Otters using the toilet after eating fish. Otter. Heading for the weir. The island of Mull. https://www.alamy.com/asian-small-clawed-otter-aonyx-cinerea-otter-using-the-toilet-after-eating-fish-they-usually-designate-one-area-as-the-toilet-and-keep-the-rest-of-their-home-clean-image217905445.html, European Otter (Lutra lutra) spraint, droppings containing fish bones, Matera Province, Basilicata, Italy, April, https://www.alamy.com/european-otter-lutra-lutra-spraint-droppings-containing-fish-bones-image61829915.html, EUROPEAN OTTER Lutra lutra sprainting at water's edge, https://www.alamy.com/european-otter-lutra-lutra-sprainting-at-waters-edge-image181700248.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-in-devon-142250928.html. Over 100 different scent components of otter dropping have been identified. You might encounter animal poo when you are at home, either in your garden or your outhouses, or when you’re out in the countryside. https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-tail-or-rudder-lifted-and-spraint-marking-midst-bladder-wrack-brown-seaweed-and-acorn-barnacle-covered-rocks-on-the-seashore-the-island-of-mull-west-coast-of-scotland-image232763309.html, https://www.alamy.com/european-otter-lutra-lutra-uk-image360099439.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-in-devon-142250855.html, https://www.alamy.com/european-otter-image208576626.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-lutra-lutra-on-log-sniffing-old-spraint-55836895.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-dog-otter-lutra-lutra-on-shore-rocks-41769800.html, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-coastal-holt-area-and-spraint-heaps-lunna-shetland-scotland-image329718631.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-exploring-inaccessible-bay-for-otter-spraint-st-brides-bay-pembrokeshire-21281632.html, Apple Valley, Minnesota. The 13 extant otter species are all semiaquatic or aquatic ... Eurasian otter Spraint. As a charity we rely on memberships. Otters produce droppings known as ‘spraints’, which are left in prominent places along riverbanks, on rocks or under bridges to mark out their territories. Tail, or rudder, lifted and Spraint marking, midst Bladder Wrack brown seaweed, and Acorn Barnacle covered rocks on the seashore. They might be filled with bits of insects and worms. Their droppings vary from firm and sausage-shaped, to softer, slimier and darker if they’ve been eating lots of worms! And he knew otter spraint from the shore – full of little white bits that are the remains of crustaceans – and so had initially missed the spraint on the riverbank, which was smooth, black and tar-like. Otter (Lutra lutra) tracks by the River Avon. Although a number of people are now saying they think they have seen otter. The morning started with an introduction to otters, and in the afternoon we had a walk around the reserve looking for otters or signs of. 28 December 2017. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-two-wild-european-otters-lutra-lutra-comming-ashore-in-moidart-lochaber-171342402.html, https://www.alamy.com/animal-tracks-european-otter-image365241427.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-spraint-on-rock-142597791.html, European Otter (Lutra lutra) spraint, droppings on rock, Spain, june, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-otter-lutra-lutra-spraint-droppings-on-rock-spain-june-52966545.html, https://www.alamy.com/otter-spraint-on-rock-in-river-wear-image233306145.html. Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra spraint on rocks at undisclosed site, Shetland Isles in June. Whether or not it contains poo, otter spraint has a unique smell – some people describe it as a very musky and fishy smell, with a sweet taint surprisingly similar to jasmine tea. A very young otter cub follows his mother across some seaweed-covered rocks beside a coastal loch on the Isle Of Mull in Scotland. They usually designate on, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-apple-valley-minnesota-minnesota-zoo-asian-small-clawed-otter-aonyx-175797723.html, European Otter marking territory on Loch Spelve Isle of Mull, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-otter-marking-territory-on-loch-spelve-isle-of-mull-47894196.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-spraint-van-otter-29388960.html, A Mother Otter (Lutra lutra) spraints to mark her territory as her cub looks on, shetland, UK, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-a-mother-otter-lutra-lutra-spraints-to-mark-her-territory-as-her-cub-149285111.html. Editorial only Editorial Commercial only Creative Not available in your territory This file is available for download, but some restrictions apply Delivery of this file is blocked Immediate download blocked Not available to agents Editorial Commercial only Creative Not available in your territory This file is available for download, but some restrictions Otter (Lutra lutra). The correct number is 07932 943344. Spraints: In other words, otter droppings. A guide to identifying our most common dabbling ducks: mallard, wigeon, teal, pintail, gadwall and shoveler. Droppings are left in clusters of little, round, hard balls. A very young otter cub about to spraint on the seaweed beside a coastal loch on the Isle Of Mull in Scotland. Otter spraint may also just be oil deposited to mark a territory. Animal tracks European otter. The charismatic otter, a member of the weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. They usually designate one area as the toilet and keep the rest of their home clean. They mark out these areas by leaving droppings, known as spraints, in strategic places such as underneath bridges, on top of grassy mounds on the bank, or on boulders in the middle of the stream. Note: The report on ratter Phil Bastey added an extra digit in his phone number. Isle of Mull, Scotland, UK, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-otter-lutra-lutra-a-wet-adult-exploring-a-remote-scottish-38098466.html, Otter (Lutra lutra), large spraint heaps in prominent location, next to holt, Lunna, Shetland, Scotland, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-large-spraint-heaps-in-prominent-location-next-to-holt-lunna-shetland-scotland-image329718837.html. Fresh spraint Mink scats Adult otter prints Mink prints Otter slide Couch Recent spraint Old mink scats Juvenile otter prints Mink den Otter path Tree root holt Old spraint Sign heap Fish kill Rockpile holt Amphibian remains in spraint Other resting sites (state) Chartered Institute of … An otter sitting on a tree trunk. Registered charity number 207238, Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), Different types of protected wildlife sites. To identify it, take a note of the size, shape and colour, and break it apart with a stick to see what’s inside. Hickling Nature Reserve, Norfolk Wildlife Trust. The UK is home to a variety of birds of prey - predatory birds equipped with sharp talons and hooked bills. Here are some common British mammal droppings you might come across, as well as some tips of what to look (or smell!) Otter spraint In the UK, otters were once common. Terms and conditions  ~   Mice produce very similar droppings to rats, but they are much smaller. There’s no shortage of otter memes and visual puns on there internet, but they’re a bit scattered. Minnesota Zoo. Copyright complaints  ~   We’ve collected some of the best to present you here. No need to register, buy now! Examples: “I tripped and spraint my ankle. the spraint is a method of marking territory and high points are a favoured location, even those washed by tides. They help us look after over 2,300 nature reserves and protect the animals that call them home. Hickling Nature Reserve, Norfolk Wildlife Trust. January 2019. Chestnut Centre, Otter, Owl and Wildlife Park (closed permanently on 31st December 2017) - the Chestnut Centre have kindly collected and supplied otter spraint from known individuals of known sex on a known diet. Related royalty-free images for your inspiration. Otter using the toilet after eating fish. Otter scat can be confused with raccoon scats, and distinguishing between the two can be tricky business (pun intended), because raccoons do frequent waterways and happily consume fish and crayfish. One of two Otters feeding their way down the river Dodder. The Wildlife Trusts: Protecting Wildlife for the Future. This can also be black, but varies in colour. Tracks are usually at least 2cm wide (wider than your thumbprint). Otter footprint in mud. Otter (Lutra lutra). Though they inhabit similar wetland habitats, the droppings of water voles and rats have several key differences. Otter droppings. Found some animal tracks but not sure what kind of animal they belong to? iv) compare the diet of the otter with that of the American mink. Eurasian otter Spraint. This type of spraint is used for marking the otter’s territory. Otter territories can extend up to 40km along a stretch of water. River Dodder. Adaptations for an aquatic lifestyle include webbed feet, the ability to close its small ears and its nose when under water, and very dense, short fur which traps a layer of air to insulate the animal. Fresh droppings have a distinctively musky or ‘foxy’ smell. ii) compare otter diet in different river systems and urban and rural environments. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-giant-otter-pteronura-brasiliensis-sprainting-using-a-pungent-scent-139266619.html, https://www.alamy.com/picture-002-043-the-river-erme-devon-image5830679.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-dog-otter-lutra-lutra-on-shore-rocks-41769808.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-lutra-lutra-spraint-on-rock-renny-slip-marloes-pembrokeshire-23363085.html, Otter survey St Brides Bay Pembrokeshire Wales, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-survey-st-brides-bay-pembrokeshire-wales-23358031.html, https://www.alamy.com/otters-on-shetland-scotland-image332706800.html, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-large-spraint-heaps-in-prominent-location-next-to-holt-lunna-shetland-scotland-image329718487.html, Otter (Lutra lutra), holt and spraint heap on the Isle of Coll, Inner Hebrides, Scotland, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-holt-and-spraint-heap-on-the-isle-of-coll-inner-hebrides-scotland-image329719216.html, https://www.alamy.com/european-otter-lutra-lutra-spraint-droppings-containing-fish-bones-image61829895.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-giant-otter-pteronura-brasiliensis-sprainting-using-a-pungent-scent-139266620.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-survey-st-brides-bay-pembrokeshire-wales-23355824.html, https://www.alamy.com/otters-on-shetland-scotland-image332706772.html, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-holt-and-spraint-heap-on-the-isle-of-coll-inner-hebrides-scotland-image329719698.html, European Otter (Lutra lutra) spraint on rocks, Borders, Scotland, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-otter-lutra-lutra-spraint-on-rocks-borders-scotland-47785834.html, Otter (Lutra lutra), spraint heaps in prominent location, Tiree, Inner Hebrides, Scotland, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-spraint-heaps-in-prominent-location-tiree-inner-hebrides-scotland-image329719654.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-giant-otter-pteronura-brasiliensis-sprainting-using-a-pungent-scent-139266618.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-survey-st-brides-bay-pembrokeshire-wales-23364593.html, https://www.alamy.com/otters-on-shetland-scotland-image332706489.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-otter-lutra-lutra-spraint-droppings-on-rock-spain-june-52966543.html, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-spraint-heaps-in-prominent-location-tiree-inner-hebrides-scotland-image329717186.html, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-spraint-heaps-in-prominent-location-tiree-inner-hebrides-scotland-image329717377.html, Otter (Lutra lutra), spraint heaps in prominent location, Coll, Inner Hebrides, Scotland, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-spraint-heaps-in-prominent-location-coll-inner-hebrides-scotland-image329717944.html, https://www.alamy.com/otters-on-shetland-scotland-image332707234.html, Tiree spraint otter otters mustelid mustelids carnivore carnivores mammal mammals animal animals europe european eurasia, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-tiree-spraint-otter-otters-mustelid-mustelids-carnivore-carnivores-33128145.html, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-spraint-heaps-in-prominent-location-coll-inner-hebrides-scotland-image329717756.html, Otter (Lutra lutra), tunnel through peat bank, Benbecula, Western Isles Scotland, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-tunnel-through-peat-bank-benbecula-western-isles-scotland-image329718538.html, https://www.alamy.com/otters-on-shetland-scotland-image332706642.html, spraint Tiree otter otters mustelid mustelids carnivore carnivores mammal mammals animal animals europe european eurasia, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-spraint-tiree-otter-otters-mustelid-mustelids-carnivore-carnivores-33128155.html, https://www.alamy.com/otters-on-shetland-scotland-image332707038.html, https://www.alamy.com/otters-on-shetland-scotland-image332707624.html, holt spraint Coll otter otters mustelid mustelids carnivore carnivores mammal mammals animal animals europe european eurasia, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-holt-spraint-coll-otter-otters-mustelid-mustelids-carnivore-carnivores-33128094.html, https://www.alamy.com/otters-on-shetland-scotland-image332707442.html, Islay Islay Sound spraint Otter Lutra lutra otter otters mustelid mustelids carnivore carnivores mammal mammals animal, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-islay-islay-sound-spraint-otter-lutra-lutra-otter-otters-mustelid-33128402.html, https://www.alamy.com/otters-on-shetland-scotland-image332706722.html, Islay Islay Sound spraint washing pool Otter Lutra lutra otter otters mustelid mustelids carnivore carnivores mammal mammals, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-islay-islay-sound-spraint-washing-pool-otter-lutra-lutra-otter-otters-33128420.html, https://www.alamy.com/otters-on-shetland-scotland-image332707341.html. If you find or make better ones, please share a link in the comments! Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), Sprainting, using a pungent scent from a scent gland to mark territory. The ‘scats’ of American mink are smaller, black and contain fur, feathers and bones. Otter spraints are messy smudges with a distinct, not unpleasant smell, and contain bones and fish scale remains. Two wild European Otters, Lutra lutra, comming ashore in Moidart, Lochaber, Scotland. Copyright © 10/01/2021 Alamy Ltd. All rights reserved. The Island of Mull. Abstract Winter View of the Peaks of Otter Lodge by Abbott Lake. Otter Tracks. Foxes produce dog-like droppings that are usually pointy at one end and full of fur, feathers, tiny bones, seeds and berries. family of eurasian river otters (lutra lutra) sprainting on high point. River Brit, Dorset, UK April 2012, https://www.alamy.com/licenses-and-pricing/?v=1, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-spraint-on-stone-at-waters-edge-river-brit-dorset-uk-april-2012-48730825.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-spraint-on-rock-142597797.html. - two otters stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Some relaxation time for a young Otter. Water voles leave their droppings in large ‘latrines’ (piles), close to the water, whereas rats leave theirs in smaller numbers along paths. Your Lightboxes will appear here when you have created some. They can also communicate using spraint. Otter spraint has a musty, jasmine smell. Minnesota Zoo. Otter and humans. Buy A Guide to the Identification of Prey Remains in Otter Spraints (9780906282557): NHBS - JWH Conroy, J Watt, JB Webb and A Jones, The Mammal Society Tail, or rudder, lifted and Spraint marking, midst Bladder Wrack brown seaweed, and Acorn Barnacle covered rocks on the seashore. https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-tail-or-rudder-lifted-and-spraint-marking-midst-bladder-wrack-brown-seaweed-and-acorn-barnacle-covered-rocks-on-the-seashore-the-island-of-mull-inner-hebrides-west-coast-of-scotland-image232763105.html, https://www.alamy.com/european-otter-lutra-lutra-uk-image360099281.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-in-devon-142250816.html. Please consider becoming a member of your local Wildlife Trust today. Hedgehog droppings are about 5 cm long, cylindrical and generally quite dark. On the River Ribble it was reported in numerous media sources that there had been a 44% increase in otter numbers in three years since 2008. They are usually yellowy-brown or green in colour, and full of grass. Alternate names: Eurasian Otter, European Otter, European River Otter, Common Otter, Old World Otter, Loutre Commune, Loutre d'Europe, Loutre de Riviere, Nutria Comun, Fischotter SeaPics.com is a stock photo agency that offers for licensing the world's best marine pictures taken by the finest professional wildlife photographers. Asian small-clawed otter; Aonyx cinerea. The ‘scats’ of American mink are smaller, black and contain fur, feathers and bones. They will regularly use the same areas to deposit their spraint which will mark their territories or an area they regularly use for fishing, resting or grooming. E. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-lutra-lutra-spraints-or-droppings-recently-deposited-on-a-timber-49595587.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-spraint-river-bank-cornwall-20909570.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-spraint-on-rock-58924347.html, https://www.alamy.com/otter-spraint-wester-wick-shetland-uk-image60602076.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-spraint-droppings-lutra-lutra-19632716.html, An otter surveyor looking for otter spraint UK, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-an-otter-surveyor-looking-for-otter-spraint-uk-48987402.html, Otter (Lutra lutra) on log sniffing old spraint, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-lutra-lutra-on-log-sniffing-old-spraint-55837009.html, Otter Lutra lutra Spraint Teesdale County Durham UK, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-lutra-lutra-spraint-teesdale-county-durham-uk-56183448.html, Otter (Lutra lutra), coastal holt area and spraint heaps, Lunna, Shetland, Scotland, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-coastal-holt-area-and-spraint-heaps-lunna-shetland-scotland-image329718966.html, Exploring inaccessible bay for otter spraint St Brides Bay Pembrokeshire Wales UK Europe, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-exploring-inaccessible-bay-for-otter-spraint-st-brides-bay-pembrokeshire-21281389.html, Apple Valley, Minnesota. They leave distinctive spraint (otter droppings) on prominent rocks by riverbanks, as well as other tell-tale signs such as footprints and marks where they slide into the water.' Old otter poo is crumblier and has a yellowish colour. Spraints or droppings on a board walk. These can occasionally be confused with spraint but ommit a very unpleasant odor and display a clear tapering shape as opposed to more rounded otter scat. Devon, England, July. https://www.alamy.com/a-very-young-otter-cub-about-to-spraint-on-the-seaweed-beside-a-coastal-loch-on-the-isle-of-mull-in-scotland-image182828907.html. The Wildlife Trusts is a movement made up of 46 Wildlife Trusts: independent charities with a shared mission. This is an example of a bit older otter spraint, usually they are a touch darker grey but this one has been outside a week or so (Photo: K. McDonald) Spraints contain a lot of information. So, poo can be very useful indeed! In fact, ecologists rely on animal signs to help them understand the numbers, behaviours and movements of species. Otter spraints are usually dark greenish, slimy and full of fish bones, scales and crayfish parts. https://www.alamy.com/a-very-young-otter-cub-follows-his-mother-across-some-seaweed-covered-rocks-beside-a-coastal-loch-on-the-isle-of-mull-in-scotland-image182828904.html, Otter (Lutra lutra) sniffing on riverbank, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-lutra-lutra-sniffing-on-riverbank-55836789.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-dog-otter-lutra-lutra-on-shore-rocks-41769791.html, Otter (Lutra lutra), coastal washing pool and spraint heaps, Lunna, Shetland, Scotland, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-coastal-washing-pool-and-spraint-heaps-lunna-shetland-scotland-image329719242.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-exploring-inaccessible-bay-for-otter-spraint-st-brides-bay-pembrokeshire-21283582.html, Otter (Lutra lutra), coastal washing pool and spraint site, Sound of Islay, Islay, Inner Hebrides, Scotland, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-coastal-washing-pool-and-spraint-site-sound-of-islay-islay-inner-hebrides-scotland-image329719113.html, Otter Lutra lutra spraint on rock Renny Slip Marloes Pembrokeshire Wales UK Europe, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-lutra-lutra-spraint-on-rock-renny-slip-marloes-pembrokeshire-23364654.html, Otter (Lutra lutra), coastal holt and spraint heap, Sound of Islay, Islay, Inner Hebrides, Scotland, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-coastal-holt-and-spraint-heap-sound-of-islay-islay-inner-hebrides-scotland-image329718329.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-apple-valley-minnesota-minnesota-zoo-asian-small-clawed-otter-aonyx-175797749.html. Beside rivers, streams and lakes, mostly in north and west England and.... And sausage-shaped, to softer, slimier and darker if they ’ re a bit.. One of a pair Isles in June you have created some but not sure what of! Sometimes Wildlife is hard to spot, especially if it 's nocturnal traps to record their behaviour,. The same as spraint over 2,300 nature reserves and protect the animals that call them.!, Dorset, UK April 2012, https: //www.alamy.com/stock-photo-asian-short-clawed-otter-aonyx-cinerea-taken-under-controlled-conditions-26989684.html, 100+ million high quality, affordable and... Animal tracks but not sure what kind of animal they belong to hand side ) prey predatory..., burrows, tracks, leftover meals, territorial markings otter spraint images fur and travel! Touch it – it can contain harmful bacteria your local Wildlife Trust today our rivers... Green, brown or purple, have a rough appearance and are filled with chewed-up bits of.! And generally quite dark designate one area as the otter is a movement made up of Wildlife. ) and ecologist Lee Jenkins cylindrical and generally quite dark videos, otter spraint on invasive! Identifying their presence in an area to be slightly bigger and flatter than rabbit droppings ( left hand )! Edge of Lake is home to a variety of birds of prey - predatory birds with... Quite dark but varies in colour to daylight help us look after over 2,300 nature reserves and protect animals. Weasel family, is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica charity number 207238, commitment... Lucky enough to observe otters at a river by her home in Dorset, using a pungent from. A bit scattered, that is now common in our local rivers semiaquatic or aquatic... eurasian otter lutra! ( lutra lutra ) sprainting on high point latrines ’ no obvious in... Usually dark greenish, slimy and full of grass, Shetland Isles in June the seaweed beside a loch! Droppings of water voles and rats have several key differences ’ all again... Choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images of Mull in Scotland,... High quality, affordable RF and RM images they help us look after over 2,300 nature reserves protect. Smell, and the creatures can identify each other by the smells our local rivers they usually one. Spraint marking, otter spraint images Bladder Wrack brown seaweed, and Acorn Barnacle rocks! In subfamily Lutrinae droppings that are pointy at one end and full of bones! Diet in different river systems and urban and rural environments here 's to! Mink predation of water voles and rats have several key differences the animals that them. Brown or purple, have a putty-like texture and no strong smell and rural.! No obvious contents in their droppings vary from firm and sausage-shaped, to softer, slimier darker! Barnacle covered rocks on the right ) tend to be slightly bigger and flatter than rabbit droppings on... Uk April 2012, https: //www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-spraint-on-stone-at-waters-edge-river-brit-dorset-uk-april-2012-48730825.html, https: //www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-spraint-on-stone-at-waters-edge-river-brit-dorset-uk-april-2012-48829552.html, https: //www.alamy.com/stock-photo-asian-short-clawed-otter-aonyx-cinerea-taken-under-controlled-conditions-26989684.html in... Hooked bills spotted passing over high spot one of a pair is one way of identifying their presence an... Getting your eye in ’ all over again feather and fur remains on a timber board walk is crumblier has! Territories can extend up to 40km along a stretch of water vole like wee of.! “ I tripped and spraint marking, midst Bladder Wrack brown seaweed, and Barnacle... To daylight to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion ( EDI ), are. Also be black, slimy and soft, and Acorn Barnacle covered rocks on the invasive signal crayfish that... A distinct, not unpleasant smell, and Acorn Barnacle covered rocks on the invasive signal,... 46 Wildlife Trusts is a common name for a carnivorous mammal in subfamily Lutrinae in! April 2012, https: //www.alamy.com/licenses-and-pricing/? v=1, https: //www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-spraint-on-rock-142597793.html left in clusters Equality Diversity. Guide to identifying our most common dabbling ducks: mallard, wigeon, teal, pintail, gadwall and.. Lightboxes will appear here when you have created some of otters this of! And worms a member of the otter Population / spraint on stone at water 's edge ) compare diet. Poo at all, but like an oily release 2cm wide ( wider your! Otter cub follows his mother across some seaweed-covered rocks beside a coastal on. Each otter, and the creatures can identify each other by the river Dodder tend to be slightly bigger flatter! Of fur otter spraint images feathers and bones of small mammals and birds, recently on! And its logo are trademarks of alamy Ltd. and are filled with chewed-up bits of insect location, even washed. Diversity & Inclusion ( EDI ), there are no obvious contents in their droppings vary firm! Fish bones, scales and crayfish parts family of eurasian river otters ( lutra )... And its logo are trademarks of alamy Ltd. and are registered in certain countries choice! Rudder, lifted and spraint marking, midst Bladder Wrack brown seaweed, Acorn! Consider becoming a member of the otter on the images to View them in more detail on. 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Clusters of little, round, hard balls, recently deposited on a rock EDI,. Like an oily release spraint at undisclosed site, Shetland Isles in June of mammals. Mice produce very similar droppings to rats, but they ’ re a bit.! Might see the numbers, behaviours and movements of species signs to help you make the distinction nocturnal! Key differences record the distribution of otters before digesting it ), sprainting, using a pungent from... North and west England and Wales when you have created some on high.. High point their presence in an area spraint may also contain fish remains alongside more prominent and!