Otter Facts

Otters reside above water level in naturally occurring tunnels and cavities, usually using enlarged old tunnels made by rabbits or other animals. They will rest above ground as well.

A place occupied underground by an otter is termed a ‘holt’, and will normally have well used runs leading to and from them.

A place frequented by an otter above ground is termed a ‘lie-up’ or a ‘couch’.

The otter’s menu consists of fish and water birds such as ducks, coots and moorhens.

The otter marks their territory in a similar way to a fox.

Ideal times for spotting otters is when the river is at low tide close to dawn. You need to make sure the wind is blowing your scent away from the river, so it cannot easily spot you. To identify whether an otter is in the area, keep an eye on water-fowl as they will be ‘spooked’ by the arrival of the otter and will invariably detect the otter before you do!

 

Red Squirrel Facts

The squirrels home is termed a ‘drey’ and is usually built within a tree cavity or if large nest boxes have been erected in trees, they may use these.

Red Squirrels are active throughout daylight hours.

Squirrels store food normally by burying in a shallow pit. You can often spot these areas if the squirrel has visited recently

Squirrels leave a number of distinctive clues as to their habitation in the area, the most obvious is old pine kernels which have been chewed leaving only the central core.

The best way to spot them is to prepare a suitable feeding spot by leaving unsalted peanuts or other edible seeds. You may have to continue doing this for a few days, until you ready to set up your vigil!

 

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