An otter has made a miraculous recovery after it was found injured on a road near Kinross.
The small mammal is understood to have been struck by a vehicle just before Christmas.
Motorists drove past the poor animal before he was discovered on the roadside by a member of the public.
Noticing his head was moving and that he was still alive, the otter was taken to Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Clackmannanshire where wildlife assistants were forced to sedate him as he was visibly distressed and “understandably feisty” following his traumatic ordeal.
Ballo, as he was affectionately named by staff, then underwent a number of x-rays as well as a physical examination to assess the extent of his injuries, which included a gash to his face and nose.
Incredibly, however, not a single bone was broken or fractured despite the severe impact he sustained.
Photos of Ballo after he was whisked from the scene of his trauma shows the animal with his nose bloodied and scarred peering helplessly up at one of the charity workers.
In another image, his face is skewed into a grimace as he is fed medication through a syringe while a piece of string, presumably used to blot his wounds, hangs from his face.
A Scottish SPCA spokesperson said: “When Ballo arrived he was much more lively than when he was found.
“He needed to be sedated in the car as he was understandably feisty after his ordeal and was reluctant to be caught. Once sedated he was taken to our vet suite where a series of x-rays were carried out and a physical examination to see what damage there might be.
“Amazingly, there wasn’t a single break or fracture and all of his teeth were intact.
“Ballo had a gash on his face and nose which needed treatment, but luckily he started eating well so all of his medication could be put in his food.”
Ballo remained in the care of the charity for a few weeks until his face healed. He eventually gained weight and became strong and fit enough to survive in the wild.
He was released near to where he was found at the beginning of the year, which charity representatives said they were ‘so pleased’ about.
Nature agency NatureScot has said the animals, common in the region, are most at risk from collisions on the road.
If anyone is concerned about an animal, please do not hesitate to contact the SSPCA’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
