Orphaned otter’s loud distress call led to his rescue
AN ORPHANED otter found in distress in a field in Bridgend has been taken into RSPCA care.
The young male otter – aged about two months – was found in a field quite far from the river in Blackmill, Bridgend, and was heard due to his loud distress calls.
RSPCA animal collection officer (ACO) Nicole Wallace said: “The person who found him initially thought he was a mink from the high pitched sound he was making but on approaching him they realised what he was.
“There was no mother in sight and he was clearly in distress. Otters usually stay with mum for up to a year.”
The cub was taken to RSPCA’s West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Taunton, Somerset.
He will soon be transferred to a centre in Cheshire where another otter is being cared for, as it is better for them to be paired up during their rehabilitation.
Otters can stay in care for a long time, depending on age and season of admission, so it can be up to a year before they are released back into the wild.
ACO Wallace added: “This otter is in good health and doesn’t have any injuries, but sadly has become separated from his mother. I’d like to thank the person who called us about this otter. If anyone sees an animal in distress you can ring the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 123 4999.”
Wild animals can scratch and bite when frightened, particularly if they are injured. If you think you have found an orphaned otter cub, always monitor it from a safe distance to see if the parents return. Never try to handle an otter yourself, and if in doubt contact the RSPCA.