Скачать или смотреть Following An Otter Family - Nature and Landscape Photography

Hi Everyone,

I hope that you're all keeping well Welcome to another vlog.

Thirty years ago, the Eurasian Otter was almost extinct in the UK. Pesticides from the land were killing off prey species and the otters themselves. But over the last few years, we have seen a gradual increase in numbers and today, Otters can be found in all English counties, along with Wales Scotland and Northern Ireland. Otter territories can be very large, males between 8 and 15 miles, and females around 4 miles. A Dog otter (male) will normally have two or three females in his territory.
Males can be very agressive to other males and are frequently seen with injuries. The Otter will eat fish, which constitute around 70% of their diet, but also crustaceans, amphibians like frogs and newts, but also small birds like Coot and Moorhen. They have also been known to take Cormorants and Heron, so they are very much top of the food chain. A top predator!!

I had never seen a wild otter until February this year. They are extremely elusive and difficult to spot. You can look for signs like spraints, which are left at prominant spots like logs to warn off other otters. But also keep an eye on the other wildlife in the river or lake. Ducks may be seen swimming swiftly away, the usual cormorants will be absent and even Herons may not be around as usual. If the water is still, look for tell tale signs of ripples. It will probably be a water bird, but sometimes you could just be lucky!! We have seen two different females in different locations this year so far, and also a big Dog Otter feeding. But last week, my best sighting so far, a mother with two almost fully grown cubs. It was a huge privelege to be in the company of three of these beautiful creatures. I hope that this video captures some of the excitement of my encounter.

Stay safe and well all of you, and see you next time - don't forget, always get up and get out to enjoy our GreatOutdoors!!
Dave H

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