LOCAL

River otters spotted in Granger creek

Rare sighting of the animals in Williamson County even surprised wildlife experts

Mark D. Wilson
mdwilson@statesman.com
A river otter swims in Willis Creek in Granger on Sept. 2. [COURTESY OF JOSH SPRAGUE]

A father and son’s scouting trip in search of deer and pigs near Willis Creek in Granger ended in a rare encounter when the pair happened upon a group of playful river otters splashing in the creek.

Josh Sprague said he and his 7-year-old son, Jax, were scoping out the area on Sept. 2 when he noticed ripples in the water.

At first, he said, he thought some pigs may have been swimming in the creek, but as they sat near the banks, a trio of otters came paddling by.

River otters are known to inhabit Texas, particularly in the eastern portion of the state. But even though they are active year-round, they are typically shy, so sightings are rare.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the animal can be identified by its glossy, dark brown fur, webbed feet, and a long, slender body adapted for life in the water. It's considered to be superb a swimmer and can stay underwater for several minutes.

Wildlife officials said the animals once likely inhabited areas in the panhandle, north-central and southern Texas.

“I spend a lot of time (outside). I'm a trail runner, mountain biker and hunter. That was the first encounter with a river otter I’ve had,” he said.

Sprague said he spoke with two Texas Parks and Wildlife employees while reporting the encounter.

“They both said: ‘Are you sure?’ The wildlife biologist, I don’t think he even believed me,” he said.