I am worried that Otto for some reason has not been going to the bay. Clabbach bay is just down from the house and offers everything an otter needs. Over the last week I have been waiting till it gets dark and heading there with Otto in tow. He was reluctant to follow at first, but is now coming down no problem at all. He will not even consider it during the day and seems happier to do so at night.
I have been trying to get him used to the tide as it races up the sand but as yet he will not go in. Every time the the swell of the sea breaks upon the shore he legs it! He is getting closer all the time, so hopefully its just a matter of time before he goes in. In the meantime he enjoys investigating the rock pools and sniffing around the seaweed as if he is looking for food.The more he does this the better as there are plenty of tasty morsels to be had.
Tonight when we were there, I could hear a faint chirping sound in the distance. The sound was masked by noise of the wind and sea. Within minutes the chirping sounded as if it was only feet away...it was another otter! I have heard this sound many times before and even although I could not see it, I knew it was an otter. Otto knew it too. With the hairs standing on the back of my neck I decided to head back towards dry land and get Otto out of possible trouble. I'm amazed that it came so close, especially since a human being with a torch was there.
I've no idea what was going on. My gut instinct says it was a territory thing...why else would a wild otter come so close knowing I was there. I reckon it could have been a territorial male coming to tell Otto to F**k off!!!
Anyone got any thoughts on this?
till next time.
