Day time otter thrilling visitors to RSPB Leighton Moss

Credit Karen White

December 2009. ‘Cute and cuddly' but mostly very shy - wild otters are always on the nature lovers wish list to see. This year, Santa has granted this wish early for some, as an otter has been the star of the show in the run up to Christmas at RSPB Leighton Moss RSPB nature reserve.

Visitors have been lucky to regularly see great views of an otter swimming around and catching fish during the day at this popular nature reserve in Silverdale near Carnforth, which is quite unusual.

Normally crepuscular
en Walker, visitor and publicity officer said "Normally people have to either get up early and watch for otters before first light or stay out at dusk until its dark but recently we have been surprised to see an otter out during the day and close to the hides. Of course, there's still an element of being ‘in the right place at the right time', but it's worth the wait to see this amazing animal!"

Otters disappeared in 1996
Up until 1996, otters were regularly seen at Leighton Moss, but the animals then sadly disappeared, possibly linked to a long-term build up of sediment in the pools reducing the number of fish. The return of otters to Leighton Moss may have been aided by the recent removal of excess sediment from the reserve's pools. This has helped improve the water quality of the reserve's wetlands for the benefit of fish, which in turn provides more food for otters.

Jen continues "We even had two otter cubs that were first seen in 2007 and another two were seen again this autumn too".

Annabel Rushton, membership development officer said "I have been visiting Leighton Moss since I was 10 years old and this is the first time I've seen an otter. It was so lovely to see it - I actually cried. Seeing otters making a comeback like this makes me feel proud to be involved in the RSPB's wildlife conservation work!"

If you wish to visit and maybe see an otter, lots of other wonderful winter wildlife and do some Christmas shopping, Leighton Moss RSPB is open throughout the festive period (except Christmas Day). For more information please call 01524 701601 or see Leighton Moss RSPB