The Otters Were Taunting The Bobcat Whether it was catlike curiosity or his predatory instinct that brought the bobcat to the otters it didn't matter; he remained persistent in his attempt to reach them. This whole situation could have ended in a heartbeat, had it come to a showdown between the otters and the bobcat. As long as each remained in their respective element, things would continue without incident. Otters cannot be underestimated when it cones to a scrap, especially when they are in the water. Out of the water they are more vulnerable, but they have sharp teeth, strong jaws, and can inflict a serious wound. Their fat and thick fur protects them from such injury, as well as from the cold water. The bobcat was apparently satisfied not to push the issue, and kept a respectable distance. There was not a great size difference, the bobcat probably out-weighed the otters by ten pounds, but he was outnumbered. The otters now moved to the opposite side of the pond, where they left the protection of the water. After a short romp on the shore, they again became alert to the bobcat's presence and returned to the water. |
The bobcat reappeared, this time on the opposite side of the pond. The bank sloped sharply down to the pond's edge and the bobcat stopped short of the water. He had to use his back legs as brakes to prevent going head-first into the water. He then folded his back legs under him and sat back on his haunches. The bobcat remained in this pose for several minutes, gazing out over the water, looking for all the world like a monarch on his throne. The otters moved further down the pond but not as far as before. His highness, the bobcat, moved again and took up his customary place on the pond's edge. 
His Highness The Bobcat Now the otters approached even closer. The bobcat started into the water, but found the water too deep to wade. He decided not to swim, let discretion be the better part of valor, and backed partly out of the water. In this position, with his back feet barely out of the water, he used his left paw to make a furious swipe at the otters, which were several feet away. This resulted in sending up a small geyser of water, which seemed to be the climax of his frustration. He backed completely out of the water and lay down on the shore where it was somewhat flatter. The bobcat licked his wet fur and rolled about an his back, in much the manner of a domestic cat. |
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