Otters on Mull
Mull offers plenty of opportunity for Otter watching
In the 20th Century due to pollution, loss of habitat and hunting the Otter underwent a dramatic decline. Since the 1970s however, they are becoming more common throughout the British Isles. The majority of the population of the Otter can be found in Scotland with a good proportion of them in the North and West of the country. Otters can also be found in Wales and parts of Ireland, and they are slightly scarcer in England.
Although elusive and shy, on the Isle of Mull there is plenty of opportunity for Otter watching. The habitat of the Otter is mainly coastal though they also like sheltered woodland inlets and fresh water streams.
The male Otter measures approximately 115cm from tip to toe and the female Otter is slightly less. Their bodies are very long with webbed feet and they have a very powerful tail. They are capable of staying underwater for three minutes due to the sheer capacity of their big lungs. Their favourite food is fresh fish and crab.
Otters can breed all year round and can produce between one and five young, although two or three is more usual. The youngsters stay with their mother for the first year of their lives. She teaches them to swim and catch fish for themselves.
© Helen McDermott
