Idea #328 – Observing the otters of the isle of Mull
In the Scotland, it is possible to observe the Otter of Europe (Lutra Lutra), in broad daylight, on the wild banks. Activate mainly in low tide, it marks a peak of activity at the middle-tide, when the hunting facilitated by the appearance of holes) on the rocky coast, allowing it to chase away preys there trapped during the low tide. The observation of an otter begins generally with the escaped vision of a small head on the surface of the water, immediately followed by a dive, the tail of the otter appearing completely from some water, sure criterion of identification.
The dive can last several minutes, then the animal reappears, sometimes up to 50 meters of its point of the beginning of dive. Shortly after, the otter is going to re-appear on a rock at the water’s edge to consume its prey. If the hunting is fruitless it dives back, moving by following the coast, always into the same direction. To find it, there’s nothing like to lie in ambush in the mouth of a small river going in the sea. The islands which we find frequently along the cut rocky coast bring it the safety necessary for the birth in its catiche, as well as zones of completely quiet diurnal rests.
It finds also an abundance of preys and an almost absolved tranquillity, conditions necessary for its preservation on a sector there. The presence of fresh water is essential to it to be able to there ressuyer its fur. Only a meticulous toilet in the fresh water allows it to keep its insulating and damp-proofing power.
Some Pictures
Where is it ?
Isle of Mull, Hebrides, United Kingdom
