/sister ain’t around
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