Wild otter family captured on film for the first time
Exciting footage of a family of wild otters at WWT Slimbridge has been captured on a camera trap.
Staff at the attraction have known that wild European otters existed on the site for some time it is the first evidence that the elusive wetland mammal is breeding on the wildlife reserve.
The footage, which was captured at night, shows the mother and two of her cubs inspecting a sluice and leaving scent markings.
The otter cubs are more playful and curious than their mum but stay close to her at all times. One lets out a distress call and runs to her at one point in the film.
James Lees, reserve warden at Slimbridge, said: “It is a massive pat on the back for us to have otters breeding at Slimbridge, as it means that the habitat is in really good shape, with very good water quality and a strong food chain.
“We have three camera traps out on the Reserve but it is the first time we have captured a family of otters so we were very excited to see it.”
Otters became close to extinction as their numbers declined from the 1950s to 80s but since then otters populations have been recovering and they are now living in every English county.
While these wild otters at WWT Slimbridge are nocturnal, visitors to the wildlife attraction can see and learn about otters during the day as the attraction also has captive North American River Otters.
These playful otters called Flo, Minnie and Ha ha are active during the day, so visitors can watch them feed and learn about their behaviour at one of the daily talks.
