The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Other => Topic started by: HappyHippy on May 04, 2009, 03:44:06 pm
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Two weeks ago I was convinced that I saw a young otter playing in the stream that leads off our pond, it was dusk and it was a fair distance away so I couldn't be sure, however everyone thought it was pregnancy hormones making me see things or more likely a mink..................................
That was until yesterday, when my dad - on his way back from planting trees - came face to face with an adult about 3ft long, after looking at him for a second the otter dissapeared into the undergrowth.
We have located the 'holt' and are watching, from a distance, with intrest. So far it's only the adult we've seen at the holt, but I'm hopefull there's a wee family in there.
I'm sooooo chuffed that they're here because I don't think there's ever been any in the area before, does anyone else have otters or any advice for making sure they hang about ?
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OMG you are sooo lucky to have otters near you - I love them. You must be so pleased.
Let us know if you see any little ones wont you
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i belive they are parchal to a bit of cat food (but don't quote me on that)
Linz
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How brilliant. Your local authority Ranger service might be able to help or point you in the right direction.
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Thanks Rosemary, it never even occurred to me about local ranger - must be baby brain !
Milly, you're right - I'm mighty chuffed. The only downside is that our resident wild ducks will probably lose all their eggs to the otter, but I'm afraid it's tough luck for them. Otters come way higher up my list of preferred wildlife :o
I'll do my best to get a photo, but I'm not making any promises - baby's taking up A LOT of my time ;)
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Thats so exciting I have seen otters in scotland and devon but always from a distance it will be a great experience for you to be able to watch them closely. enjoy
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We are lucky enough to have some on our shore.
Possibly a breeding set plus last years babies, but its difficult to try and tell the difference. You see piles of crab shells and claws every morning on the shore, but I've not worked out where they live.
Just don't tell too many people as they all want to watch!!!
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were lucky we can see them most times we head for the beach. You may lose the odd duck to them. Don't get to close they are very strong and will attack if bothered. We had a large dog otter walking down the road very slowly in front of us for about 50 metres a few months ago. we have seen them in town and at the ferry terminal. They have a special otter tour up here costs about £50 and they warn you that you could be stood around for hours. I used to park the car up about 20 minutes before going for the kids and they would usually be bobbing about near the car park. having moved we now have seals instead.
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Have I got otters?
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/792/40991426752_6a3da0465e_z_d.jpg)