What did I see? Large black animal, running across the ice

Starting to think about moving to a new spot when I see an animal running across the ice. Black fur - likely 20 lb or more.

Unusual (to me). Low to the 'snow' running all out - 6 to 8 steps then 'falls' to it's stomach and slides - picks it self up and runs another 6 to 8 steps to slide again! Thought maybe injured?

I get into the Argo and move towards it - it is going good pace! But when sees me - it stops the sliding and RUNS. I left it alone and carried on.

Didn't have easy available camera to operate while driving - wind was cold on bare hands.

Any suggestions as to what I likely saw? This was huge!

Lake was Kashagawigamog - yesterday (Saturday).

Otter

X2 Your description is classic Otter behaviour.

did it look some thing like this?

The tracks would have looked like that except with the recent rain and new freezing temp - was a crust. (Plus I didn't stop to look at the track.) May look Tuesday now that pointing it out.

But yes - this was it exactly! A few steps and slide - repeat.

So where /why was this guy traveling across the lake in such a hurry? Burning huge calories for what?

Now that mentioning otters - during the end of summer on the dock - at night - can hear otters 'calling' nearby (while attempting to fish for walleye). Very odd sound - like small children / babies 'lost' or something. And can be very LOUD on a windless night! To some - disturbing sound.

Thanks 'the blue fox' and 'Thorahguy' for helping me make the connection!!!

Wow!!! Otter it is!!!

What do Otters do in winter? I would have thought that somewhat hibernate? But what would I know? A lot to learn!!!

All said and done - greatly appreciate the opportunity to see the otter run across the ice! Ice fishing isn't just ice fishing!

wow thats pretty cool! otters are pretty active in the winter, when u find a beaver lodge, the otters are not very far, they love eating beaver and muskrat!

And they love having fun, so not surprised at all at the running and skidding antics.

Love otters, such lively and fun animals. Had a pack of them play with us in our canoe following us around a river in algonquin for close to an hour one day, was a blast. Would have loved to seen one out on the lake like you did.

I live in Atherley just outside of Orillia and there is a few of them that live in narrows last year had took some photos of the slides, if I can find the photos I will post.

Otters seem to be one of our "Coolest" fur bearing mammals..

Great to watch, they seem to spend more time playing than anything else, we see a few each year while moose hunting from our canoe and it's always a treat to watch their antics..

They are very effective fishermen, even on the fast moving trout..

A welcome sight..

some photos I took from last year in the bay in front of my hut.

one more I think this one looks cool

otter

They are really entertaining. A few years ago while I was crappie fishing and an otter was hanging hanging around picking off fish as I was throwing them back. I eventually had him take a sunfish right from my hand.