Otter Spotting

[vinnychameleon]

I have just returned from a trip out to see otters. We didn't see any but found a spraint.
I was just wondrin if anyone knows the best way to spot them. I live in Devon and know they are in the area im just wondrin how to spot them.

[Bushcraft]

Originally Posted by vinnychameleon

I have just returned from a trip out to see otters. We didn't see any but found a spraint.
I was just wondrin if anyone knows the best way to spot them. I live in Devon and know they are in the area im just wondrin how to spot them.

Often luck, but perseverance goes a long way. I often see them from my cottage but again unless im waiting for a long period, it is often luck.

Take care
Kris

[cherrybee]

Hi to another Devonian vinnychameleon.A very warm welcome to WAB.What part of Devon are you from?

[cannylad]

I am lucky enough to live in an area where otters can be seen regularly. One site close to me is a regular venue for otters.

Many years ago i participated in habitat restoration for otters in my home county, i am so happy that it has paid dividends.

[Bushcraft]

It has been said that we get them on the reserve where im warden (In Essex), although I have yet to see them there. But they are certainly making thier way down South. As I said in my last post I get them near my cottage but thats far far North.

[vinnychameleon]

Hi cherrybee im from Torbay.

[Brian Phipps]

Hi,
Otters are regualy seen at Beam Wier on the River Torridge, by the town of Torrington.

River Torridge - Beam Weir

The River Torridge rises in the north west corner of Devon Torridge Guide

Its were the recent film of the Tarka programme was filmed by Charlie Hamilton James.

Cheers
Brian

[cherrybee]

Originally Posted by vinnychameleon

Hi cherrybee im from Torbay.

Great not far from me.

[tiggertoo]

As has been said earlier luck goes a long way. I was recently in the Isle of Lewis carrying out an otter survey and although not the best weather with water levels being really high and receding I did find older spraint but nothing recent - more than likely washed away!

Reading a few reports for the Inner Hebrides may indicate that the Western Ilses may not have as big a population than previously thoguht. They are present but not in high numbers.

It is good fun looking for them although seeing them is not a high probability. Patience is a virtue that goes with having plenty of time to wait. Unfortunatley when I am out surveying I have to be aware of time constraints so it is unlikley that I see them.

tiggertoo

[AndyC]

As the others have said you need to be lucky, the more time you spend by the water the luckier you will get!

When I used to fish the East Devon rivers (Axe and Otter, although I never saw one on the river Otter ) regularly I would see otters up to half a dozen times a year.

Nearly all my sightings were in the last hour before dark, I expect dawn would be as good but I never was very good at getting up in the mornings! They seem to become fairly bold in the evening and at night, every time I saw them they passed within a few yards of me and often stopped for a look. There was one place a friend used to fish where he couldn't leave a fish lying about on the bank at night without it being stolen.

The ones I have seen in full daylight have usually spotted me quickly and then they just vanish without trace.

I think all you can do is find an area you know they are in and sit and wait. Hope you see one soon.

Andy