Had this happen where I worked. The State stocked trout each fall and winter in our lake and we had a lot of retired guys who would come each day for yakking and catching trout. One guy in particular was pretty much a cripple and we would carry his gear to where he liked to fish, amongst some trees but within sight.

Our lake was unusually low, we had about a 15' beach between the bulkhead and the water. It was a crisp January day with a bunch of guys around the lake. We have otters on the park but they usually stay away from people. On this day an otter swam into the lake. It circled several times and then bolted out of the water at a couple of guys, they were agile enough to run. The otter went back to the water and eventually came out of the water again about 60' from this crippled guy. My boss who was a ranger and armed and I were on the office deck when we see it come out of the water and run toward this guy. At first we didn't know what it was because of it's strange gait. Anyway, it reaches this guy, who can't run, and he begins yelling, Bill, my boss, bring your gun, Bill bring your gun. We run down there and he has wacked this thing in the head with a very stout stick and knocked it unconscious.

We're standing there shooting the breeze about this and I notice bubbles coming form the otters nose and told Bill he may want to shoot it. He ignored me and kept on talking. Next thing it comes alive with a fury and thank GOD Bill and I were young enough at the time we beat it to death.

A more beautiful animal you've never seen. The coat was amazingly soft and glossy. From tip of tail to the nose he measured 7.5 '. State biologist checked for rabies which was neg. It was determined that it was breeding season and he was either trying to protect his mate or was just ramped up on hormones. Randy guys are like that. Mike

BB's going fishing for a couple of days to rid himself of his own shame and the "two young bucks" to whom he owes a small fortune. Maybe time on the water will bring him around to doing the right thing by us, but, that is not likely. Luckily, we have enough money from him already to sustain ourselves for yet a while.