Beneficial River Otter

North American river otters are native to New Mexico’s Gila River, the upper and middle Rio Grande River and the Canadian River. Pollution, deforestation and unregulated trapping caused their disappearance by the 1950s. Thanks to a reintroduction program in 2008 supported by non-profit conservation organizations, local tribes and government agencies, otters have returned to New Mexico. Their presence fosters healthy water ways for everyone. Herbert Halate's magical river otter is carved from jet and lightly etched for fur effect. Intelligent eyes are from turquoise inlays and whiskers are sweetly etched. Otters teach us to make time for play each day to renew ourselves. About 3 3/8" long, 3/4" wide and 1 3/8" tall.