Do your homework to ensure that you’re fully educated before venturing out to otter spot. Mating occurs at any time of the year and females give birth to 2 – 3 cubs, usually between May and August. nets and traps). A fish farmer who claims his business was ruined after otters ate all of his 22,000 prized carp has been told his argument for damages is "hopeless". © 2020. 2. She wants the treat at the bottom of the bottle. Individuals are up to 90 cm. Please remain aware of how the otter is behaving. Although it was previously widespread in Japan, it is now believed to be extinct there. Predation by otters can have a serious impact on both private and commercial fisheries. Historically, otters Lutra lutra occurred over most of the UK. Considerable advice is available to establish whether it is otters that are causing problems to a fishery, and if so whether compromise measures such as decoy ponds etc might be sufficient. Males, known as dogs, are longer than the females, which are called bitches. National survey of otter Lutra lutra distribution in Scotland 2003-04. The male plays little, if any, role in rearing the young. Also shown is a guide of the actual costs (it should be noted that the members of this small non-profit received the materials from the fishery manager). With Brexit done, the EU has other problems to deal with — starting with ‘illiberal’ Hungary Peter Conradi, Europe Editor Sunday January 03 2021, 12.01am , The Sunday Times 5: Always stay downwind. Journal of Zoology. 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. Trees for Life is a registered Scottish charity – number SC021303. The otter has good senses of sight, hearing and smell, and the long whiskers on each side of its snout are highly sensitive to touch, helping it to find food in murky conditions underwater. 1: Do your research. 9: Never disclose exact locations on public or social media sites. Several factors … We all know that we’re unable to fence every mile of water, and also that otters are here to stay as a (rightfully) protected species. and the use of this iconic species to raise awareness of pollution problems and the benefits of action to improve the environment. In the UK, the otter is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and is listed as a priority species for conservation under the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). 7: Never remove spraints (dung). The hind feet are larger than the forefeet, to provide greater propulsion while swimming. Dinosaur Dental Suit otter 2016-10-26T12:00:52+01:00. 6: NEVER BAIT AREAS OR OTTERS. Doing so may change otter behaviour patterns and will be VERY detrimental to the species. Changes in traditional farming methods also play a part in threatening the otter via the increasing use … Other Problems Your console has been manufactured under strict quality standards, as required by the regulations governing the manufacture of electronic devices. A physical barrier that otters cannot climb over, pass through or under is the most effective deterrent for managed stillwater fisheries and fish farms. The otter’s coat is brown on top, while the underside is a paler cream colour. Newborns are only about 12cm long but grow quickly and can swim at three months. The otter (Lutra lutra) was lost from most of England and Wales between the 1950s and the 1970s because of pesticide pollution of waterways. Search. Since July 1988 at least 300 otters have been run over in England and Wales. After 10 weeks they are able to swim, but will remain with their mother for up to a year. Its range also encompasses Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia in North Africa, Middle Eastern countries from Turkey to Iran and Afghanistan, the Himalayan river valleys of Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bhutan, and parts of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. Their weight ranges from 7-12 kg. Please pass this on to an otter group in that area, so they can add the information to their database for monitoring and survey purposes. The dense fur acts as insulation, helping to keep it warm in the water, and the guard hairs are covered in a water-repelling oil, which keeps the skin underneath dry. in length along the coast, or from 5-20 km. 12: Keep track. long. Eurasian otter numbers began declining in the 1950s until the species became almost extinct in England and Wales, although a small population survived in Scotland. A female otter reaches sexual maturity at between 18 months and 2 years of age, although most breeding begins at between 2 and 3 years. Our vision is of a revitalised wild forest in the Highlands of Scotland, providing space for wildlife to flourish and communities to thrive. Many people ask us where they can see otters. The floods of last autumn and winter have compounded the problem. I am trying to contact Otterbox for a refund but there is no way to contact them. Anti-Spider Protection Vehicle otter 2016-11-22T10:36:29+00:00. To grasp its prey, the otter has sharp, non-retractable claws on its feet, which each have five toes. Otter Nuisance Concerns: Otters are mischievous by nature and this makes them ingenious when it comes to creating problems in human environments. The main problem the otter has faced in the recent past has been habitat loss and hunting by humans, but with conservation efforts addressing those issues in the UK, its population has expanded again, and its future now looks assured here. Skip to main content The Wildlife Trusts. We also hope to work with organisations such as the Angling Trust and Environment Agency (both of whom will also advise on otter predation prevention) to strengthen our position and benefit both angling and otter conservation. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Here you’ll find many useful information sheets about otters, and what to do if you happen to find one. Today, the species is flourishing across Scotland, and recovering well across the UK as waterways are cleaned up. Whether it a glimpse of water-webbed whiskers, a lithe body porpoising in play, or the tip of a ruddering tail, the sight of a shy otter is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in the UK. It does not work as advertised because it won't support wireless charging. The existence of sea otter is helping the ecosystem to be balance. 11: Seek advice. Organochlorine chemicals which are found in pesticides contaminated rivers in England rendering them uninhabitable for fish and otters. The otter also has some other adaptations that support its aquatic lifestyle, including its sleek, streamlined body shape, the ability to close its nose and ears with flaps of skin when underwater, and webbing between the toes of its feet. Anti-Climbing Suit otter 2016-10-26T12:00:52+01:00. However, in the past it is likely that wolves (Canis lupus) preyed on the otter, as wolves in North America today are known to catch the related North American river otter (Lontra canadensis). The return of the otter in England is causing problems for commercial fisheries, which are resorting to unusual remedies. 3: Know your companions. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/otters-protection-surveys-and-licences We are happy to visit fisheries to advise on the best preventative measure(s). Otters are slow to reproduce and most mothers only bear two sets of cubs in their lifetime. It is territorial and solitary, and will mark its territory with spraints, or droppings that are left on distinctive points, such as rocks or fallen trees. The main problem the otter has faced in the recent past has been habitat loss and hunting by humans, but with conservation efforts addressing those issues in the UK, its population has expanded again, and its future now looks assured here. The hedgehog tick (Ixodes hexagonus), which is a close relative of the deer tick (Ixodes ricinus), is also a common parasite on otters. Captive otters have been recorded eating an average of 1.5 kg. We do not want to see otters persecuted because people feel they have no other avenue, and we do not want to see beautiful fishing waters closed down when there is help available. Otters that live in coastal waters need to visit fresh water regularly to clean their fur. It’s important to watch them responsibly, so we’ve produced a simple advice guide to help you to understand the dangers that otters face — and to help you enjoy them as much as we do. - 4 - The revised (2006) Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) target for otters in England was for at least 997 10km squares to show signs of otter occupation by 2010 and for 1084 10km squares to show signs of otter occupation by 2015. When census takers tried to count the nation's homeless population, they ran into many problems that could threaten the accuracy of the effort. Thankfully, following the ban of these chemicals in the early 1990s, water quality increased and the slow-road to recovery began. The otter can live for up to 10 years, but in the wild its average lifespan is often 3-4 years. 2: Prioritise species safety. They say to use chat but no one answers at chat - even during the work hours they are open. Two species of tapeworms (Diphyllobothrium latum and Diphyllobothrium medium) that are parasites of fish have been found in otters. If you’re going out with another photographer, ensure that you know them and their behaviour, and that you’re both on the same page. However, at some point during a product’s life cycle, some units may develop problems. In recent years, though, the otter has recovered considerably in the UK and much of Europe due to conservation efforts and the banning of pesticides such as dieldrin. You can also report otter spots to us by clicking here. The latest breaking news, comment and features from The Independent. The prevalence of Pseudoterranova decipiens (Nematoda) and Corynosoma strumosum (Acanthocephala) in otters Lutra lutra from coastal sites in Britain. I ordered SAMSUNG OTTER + POP SYMMETRY GALAXY S20 BLACK Item No: 77-64209 and paid extra to have it shipped overnight. Pollution from pesticides, mercury, oil spillages and PCB’s are still a hazard to otter populations in some countries, as well as habitat destruction on land and in the water. Fencing can be a contentious subject for some due to cost, but it needn’t be. The Environment Agency can be contacted on 03708 5060506 (ask for the local Biodiversity & Fisheries Officer). With a range of cover options, switching temperatures and certifications, Otter has a thermostat for your next project. SEE OUR SELECTION. We are very happy to advise on any aspect of fishery protection – simply get in touch for more information. along a river, and are fiercely defended, sometimes resulting in death. This list is not exhaustive, but it gives you the basic rules of professional otter watching. 605079649. Otters also have an acute sense of smell! The European or Eurasian otter is the most widely-distributed of the world’s 12 otter species, and it occurs throughout Europe and much of Northern Asia, including Russia, China and the Korean peninsula. In Europe the otter populations declined substantially in the 1960s and 1970s, due to mortalities caused by pesticide use. Aside from polluted habitats, hunting also contributed to the decline in their population. Otters have acute hearing and will hear you from a long way off. The otter occurs throughout Scotland, both on the mainland, and on many of the islands, including Mull, Skye, the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland. CONNECTORS Otter controls has a selection of electrical connectors and couplers, including wash proof options. SC143304, with registered offices at The Park, Findhorn Bay, Forres, Moray, IV36 3TH. We will help erect fencing if it is possible and feasible for us to do so; of food per day. Otters in England and Wales are mainly found on freshwater systems but they can also exploit coastal habitats, and there is growing evidence that they … Mating takes place in the water, and can occur throughout the year; there is no fixed breeding season. Twenty-five years ago, The English otter population was on the brink of extinction after half a century of agricultural chemicals leaching into the rivers and polluting the food chain. It is an opportunistic feeder, taking whatever prey is available, and is also known to eat small mammals, including young European beavers (Castor fiber). The sinuous otter is an excellent swimmer and can be seen hunting in wetlands, rivers and along the coast - try the west coast of Scotland, West Wales, the West Country or East Anglia for the best views. 4: Wear waterproof, but silent, clothing. In mainland Europe, otter territories often overlap with those of the European beaver, and the ponds created by beavers are important for otters in rivers where there is little deep water. What measures? The eyes are located on the top of the head, so that they are above the water when the animal is swimming. This information may get into the wrong hands. Cubs are usually born in a holt in a bank, or between rocks or tree roots. If otters fascinate you, below are some interesting otter facts. 8: Stay aware. (1990). Please feel free to contact us directly if we can help! 8: Stay aware. Therefore, we are happy to offer the following to affected fisheries (free of charge to successful applicants): 1. VAT No. About us. 3. Nowadays, these charismatic animals can be seen in every county in the UK. Otter offers a variety of different themostats including the versatile G-series, robust V series, and the fluid optimised Y1 series. Origin & Distribution: The otter is a secretive semi-aquatic species which was once widespread in Britain. Mortality can be high amongst young otters, often due to starvation when they disperse in areas where there are well-defended territories of adults. But it survived in Scotland’s cleanest bodies of water in the north and west. In the UK, otters almost became extinct in the fifties and sixties because of rivers contaminated with chemical residues. I can add it to my list of ‘very important things to invent really soon’. The European otter is classified as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, meaning that it is likely to be considered threatened in the near future. Plastic can holders (the type that hold your larger cans together) are a particular hazard to otters as they are inquisitive animals, and often get their head stuck in these, while empty plastic carrier bags pose a potential threat to many species. Discover where otters live in the UK, how you can spot their signs, and where you can see them for yourself. in body length, with a tail that is up to 45 cm. Copyright © 2019 Uk Wild Otter Trust | Designed by Kinlake, Otter factfile: What they’re like, threats, and how to find them, What to do if you find a live otter or cub, Click here for advice on how to find otters. These are covered in fur, but have their eyes closed for the first 5 weeks. Unlike other parts of the UK, where they occur mainly in freshwater ecosystems (rivers and lakes), otters in Scotland live along coastlines, as well as in lochs and rivers. The hedgehog tick (Ixodes hexagonus), which is a close relative of the deer tick (Ixodes ricinus), is also a common parasite on otters. Are otters a problem for freshwater fisheries? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. They leave the protection of their mothers at 10 – 12 months and can breed at 2 years old. If it changes its behaviour, then there’s a good chance you have disturbed it and should leave quietly. The ponds also provide otters with a source of fish, and disused beaver lodges are used by otters for shelter. A company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland – company No. Otter numbers plummeted in Britain in the 1950s due largely to pollution from pesticides and habitat loss. We will advise on suitable fencing and how it should be erected; The return of otters to the UK. If you have any ideas for an invention then please do let me know. Please remain aware of how the otter is behaving. The otter is carnivorous and eats almost exclusively live prey, such as trout (Salmo trutta), young salmon (Salmo salar) and other fish, crustaceans, eels, frogs, water birds and insects. Female territories are about half the size of those of the males. That's what a half dozen census takers around the U.S. tell The Associated Press. A high number population of sea urchin can be reduce and reach its normal number of population because sea otter feeds on it. Dodson claims the Environment Agency reintroduced otters to a nearby river without informing him and that the otters ate all the stocked fish in … By the 1970s, otters were restricted mainly to Scotland, especially the islands and the north-west coast, western Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country (though they remained common and widespread also in Ireland). However, we can help those affected. 2020 Census Homeless. If you’re unsure about anything at all, there are many good otter conservation and education groups that are willing to help you and answer any questions. 10: Always keep dogs on leads – no matter how well behaved they may be –and under control near watercourses and rivers, especially if you know that otters may be nearby. Once you locate otters, take note of behaviour, weather and river conditions, numbers, and other general details of what you saw, along with times and dates. Otters that live along coastlines feed mainly on crabs and dogfish (Scyliorhinus spp.). 6: NEVER BAIT AREAS OR OTTERS. Predation can eat into the profits of those with vested interests in fish, but measures can be taken to prevent otters from taking stock from still-water fisheries. Otter waste can also be an issue … This decline was caused by organo-chlorine pesticides. Since these were withdrawn from use, otters … (AP Photo/David Becker, File) 2 / 5. Charity Registration Number - Ring pulls and empty cans, for instance, can be a hazard to otters in or near water, not to mention the risk of cutting humans or other wildlife. The European otter is protected in various international conventions, including the European Union’s Habitats and Species Directive and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), where it is listed in Appendix 1, which prohibits all trade in individuals from the wild. The otter is at the top of the aquatic food chain in much of its range today, with no natural predators. While hunting and habitat loss played a part, pollution of our waterways from agricultural chemicals was devastating to otter populations. The otter’s droppings are known as spraint and otters use them to mark their territories How to recognise In the UK otters can only really be confused with the introduced American mink, but otters are much larger (95-130cm in length, including tail), with a distinctive white throat. Like most wild mammals, the otter is host to a range of parasites, and these include a common trematode (Pseudamphistomum truncatum) and a fluke (Metorchis albidus), which have been found in otter gall bladders. Main navigation. Otters also have an acute sense of smell! The most common issues with otters center on specialty facilities being invaded by the hungry mammals. Otters in fish hatcheries, stocked ponds, or private waterways can wreak havoc in a short amount of time. on average, although large males have been recorded reaching up to 17 kg. Recent Stories. Doing so may change otter behaviour patterns and will be VERY detrimental to the species. … "It's not physically possible for them to spread very quickly," said Yoxon. With a good membership behind you, the protection can be installed for very little – in almost 100% of cases, for much less than just one prize fish. Shetland in particular has a dense population of otters, and is estimated to be home to 12% of the UK total for the species. These are very important, as they are used to communicate with other otters. The European otter is a medium-sized carnivore in the Mustelidae, or weasel, family, which also includes the pine marten, badger and stoat. The otter was once widespread throughout the UK and Europe. In recent years the otter has encountered new and varied threats, including habitat destruction (road building, new urban development), persecution by fishery owners and gamekeepers (as they are seen as a threat to fish and game birds – which is untrue), and if near the sea, injury and capture in fishing nets. A major cause of death is injuries sustained in territorial fighting, while others are killed whilst crossing roads or by drowning after getting caught in traps for fish and crustaceans. 1167746 Jefferies, D. J.; Hanson, H. M.; Harris, E. A. 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