A father and son body boarding in Pembrokeshire were treated to a surprise visitor. On Friday, January 6, Daniel Llywellyn and his son were on Musselwick Beach near Marloes when they were approached by a small otter. Though normally quite shy, the small mammal spent several minutes playing around with them before following them back from the beach.
The little critter was running over his son's foot and showing no fear at all, said Daniel. He added: "It was only earlier in the week that we went walking near some lily ponds and I said it would be lovely to see the otters playing in the pond, but we didn't. But then we come out of the sea and had him basically rolling around on our feet looking like he wanted us to tickle his tummy, it was really quite something." You can get more local news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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Videos taken by the pair show the otter trotting along behind them. However, there is some concern that the young pup might have become separated from its family. "It was defiantly a juvenile," said Daniel. "I've never actually seen an otter in that area. I know they are there but I've lived in Pembrokeshire all my life and I've only ever seen one otter up to that point and I'm always on the coast.
"So I guess it was just a bit of luck, but from speaking to people, it was concerning because his behavior was so friendly, when we walked up and he followed up, basically like a lost puppy. When we got to the top, we immediately rang the rescue centre, but he ran off back towards the beach, I have found out he has since been rescued."
Seeing incredible wildlife is nothing new for Daniel and his family who described Pembrokeshire as "the best" place in the world to live. "I have seen seals, dolphin and porpoise very regularly living here" he added.
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