Where can we spot an otter?

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Where can we spot an otter?

The secret of success when otter-spotting is to drive along the coastal roads, stopping frequently to look for them.

By David Tomlinson

Saturday, 23 February 2008

My eight-year-old son's ambition is to see a wild otter, something which is not easy here in Sussex. However, we are going to Scotland at Easter and wonder if you could suggest the best place to try to see one?

A:
Though there are a few sites in England where otters are regularly seen, they are generally much easier to find in Scotland. The Shetland Islands probably offer the best chance, closely rivalled by Skye and Mull.

A few years ago I spent two days otter watching on the Isle of Mull and saw six different otters, but I was making a real effort.

The secret of success is to drive along the coastal roads, stopping frequently to look for them. They can often be seen sitting on rocks, or fishing, when the so-called 'ring of bright water' often marks their presence.

The otters on Skye and Mull clearly feel safe from persecution, so are active during the day and seem to take little notice of people watching them at a distance. You will need patience and good binoculars to be sure of success

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Comments

Gordon Marshall

Thu, 21st Feb 2008 21:12:04

There are otters on the river nith in dumfries at ellisland farm were Robert Burns worked .this is a stretch of river looked after by dalswinton est .very nice place for a walk on both banks of the river and a very good chance of seeing a pair of otters

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