Mammal Fact File

The rare polecat has now re-colonised the Lower Wye Valley after an absence of more than one hundred years. It’s a great place to watch feeding and roosting bats on a warm summer evening. There are 10 of the 15 British bat http://www.bio.bris.ac.uk/research/bats/britishbats/index.htm species can be seen.

Otters Lutra lutra

 Otters were once seen in good numbers along the Wye. Their numbers fell dramatically during the 1950’s when toxic chemicals were used on farms and polluted the river. In recent times their numbers have increased http://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/96855/otters-thriving-on-river-wye-says-environment-agency.aspx

 you must count yourself very lucky if you spot one as they are shy a mainly nocturnal. Each family group needs a large part of the river to live in around 6miles of river per family. Making them a rare sighting on the 52 miles of AONB river. If you are lucky enough to spot one    Share your sightings with us. (picture of otter on the frozen river) upload your sightings/picture

Otter Fact file

Otters are inquisitive, playful and intelligent, often appearing to take childlike enjoyment in sliding around on muddy banks or in snow.

Otters are perfectly adapted for life in the water. They are water specialists and live in holts around water edges.

They are fast, agile swimmers. Bubbles of air trapped in their fur, when under water, give them a silvery appearance. They have a streamlined body, powerful tail and webbed feet.

Otters are able to remain under water for up to 4 minutes.

Otters have 1-3 cubs. They usually stay with their mother for up to 15 months learn to hunt and swim well.

Otters eat mostly fish, although they can eat small mammals,birds, amphibians and crustaceans.

Signs to look out for

Otter droppings called ‘spraint’ can be found on boulders or logs in or near river. Green when fresh, turning black and tar like and finally pale grey when old, they are full of fish bones and scales with no unpleasant smell.

Otters may leave tracks on sandy or muddy banks. They have five toes, with webbing and claws. Dogs, cats and foxes all have four toes.

How to spot an Otter

You need a lot of patience and a lot of luck.

As Otters have super sensitive sense of sight, smell and hearing you need to position yourself quietly and be prepared for a long wait. Good luck.