Trickster Trio

North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis)

The Owen Sound Field Naturalists Collection, #15

The North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) is one of Ontario's most charismatic and joyful wild mammals, its sleek, muscular body, playful energy, and extraordinary aquatic agility making it one of the most thrilling and uplifting wildlife encounters possible along the rivers, lakes, and wetland corridors of Grey and Bruce Counties. Highly social and deeply family-oriented, otters move through their riverside world with an exuberant physicality that goes beyond mere survival, sliding, swimming, climbing, and resting in a constant fluid choreography that speaks to a relationship with the physical world that unmistakably looks like joy. Once significantly reduced across Ontario by trapping pressure and water pollution, River Otter populations have recovered strongly in Grey and Bruce Counties as water quality has improved and conservation awareness has grown, and targeted reintroduction efforts have been successful across their wider habitat range. A wildlife success story is always worth celebrating!

Reference photography for inspiration was kindly provided by Bernice Wood. Thank you!

✨ 15% will be donated to conservation from all OSFN Collection original paintings ✨

In a collaboration to highlight the enjoyment of our backyard wildlife here in Ontario, the Owen Sound Field Naturalists and signature member of Artists for Conservation, Sarah McComb Turbitt, created a challenge to paint as many local species as she can during March 2026. 15% of original artworks, 35% of limited-edition prints, and 50% of artwork cards will be donated to OSFN. The Owen Sound Field Naturalists promotes and fosters learning about nature through their ongoing programs and sponsorships. They support a wide variety of activities, including a Young Naturalists Program, stewardship of many natural heritage properties in Grey Bruce Counties, interpretive signage, presentations by knowledgeable speakers and outdoor excursions with experienced leaders.

All original artwork is hand-signed by Sarah McComb-Turbitt and includes a certificate of authenticity and white cotton gloves for handling the painting upon delivery.