The dens present great contrast in location and type. They are usually situated near water, but one was found more than half a mile from the nearest stream. On the other hand, an otter will often take over the abandoned burrow of a bank beaver, and access to this abode must be by an underwater entrance. In many instances, the den is merely a nest in a thick clump of tules completely surrounded by water. The two to four young are born in early spring. At birth they are blind, toothless, and amazingly helpless in comparison with their development 6 weeks later. At this age they begin to leave the den, and before long are quite at home in the water. Though the male may be in the neighborhood, the female will not allow him near the young until they are half grown. At this time, the family will begin to live together until the young are fully able to make their own way. Otters are cosmopolitan in their tastes; being carnivores, they will prey on many species. Fish is their preferred food, and in most cases they capture rough fish species, these as a rule being slow and easy to catch. They are fully capable of catching trout, however, should other supplies fail. Otters in captivity do not thrive on fish alone, so evidently the great numbers of other small animals upon which they prey must be necessary adjuncts to their diet. These include crayfish, frogs, several species of small mammals, and such birds and eggs as may be available. The presence of otters in an area is not difficult to detect. A slide, “rolling place,” or characteristic web-toed track are all sure indications that this interesting animal is a neighbor. Cultivate its acquaintance if you can. The otter is diurnal as well as nocturnal, and should you be so fortunate as to see this happy animal coast down his slippery slide, I am sure you will get as big a thrill from it as he does. Mink _Mustela vison_ (Latin: weasel ... forceful, powerful) Range: The range of the mink is strikingly similar to that of the otter, that is, it embraces most of northern North America, extending southward into southwestern United States in the west, and to the Gulf of Mexico in the east. [Illustration: Habitat map] Habitat: This semi-aquatic animal seldom is found far from fresh water streams or ponds.