Mother Otter Gives Sight-Seeing Photographer A Special Job
Mother otters have a way of making even an ordinary day feel a little softer. In Monterey Bay, California, wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas got a front-row seat to one of those moments, and the result is as sweet as it sounds.
She spotted an otter mom floating on her back with her sleeping pup resting dry on her belly, then watched as the mother kept the baby safe while she foraged for food. The pair stayed close to the dock, giving Eszterhas an unexpected chance to photograph the scene up close.
The photos are adorable, and the story behind them is even better. Read on.
Momma Otter keeps her sleeping baby dry
The fluffiest little pup
Looks like any human parent with a sleeping baby
Eszterhas suggested Momma Otter was really used to humans
“Most sea otter mothers are quite shy with their babies, but this mother was very habituated to people, and she was very relaxed as she lovingly raised her pup in a busy harbor,” Eszterhas said.
This is basically the same parenting struggle as a tiger mom bathing her cub in the river.
Momma Otter gives her baby a little kiss
“Sometimes, she swam right up to the dock and left her pup floating on the water’s surface right in front of me while she foraged for food.”
I may die from the cuteness
Momma Otter's trust and comfort around humans made Eszterhas feel like she was entrusted to babysit
“This [the moment] made me feel like a babysitter,” she said. “It was adorable, and it also really showed how vulnerable and trusting wild animals can be!”
Baby otters are the best way to brighten your day
Check out this video of Momma Otter with her pup!
Even though she has been observing otters for a long time, Eszterhas was truly blown away by this moment. No matter how long she's watched otters, this was still such a precious moment for her to witness.
Between how naturally adorable otters are and how wholesome this momma and her pup are, these photos are the best way to warm your heart today. Help these good feelings spread and share this with your friends and family!
Want more adorable otter chaos on camera, check out these 40 pictures proving otters are the cutest animals.
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