Back in the mid 1990s, my buddy & I rounded the bend on Yeh Lake and watched maybe a dozen or so otters (young & old) slip-sliding & frolicking on the shield rock at the edge of the lake. They were so engrossed, it was maybe 10-15 seconds before they noticed us. When they did, they all scrambled for the water. Then, I'd say half of them started "circling" our canoe. A couple of the larger ones even "barked" at us.  Properly scolded, we elected to paddle on.

That was one of my stranger animal encounters in the North Woods.  Very interesting critters.

Jimbo   8-)