Whistling sound

15nic · #1 (**permalink**) 27-11-2011, 06:56 PM

Today, while out walking, I heard a high pitched whistling sound coming from the riverside. The sound got louder and I heard a rustling, as whatever it was sounded like it was going to come up the bank. I tried to climb down for a closer look but the vegetation was thick and the river was high. I was in the area about 20-30 minutes and the sound continued that whole time.

My first thought was a bird but it sounded like something bigger and wouldn't it have flown off after being disturbed? Could it have been an otter calling in the middle of the day, as I know otters are living on this area of the river?

The Woodman · #2 (**permalink**) 28-11-2011, 07:51 AM

Hi 15nic

From what you describe it could have been an Otter. 20-30 mins is a long time to call, it may have been a cub calling for it's mother.

15nic · #3 (**permalink**) 28-11-2011, 10:11 AM

I thought it might have been an otter cub but isn't it a bit late in the year? We had really strong winds the night before and the river was high so maybe it's holt had been damaged and it had become separated from it's mother? A few walkers had noticed the sound as they stopped to look across the river so I don't think it was something people were familiar with. I wish I could have seen what it was as I hate the thought of an animal in distress.

The Woodman · #4 (**permalink**) 28-11-2011, 11:05 AM

Otters breed year round. I did wonder if you had high river levels and some misfortune had befallen a cub.

The hardest thing to do is leave the animal in it's environment, it is very tempting to pick it up and deal with it in what we think is the best way for it.

In reality, the best thing to do is leave it where it is, if it was indeed an Otter cub the bitch will find it and either carry it or guide it to a secure site.

It might seem distressing listening to a young animal calling but there's every chance it is now safe and well. Many animals are taken into care unnecessarily by well meaning folks in my opinion.

15nic · #5 (**permalink**) 28-11-2011, 04:56 PM

I didn't realise that they breed year round. I agree, that the best thing to do was leave it, as I'm sure if it carried on calling the mother would have found it. I was just worried that it might have been injured or too small to survive. It was around 3pm when I heard it, so not too long until nightfall.

thanks for your replies