A wildlife group says it is "delighted" that otters are swimming along the River Avon, after a resident spotted one in Bristol. Avon Wildlife Trust said they are a rare sight in our area having been "historically persecuted."
Cindy shared a video of a sea otter near the Old Lock & Weir Inn in Hanham on Saturday (March 26). She posted on Facebook: "Spotted the otter in the River Avon today at 1pm. By the lock and weir in Hanham." Madeleine commented: "Amazing," while Annie said: "Oh wow!"
But the wildlife trust has issued a message to anyone who spots a sea otter while out on a walk. They said it's best to observe them "from a respectful distance," and "if you have a dog with you, please do ensure they're kept on a lead."
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A spokesperson for Avon Wildlife Trust said: "We’re delighted to see that otters have recently been spotted in the River Avon, as captured in this video by a member of the Greater Bristol Otter Group. These enigmatic animals can be a good sign of a healthy ecosystem, as they like clean water with abundant food, though they are still a rare sight in our countryside after having been historically persecuted.
“Otters are now fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as well as being a European protected species, and are listed as Near Threatened on the global IUNC Red List of Threatened Species.
"If you see an otter while you’re out enjoying nature, it’s best to observe them from a respectful distance. If you have a dog with you, please do ensure they’re kept on a lead. If you feel inspired to do more to support your local wildlife, visit our website to find out how you can get involved and take action for nature: www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk. ”
It comes two months after an "exciting" discovery of otters was made on a stream in south Bristol. Signs of 'spraint', the dung of otters, was discovered by local campaigners in Crox Bottom, who were cautious about making the discovery public because there had been reports of some people taking guns into the park and shooting at the wildlife known to be there.
But they deemed the discovery too important to keep a secret because of the implications for the protection of the whole river valley. They said it was "incredibly exciting news".
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