Otters in the BCN - how many are there?

[Laurence Hogg]

Might sound odd but I understand that funding is being made available soon to help the Otter population in the BCN. Now I admit I have seen one, but he / she appeared to be just visiting and headed off to a pool nearby. My Uncle who regulary walked the Ganzes (Rushall canal) saw a pair in 2008, I understand there were complaints to BW about Koi going missing re this pair. So how many are there, have you seen any or this this just myth?

[madcat]

Madcat dons otter suit and changes forum name to mad otter. Being serious for a minute I have never seen one,theres plenty of rats though. Do otters see the rats off? could be handy to have them if they do.

[mark99]

Madcat dons otter suit and changes forum name to mad otter. Being serious for a minute I have never seen one,theres plenty of rats though. Do otters see the rats off? could be handy to have them if they do.

 

There are quite a few mink about on river/canal systems. Can be mistaken for otters.

[Dave_P]

I have it on good authority that there's a turtle/ terrapin living on the Ickneild Port Loop. Dunno about otters though.

[blackrose]

9

[Laurence Hogg]

The one I saw was on the Cannock Extension, but that was 2009. It seems their "population" needs funding on the BCN, only problem is where the heck are they?

[Laurence Hogg]

Unbelievable! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-21955183

[Yamanx]

There's an otter near Norbury on the SU, I'm not going to point out on here exactly where it is, I'm pretty sure I know where it lives. I've seen it and they're bigger than you think, I thought it looked like a seal! Looking straight at me. I had my dog with me wandering around and I was concerned that if the dog noticed the otter, there might be a scuffle and the otter would win (My dog would just want to play). Its about the size of a Springer Spaniel with short legs.

 

Its the only time I've actually seen the animal, but I see the half eaten fish on the tow path a lot.

[iamupforit]

There are quite a few mink about on river/canal systems. Can be mistaken for otters.

 

 

yes, otters will see all wildlife off, where i keep my boat the otters arrived about 3-4 years ago and there has been a noticeable drop in all the resident wild life, mallard, coots, water hens, but on the up side they have also done away with the mink problem we were having