Otter in Henely on Thames

T0m4ever · #1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2011, 03:47 PM

Spotted an otter happily swimming along the bank of the Thames in Henely, didn't look particularly big, and was pretty bold. I was only a metre or two away and it wasn't that bothered.

Could it be one of this years young looking for a territory of it's own? I'm surprised to see one in a busy part of the Thames like Henley. This was at about 7am though.

Anyone else spotted one in the area?

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2011, 04:53 PM

A good record. I'm not disputing your sighting but are you certain it couldn't have been an American Mink? Otters are spreading so maybe a youngster looking for a territory.

I remember a couple of years back one was recorded as a road casualty in Wapping, so do occur close to London.

T0m4ever · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2011, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeshna5

A good record. I'm not disputing your sighting but are you certain it couldn't have been an American Mink? Otters are spreading so maybe a youngster looking for a territory.

I remember a couple of years back one was recorded as a road casualty in Wapping, so do occur close to London.

It definitely had the broader, slightly chubbier looking snout of an Otter, and there was no noticable white patch under the chin.