iN PHOTOS: How playful otters adapt to icy conditions in Kamloops, Okanagan

River otters are lively members of the weasel family and no matter how cold the winter months can get, the critters can be spotted playing on icy lakes and rivers in Kamloops and the Okanagan.

They wily animals don’t hibernate and have fascinating ways to thrive in freezing temperatures and icy water, including a specialized coat of fur.

Stiff guard hairs keep out the elements, while wavy underfur traps in warm air, and oil on the hairs repels water, according to reptileknowledge.com.

When lakes freeze over the otters dig tunnels and feeding dens in the snow where fluctuations in water levels leave cracks for them to come and go. They will find dens and nooks near open water to sleep in and line them with leaves, moss and grass.

The otters are known to be intelligent with tight social bonds, communicating amongst themselves with chirps, growls, whistles and body language.

READ MORE: iN PHOTOS: Pileated woodpeckers caught on camera in Kamloops, Okanagan

This young river otter was photographed at Loon Lake, an hour west of Kamloops. iNFOnews.ca/ Gail Frith

The semi-aquatic species is most active between dusk and dawn, but area photographers were able to get some photos of them during daylight this winter.

One frosty looking otter was spotted on an iced over lake in the higher elevations of Kamloops. A couple of others were photographed diving into Loon Lake west of Kamloops and another was spotted in the snow on a lake in the South Okanagan.

If you take interesting photos of wildlife and want to share them, send them to news@infonews.ca

The semi-aquatic species is most active between dusk and dawn, but area photographers were able to get some photos of them during daylight this winter.

One frosty looking otter was spotted on an iced over lake in the higher elevations of Kamloops. A couple of others were photographed diving into Loon Lake west of Kamloops and another was spotted in the snow on a lake in the South Okanagan.

If you take interesting photos of wildlife and want to share them, send them to news@infonews.ca

A river otter walks on a snowy log at a lake in Grand Forks. iNFOnews.ca/ Peter Kalasz

A river otter on frozen Stump Lake near Kamloops scratches its neck. iNFOnews.ca/ Doug Giles

A river otter plunges into icy Loon Lake west of Kamloops. iNFOnews.ca/ Gail Frith