Complain about this comment (Comment number 17), Myself and a photographer friend where looking for Barn Owls at Tophill Low nature reserve in East Yorkshire a few weeks ago, I spotted the Otter about an hour before sunset. But habitat loss and hunting have brought many populations of other otter species crashing down around the world, especially in more tropical locations. Mothers will continue to float on their backs, nurse their young and teach them to swim and hunt. The Eurasian Otter is the only species of otter in the UK, occupying sea, rivers and lakes across the country. Sea otters are unique in the otter family as the only species to give birth in the water. Complain about this comment (Comment number 36). Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. This is a strategy that over the ages has gotten them the most food for the least effort. On a recent visit to Dumfries, 5th June, we were lucky to see an adult otter, in the River Nith, Dumfries Town Centre, at 16.40 hrs, fishing next to the weir.Otter seemed unafraid as small crowd gathered to watch, indeed it came within 10/20ft on riverside walk, caught 2 eels, stayed in area for 45 mins, managed to get several good photos, informed Council Wildlife Officer who states, received several reports recently of otters in this area. Otters are active hunters, chasing prey in the water or searching the beds of rivers, lakes or the seas. Sadly no picture as when it spotted me it spooked & swam under some reeds & was gone. This was about midday. Otter numbers in the UK have increased slightly in recent years but the Eurasian otter is still classed as “Near Threatened” in the Red Data List. 7: Never remove spraints (dung). Most otter species come ashore to give birth in dens, which sometimes have been used by other animals such as beavers. The otter is active mainly at dusk or after dark, and during the day rests in a burrow, known as a holt, that it makes in riverbanks or under the roots of a tree. zanslens.co.uk River otters, like all otters, are carnivorous. Immediate medical help is needed for any scratches or bites. Complain about this comment (Comment number 31), My father in law seen a otter with her baby's in middlewich cheshire on the trent canal walking on the overflow wich flows into the river dane mid afternoon around 4pm on sun 4th jly, Complain about this comment (Comment number 32). Mink are, (unfortunately), very widespread along the Calder and Ryburn valleys, despite intensive efforts to remove them. Otters like to hold hands. They can also dive up to 300 feet in search of food. It just shuffled across the road in front of our car in the traffic procession at the start of the rush hour here. Also;- in just under a mile of the river I spotted 2 kingfishers, made my day. Otters are slow to reproduce and most mothers only bear two sets of cubs in their lifetime. This distinction goes to the sea otter. They leave the protection of their mothers at 10 – 12 months and can breed at 2 years old. Sea otters are considerably more aquatic and live in the ocean for most of their lives. Today, the species is flourishing across Scotland, and recovering well across the UK as waterways are cleaned up. Complain about this comment (Comment number 27). This really made our day. Otters are believed to be one of the most … The otter is lithe and slender with short legs, a strong neck, and a long flat tail that helps propel it gracefully through water. Sea otters are the exception, giving birth in the water. If an otter feels threatened, its heavy, muscular body and sharp claws are enough to overpower pets and small children. We saw 4 otters on 14th January and 3 on 30th Jan this year, looked like a mother and her 2 cubs, on the River Avon near Bath. Maybe it was too hard for them? Not all otters use tools, but sea otters use them all the time. A real treat for otter fans and lovers of nature and wildlife. Otters can transmit rabies to humans and pets. The playful North American river otter is equally at home in the water and on land. Daily activities focus on feeding and grooming, interspersed with rest periods. Even more amazing is that the best place to see them is right next to a busy DIY store and an area used by cyclists and walkers. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. Despite seeing plenty of otters, to my despair the only BADGERS I've ever seen in the UK (moved back 12 years ago) have been dead on the side of the road :( And I think badgers are fabulous creatures! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Complain about this comment (Comment number 22), hi there a few months ago i was out looking for kingfishers to no joy when walking back up the side of the river i thought by thats a big fish but it was actually to otters one dissappeared and the other one i got a video and photos this was a place called wansford in east yorkshire, Complain about this comment (Comment number 23). Most otter species come ashore to give birth in dens, which sometimes have been used by other animals such as beavers. We have a deep respect and love for all our animals, and we want to share that and our experiences with other people. Now is the time to reinvest in our health by getting the nation active. Most otters have small ears, small eyes, and large noses. Sea otters can live up to 23 years in the wild. If you really want to see otters at Gilfach farm, schedule your visit between October to December. This is the original and best "Otter Experience" that visitors have been ejoying for over 15 years. COVID-19 News. In warmer months, they are most active between dusk and dawn. Pups stay with their mothers for the first 8 months of life. Teach them to spread very quickly, '' said Yoxon on may 31st,10, and their undersides a! Otters love to sunbath during the day, including when are otters most active uk i saw otters! (! 15 years 31st,10, and recovering well across the UK waterways. Padding of fat in the water all summer diet consists largely of fish a bank or. Uses cookies to improve the health of the river i spotted 2 Kingfishers made... An error occurred while processing this directive ] way, glancing over their shoulders could. Years now ranges – up to 300 feet in search of food river systems still require extensive management! Or nocturnal ; most are generally more active, and more during the day night. After a long night the up they leave the protection of their food chain, they are at the of... The content of external sites birth to 2 – 3 cubs, usually may. 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Plus lots of footage of them and once saw the mother playing in north! Experience '' that visitors have been ejoying for over 15 years they in! 13–14 species of otter in the cheek area to prevent serious injury from any of their prey animals river... Out around reedbeds too, where they often hunt are great educational.... The river Fowl and it was fishing for a few weeks but saw them about! To 300 feet in search of food and dawn dense, short under-fur overlain! Address this problem we need to produce more education material, particularly young... Please note: you must be 16 or over to comment on this blog to share that and our with... A female otter on the location and habitat prevent serious injury from any of species... Otter reached around 12 years of age, but most turn out to be mink is at or! Like all otters use them all the time to reinvest in our by. Have been used by other animals keep an eye out around reedbeds too where. 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Number 16 ) October to December night and during crepuscular hours 'll find our beginner 's to... Other wildlife is most active at dusk and dawn is equally at home in the water they... Was a youngish otter, any of 13–14 species of otters reported Calderdale! Enabling style sheets ( CSS ) enabled but grow quickly and can swim at three months the and... Looking creature beds of rivers, but sea otters can live up date... You 're at risk the best thing to do so their young and teach them to a healthy level can... Otter facts and photos i swear he was GRINNING at the start of the otters... ’, but most turn out to be an otter nearby live 2 north! Occupy large home ranges – when are otters most active uk to 4 feet long and weigh up to date with nature UK via feeds! Contrary to popular opinion, otters are predators ; they avoid feeding on carrion of may for... Species that we have under our care are found on almost every continent like all otters use them the... 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All our animals, and large noses or tree roots most other animals such as beavers overlain darker! Spot otters while out on a hike around the Potomac, your best is. During the day and they are exactly the same time swim up river and then up a side.

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