[Carless]

Otters are said to have taken up residence in a place near me.

I'd like to ask:

1. If it's a good idea to try and see them in the first place. Would me trying to observe them disturb them too much and cause them to leave or otherwise unreasonably "inconvenience" the animals.

2. Depending on the answer to the first question, what would be the best method, time of day, strategy, etc. for seeing them.

Note: I'd still like to have a go at seeing them even if the chance of being successful is very low.

[Steve Babbs]

I'll leave others to comment on the morals.

Otters are generally thought of as being seen best at dawn and dusk but it is worth trying other times. When I worked in the Hebrides I saw a family party swimming around for ages in the middle of the day. I then proceeded to look for them about 20 times, always at dusk without success. I've seen them at Minsmere 3 times around mid-day, that's a strike rate of about 1 in 10 visits which ain't bad for a crowded reserve. So I'd try a variety of times if I was you.

[username]

Not quite sure what part of Leicester you are in 'carless'...i have found signs of otter on my patch...as to seeing one...well....chances are very slim i reckon. At present 'an' otter seems to be sprainting very irregularly in my area...[as oppose to last year when i was finding far more 'signs']. Finding evidence of this elusive creature is one thing..seeing it however!!!
I do my patch very regularly and i have never come close....i did see a mink other day and that is rare enuff!...[great view..but no otter]! I looked today...no fresh otter spraint...and no mink poo either..thank goodness..just hope mink was passing thru...

[Farnboro John]

An Otter that notices you (bad fieldcraft) and doesn't wish to be observed (too close) will move away till it feels comfortable. If you are lucky and have a wide field of view it may still be in view. If not it will be out of view. Either way you are unlikely to seriously stress it.

With good fieldcraft you can watch Otters down to a few yards without disturbing them.

The perfect observation is when you move in, watch and move out without the Otter (or any other animal you are observing, for that matter) reacting to you.

John

[Carless]

The location is about 30-40 minutes cycle from home, so I can give it a try some mornings. Probably interesting to see what the wildlife's up to at that time in the morning anyhow. I attend tri club training sessions starting at 7:30am some Saturdays at Watermead park, and I really notice how many more birds are out and acting bolder even at that time.

BTW: I don't generally give locations when describing sightings (&c.) of mammals, as I'm concerned about giving information to the wrong sort of people. Mainly due to similar advice concerning badgers, whose sets are raided by badger baiters. Someone else on the board PM'd me information once instead of posting it because of the risk that (bird) egg collectors might disrupt a nest. Does the same apply to other animals, and if so, which ones?

Edit: The otters are said to be recent arrivals in the area. Even if I don't see them now, if they become established, and if I were an otter it's the kind of place I would like to be, are they likely to be easier to see years in the future?

[Davy Tee]

I watch Otters regualry at a local site from a hide as do many other people. The Otters dont seem bothered as long as you keep quite. More often than not they come to within 50 feet of the hide at all times of the day. So go and watch out for them just try not to invade their world.

As far giving locations if its nests or set's etc i would pm the person asking. hope that helps.