This is my FAVORITE location in Highlands Hammock. While searching
for this geocache you will cross a dam built by the CCC here in
Highlands Hammock. I would suggest attempting this cache in the
early morning before the swamp gets too muggy. Also, that is when
you're most likely to see the otters play (in my experience,
anyway). Please post when you went out if you're lucky enough to
see them! I have just had the best luck in the
mornings!
The otters that
you may see at this location are River Otters. They are
semi-aquatic mammals that have slender, long-bodies that allow them
to swim amazingly. They are able to reach fast enough speeds in the
water to catch unsuspecting fish. They have broad heads and black
eyes. Their bellies tend to be a dirty white and their thick oiled
coat on their back ranges from a medium brown to a slick black.
They have sensitive whiskers around the snout which are actually
tactile hairs. These whiskers help them to locate their prey
underwater by sensing vibrations/ripples. They have a very muscular
tail that they use to propel themselves and small rounded ears.
They are even able to close up their nostrils while diving
underwater. In Florida, adult river otters range in weight from
eleven to thirty pounds!
River otters are
active during the day and night. They have a high metabolism and
must continue to eat in order to maintain their body heat. They are
warm blooded, but in order to counteract the cold waters they have
to continually use energy and therefore constantly consume their
prey. Aside from fish, they like the feast on crawfish and turtles.
They need to eat 15% of their body weight a day! That would be like
a 200lb man eating 10lbs of food at every meal!!
River Otters spend
most of their time in the water but their real home is usually a
burrow on land. We call these dens and they are usually dug by
other animals or the otters find ones that occur
naturally.
Although playful
these guys can get loud and protective of their pups. It's not
uncommon to hear them vocalizing. And be warned, they have sharp
teeth. They mate twice a year and usually have two or three pups in
a liter. It takes three months for the pups to be weaned (that's
longer than a puppy dog or even a bobcat). And they stay with their
mother for up to a full year.
This geocache is
placed in Highlands Hammock State Park with the permission of park
management. All locations must be approved by the Volunteer
Geocache Coordinator Sarah Straub (DTISarah@gmail.com) and adhere
to the guidelines set by the park for geocache
placement.
Vehicles are not
permitted to park on any roadway within the park boundary. All
vehicles must park within designated parking areas. The park is
open from 8:00AM until sundown, 365 days a year. The admission fees
are as follows: $6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle. $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra
passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual
Entrance Pass. Camping is available in the park as well.
Highlands
Hammock State Park's Website
For more
information about accessing cache locations please visit the ranger
station to view a copy of Essential Eligibility Criteria for
Geocaching at Highlands Hammock State Park.
Please remember
to cache responsibly and stay on designated trails.