How to Help England’s Playful Otters
Otters are one of England’s most loved wild mammals. Thankfully they are no longer hunted, but face many risks. They keep warm due to the thickest fur of any species, and have eyes high on their head, to see what’s going on, while in the water (they can stay underwater for up to four minutes).
Fantastic swimmers due to webbed feet, otters use their whiskers and claws to catch food. They live to play (when not eating fish, crayfish, frogs and birds’ eggs). Then hold paws while sleeping, so they don’t float away from each other!
TV wildlife cameraman Charlie Hamilton-Jones says he could watch otters all day – swimming, eating, playing and sleeping. It’s quite difficult to spot otters as they are fairly solitary (apart from when coming together to mate).
But what’s really sweet is that the parents often have to coax baby otters into the water, as they are too frightened to swim. Of course once they get the bug, you can’t keep them out of the water. View his online photographic gallery of otters.
Take Litter Home With You
Plastic bags, bottles, and fishing lines can kill otters or damage their river habitats. When you’re out walking or fishing, always collect your rubbish. Carry a bag in your pocket for wrappers or cans if bins are full.
If you see litter by the river, pick it up even if it’s not yours. Each bit you remove makes the river safer for otters and other wildlife.
Whether you agree with it or not, millions of people in England go fishing. If you’re an angler, use a mono-master (buy online here) which is a nifty little device to safely keep fishing tackle on your person, until you deposit it in a fishing line recycling bin.
Keep Rivers Clean
Pollution from homes, farms, and factories harms otters. Clean water gives otters healthy fish to eat and safe homes to raise their pups. Only flush toilet paper down the loo. Put waste oil, paints, and chemicals in special bins, never down a drain. Even small choices, like using eco-friendly cleaners, help keep rivers clear.
Leave Otters Alone
Otters may look cute, but they are shy and need space. Never try to feed, touch, or chase otters. If you see one, watch from a distance. Dogs should be kept on leads near rivers. Disturbing otters, especially mothers with pups, can force them to move and leave young behind.
Be Aware of Over-Fishing Issues
Over-fishing in rivers reduces the food that otters need to survive. If you eat fish, buy from responsible sources that protect river stocks. Avoid fish from threatened areas. Support groups calling for limits on fishing and better river protection.
Planning Laws To Protect Countryside
Otters need wild spaces. Support local plans that keep rivers, wetlands, and woods wild instead of paving them over. Share opinions with MPs or local councils when new housing or roads threaten otter homes. Encourage others to value green spaces for otters and people.
Help Make Roads Safer for Wildlife
Roads near rivers split otters’ homes, and cars kill many otters each year. Encourage councils to install road signs warning drivers about otters. Support wildlife tunnels or fences to guide animals under busy roads. Drive slower near rivers and look for wildlife crossing signs, especially at dawn and dusk.
Live an Organic Lifestyle
Farms using lots of chemicals pollute rivers and poison fish. Support local growers who farm organically without harsh chemicals. Fewer chemicals on fields mean cleaner water in streams and rivers, helping otters and other river creatures.
Help reduce demand for chemicals by choosing organic food and drinks. If you have a garden, use natural ways to feed plants and control pests without chemicals.
If planting green spaces, read about pet-friendly gardens and wildlife-friendly gardens. And trees to avoid near horses (including yew, oak and sycamore).
How to Help Otters (if concerned)
You can report any concerns to The Wild Otter Trust immediately (although baby otters may be left for several hours by their mum and should be monitored), an otter needing help only has a few hours, and they have nationwide volunteer experts to help.
If you have to handle an injured otter, place in a box with a blanket/towel to lay on (no tassels) and keep dogs and other animals away. Keep the otter in a dark quiet place (not near radiators or anywhere too hot or cold). You can also use the site to report dead otters.
The Wild Otter Trust reports that nearly all cases of fisheries having issues with otters taking fish is due to poor maintenance of fencing construction, and they can help with advice and brand recommendations.
Investing in proper fencing and maintaining it is good for fisheries and also safer for all wildlife. The trust does not charge for their advice service.
Books to Learn More About Otters
Otters (encounters in the wild) is a book by Scotland’s renowned nature writer, who with passion and vision, relives memorable encounters with one of our best-loved creatures, offering intimate insights into their extraordinary lives.
Otters are playful river-loving carnivorous mammals who love to hold hands with each other so they don’t float away, and live to play!
There is a new pattern on the sea, just offshore. At the head of it is the blunt thrust of an otter muzzle, from which a vee-shaped wedge spills quietly. A big dog otter frequents this shore. I have seen him often.
A ginger muffler about his neck, and jowls temper his sleek and powerful profile. But then any adult is a captivating cocktail. I don’t know if this is the same animal; I can’t tell in this light. But he is fishing, and he may be coming my way. Then he vanishes.
The Secret Life of the Otter is by Scottish writer Andy Howard, who also is a gifted photographer. In this book, he opens their lives to us with a perfect combination of words and images: how they hunt, the beauty of their movement, fierce battles over territory and how they raise their young.
Find Out About Animal Tools is a wonderful book to educate young children on how animals use clever tools to lead their lives.
With beautiful whimsical illustrations, the book shows just how inventive the animal kingdom is, and includes an end note of more fascinating details for curious readers. Learn about how:
- Otters break open shells on their chests
- Crows make hooks, to snare grubs
- Tailorbirds thread plants to sew ‘cup nests’ for chicks
- Crocodiles hide under sticks, watching their prey
- Egyptian vultures drop pebbles on ostrich eggs, to open them
- Male palm cockatoos break twigs to ‘drum’ on nests, to impress!
- Archerfish spit jets of water, to knock down prey
- Burrowing owls decorate doors with dung, to attract beetles
- Chimpanzees wield grass stems, to fish out termites
Martin Jenkins was born in Surrey, and grew up in Kent, Ireland and Spain, before studying conservation biology at Cambridge University.
He has studied orchids in Germany, timber in Kenya and the chameleon trade in Madagascar, and now writes books to educate children on conservation issues.
Sea Otters (North Pacific cousins)
Sea otters are native to North America, found in the North Pacific. They also have very thick fur and are bigger and more powerful than our otters, having skin pouches under their paws to store food.
They love purple sea urchins so much, that sometimes their bones turn purple (like our pee turning pink, when we eat too much beetroot!)
Little Otter is a child’s guide, to the life cycle of sea otters, which are found over the pond. Swimming in the icy ocean, readers will meet a friendly little pup, who transforms into a sleek and playful otter! Packed with super-cute illustrations.
Also learn about the secret life of sea otters living off the California coast.
