If you are looking for a way to add some fun and charm to your mail this winter, you might want to check out the new Otters in Snow Forever stamps from the U.S. Postal Service. These stamps feature four adorable scenes of North American river otters playing in the snow, and they are sure to make your recipients smile. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about these cute and charming stamps and how to use them.
What are the Otters in Snow Forever Stamps?
The Otters in Snow Forever stamps are a booklet of 20 stamps that were issued on October 12, 2021, in Otter, Montana. They are part of the Forever series, which means they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate, which is 66 cents as of July 9, 2023.
The stamps were designed by art director Derry Noyes, with artwork from illustrator John Burgoyne. The original illustrations were rendered in pen and ink with watercolor, using shades of brown for the otters, with black facial features and crosshatching. The wintry background is white, with blue water, light blue and violet shadows, and black crosshatching.
The stamps show four different poses of the otters, each one delighting in winter’s white wonderland. Here are the four scenes:
- An otter poking its head out of an icy body of water
- An otter sliding on its back, tail first, down a snowbank
- An otter, belly up, facing the viewer, sliding down a snowbank
- An otter chest-deep in a snow drift
On the two left-hand stamps of each block, the words “USA” and “Forever” appear in the upper-left corner, in a lowercase sans serif italic font. On the two right-hand stamps, those words are in the upper-right corner. The word “Forever” is in brown and “USA” is in gray on all four stamps.
Now that you know what these stamps look like, let’s find out why they feature otters.
Why Otters?
The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a playful and graceful mammal that can be found in riparian areas throughout most of the United States and Canada, often in the same areas as beavers. They prefer freshwater habitats but can also be found in salt water.
Otters have webbed feet, a muscular tail that helps them swim and dive, and a dense, double-layered coat that traps air beneath the fur, insulating them against the cold. They eat fish, crayfish, insects, and even hibernating frogs and turtles as part of their winter diet.
Otters are known for their fastidious grooming habits, which help them survive. They also engage in various forms of “play”, such as sliding down snowbanks or romping in the snow. This behavior helps them strengthen social bonds, hone hunting skills, mark territory, and have fun.
According to John Burgoyne, the illustrator of the stamps, he chose otters because they are “one of nature’s most endearing animals” and because they “exhibit such joyous behavior” in winter. He also said that he wanted to capture their “energy and personality” in his drawings.
Many people agree with Burgoyne’s choice and admire these furry creatures. For example, one stamp collector said that he loves these stamps because they remind him of his childhood when he used to watch otters at a nearby pond. Another animal lover said that she thinks these stamps are adorable and that she plans to use them for her holiday cards this year.
How to Use the Otters in Snow Forever Stamps
The Otters in Snow Forever stamps are perfect for sending holiday greetings, winter-themed invitations, thank-you notes, or any other mail that could use a touch of cuteness. They are also great for collectors or animal lovers who appreciate the beauty and personality of these furry creatures.
To use the stamps, simply peel them off the booklet and stick them on your envelopes or packages. Make sure to align them properly and press firmly to ensure good adhesion. You can also use a stamp dispenser or a moist sponge to apply them more easily.
You can also combine the Otters in Snow Forever stamps with other stamps to make up higher postage rates or to create your own unique designs. For example, you can pair them with other animal-themed stamps, such as the Wild Orchids stamps or the American Gardens stamps. You can also mix and match them with other Forever stamps that have different colors or shapes.
If you are wondering where to buy these stamps, read on to find out.
Where to Buy the Otters in Snow Forever Stamps
You can buy the Otters in Snow Forever stamps at any Post Office location across the country or online at the USPS website or the USPS stamps. You can also order them by phone at 1-800-STAMP24 (1-800-782-6724) or by mail through Stamp Fulfillment Services.
However, there are some advantages and disadvantages of each buying channel, as shown in the table below:
| Buying Channel | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| The USPS Website | Convenient and fast, no need to queue or wait: $0.66 | May have to pay extra fees for shipping and handling, may encounter delays or out-of-stock situations |
| Post Office | Can get the stamps right away, no extra costs: $0.66 | May have to face long lines or limited availability depending on location and time of visit |
| The USPS Stamps | Convenient and fast, no need to queue or wait, Discounted Price: $0.39~$0.51 | The Government doesn’t suggest to buy from 3rd resellers who sell discount forever stamps. |
To find a Post Office location near you that sells the Otters in Snow Forever stamps, you can use the USPS Locator tool. You can also call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or use the USPS Mobile app to get information on hours, services, and directions.
Other Stamps You Might Like
If you like the Otters in Snow Forever stamps, you might also enjoy some of the other stamps that the U.S. Postal Service has issued or will issue in 2021. Here are some of them:
- The Barns stamps feature four different types of American barns that reflect the nation’s rural heritage.
- The Heritage Breeds stamps celebrate 10 traditional livestock breeds that are part of the country’s agricultural history.
- The Message Monsters stamps are a fun and interactive way to send greetings, invitations, or announcements. They feature four colorful creatures that have blank speech bubbles that you can fill in with your own words.
- The Day of the Dead stamps honor the Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of departed loved ones. They feature four colorful and intricate skull designs that represent the folk art of calaveras.
- The Raven Story stamps commemorate the cultural significance of the raven in the mythology of Alaska Native and American Indian peoples. They depict a raven opening its mouth to release the sun, moon, and stars into the world.
You can find more information about these and other stamps at usps.com/stamps.
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