Home   News   Article

International Otter Survival Fund warns locals against crowding round or approaching the animals


By Jonathan Clark

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

THE International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) has warned people against crowding around and approaching otters in Moray.

It has been reported that people have been gathering to gain a sight of otters in the River Lossie, which can disturb the animals.

Cooper the otter back in 2019. Picture: David McHardy
Cooper the otter back in 2019. Picture: David McHardy

Advice from the IOSF suggests taking pictures from a distance and leaving the animals to live in the wild.

Grace Yoxon, a director with the IOSF, said: "Otters have recently been seen in the area but we would urge people not to approach, crowd round or attempt to feed them.

"We appreciate that it is a great opportunity to take photos of these beautiful animals but please do this at a distance and very quietly.

"Otters have to spend a lot of energy getting food and, if disturbed by people, may leave their catch and have to waste more energy getting another meal.

"As it is particularly cold now, otters cannot afford to waste energy in this way.

"The otter may even be a female with cubs which makes it even more important that it is allowed to feed quietly. So disturbance can be a really serious problem.

"You also have to remember that the otters are wild animals and, although they may look calm and friendly, can easily become stressed. Wild animals can bite causing serious potential injury.

"So please enjoy their presence, take photos from a discrete distance and leave the otters to carry on with their natural wild existence."

Elizabeth Harley, of Moray Wildlife Sightings, has noticed the problem developing over the last couple of months, with more and more people becoming aware of where the otters are located.

She added: "There has been an explosion of interest which is proving a threat to the otters’ survival.

"Large gatherings of people have been observed, with people keen to get close.

"As well as both banks of the river, people have been seen actually going into the water to get closer. As crowds try to get closer the foliage is being trampled, destroying essential habitat which is necessary for feeding, resting and play.

"This direct disturbance from the noise and presence of people causes stress, a disruption of their essential activities and increased exertion, whilst at the same time reducing feeding capacity. This can have a direct result on the survival of the young as well as reducing future successful reproduction.

"Relocation may not be a safe option as they are territorial. This constant harassment is a direct threat to their survival in the long term, as studies in other species have shown where there is harassment there is reduced feeding success and reduced reproductive success.

"I’m hoping that when people realise the negative impact the attention is having, that they will choose to give the otters space.

"I would ask both photographers and public to step back for the time being, as this level of harassment is unsustainable. Hopefully most wildlife enthusiasts can agree that the wellbeing of the subject is more important than getting a good photo.

"Whilst it is a magical experience and a real privilege to connect with wildlife in their natural habitat, it would be absolutely tragic if our enthusiasm were to be the cause of their decline."

  • Yesterday, the Northern Scot posted a story detailing where the otters were. In future, we will be more careful when posting pictures of the animals.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More