Question for otter experts

vole-woman · #11 (**permalink**) 26-09-2010, 05:26 PM

In this particular case, it's really important I can distinguish what kind of mammals are about on the nature reserve, especially the predators.

STYRBJORN · #12 (**permalink**) 26-09-2010, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vole-woman

It's the whole tracking business I love. I love the idea there there are all these secret messages from an invisible parallel world, if you just part the grass or check under a bridge. My kids can ID loads of different mammal scats (though they keep this quiet among friends).

And losing the trail, looking at where the critter has been, working out where it's heading, going there and YO! There you are you little furry beastlet!

Of course, you need a mind like a mouse to do it right . . .

Ric the rational rodent.

vole-woman · #13 (**permalink**) 26-09-2010, 05:44 PM

It's true I was once tracking water voles (in the middle of a field! They don't always hang around near river/stream banks) and one popped its head out of a hole right in front of me.

STYRBJORN · #14 (**permalink**) 26-09-2010, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vole-woman

It's true I was once tracking water voles (in the middle of a field! They don't always hang around near river/stream banks) and one popped its head out of a hole right in front of me.

Under those circs, I'd have bit you on the nose and legged it double quick smartish, accompanied by shrill volish cries of unholy glee. Rodents 1, Primates 0.

Is the adjectival form "volish" or "volean"? Just what is a "trumpet voleuntary? Do they drive . . .

wait for it . . .

You've worked it out haven't you? . . .

Clever clogs . .

Volevos!!!

Yeah yeah. Hat, coat, door. . . . AGAIN!

Tara for now, Ric

vole-woman · #15 (**permalink**) 26-09-2010, 06:31 PM

Probably only a matter of time before I get bitten by a vole.

STYRBJORN · #16 (**permalink**) 27-09-2010, 10:39 AM

Imagine the headlines in the NotW.

ANIMAL LOVER ASSAULTED BY VICIOUS ATTACK TRAINED VOLE.

A woman who is so afraid of retaliation that she spoke to your reporter only on condition of anonymity tells her terrifying story exclusively to the NotW!!!
"I was tracking what I believed to be a gentle little creature across a field. I was on hands and knees as I approached what was clearly a vole hole. Suddenly a h-u-u-ge vole charged out. I still shudder to remember its mad glowing red eyes and saliva-dripping incisors. Uttering high-pitched snarls it ran up my arm. I had just enough time to see that it was wearing a spiked collar and had LOVE and HATE crudely tattooed on its front claws. It leapt at my face and bit my nose drawing at least two drops of blood. I am sure that had it bitten my throat it would have nibbled my jugular away in a matter of mere hours. This is a dreadful threat to society. Imagine our inner city streets filled with roaming gangs of youths, all with vicious voles scuttling about on long bits of twine. It is surely time for vole licensing to be introduced, as a minimum measure."

With apologies to Kenneth Graham,

Ric