SUBMITTED PHOTO DAN SCHIEBELBEIN Otters sit on top of ice at Police Point Park earlier this winter. The park is holding a walk Sunday for people to find the animals and observe them from a safe distance. People are asked to be ready for a walk on dirt trails and to not bring pets.
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@MHNmocranker
Police Point Park staff is taking a group out on Sunday to observe some of the city’s newest residents.
People are asked to meet at the Nature Centre at 2 p.m. before heading out on a group walk along some of the park’s trails.
“I’m going to scout around this week to see where the otters might be hanging out,” said park interpreter Marty Drut. “We want to take people out to enjoy these animals from a safe distance – we’re going to give them space and respect their boundaries.
“Everyone loves otters, so we figured, why not?”
Drut says the walk will take about an hour.
“It could be fairly challenging for some people,” he said. “There’s a good chance there’s snow, dirt, mud and ice on some of these trails.
“Come prepared and dress for the weather.”
Drut says the park is not allowing pets on the walk.
“We’re asking people to leave their dogs at home for this walk,” he said.
Drut says the group will not be getting close to the otters.
“We’re not going to disturb them,” he said. “If they happen to be on the Police Point side of the river, we will definitely stay further away than if they’re on the other side of the river.
“People should bring binoculars so they can see them from a distance.”
There is a chance the otters do not get seen during the walk, but Drut says it will still be a fun time.
“Police Point is a beautiful park with a lot to see,” he said. “This is going to be a fun afternoon.”
More information can be had by calling 403-529-6225.
