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These otter cubs are nearly the identical dimension as their mum and nonetheless suckling. Time for mum to show them important survival abilities and start the method of separation.
ISLE OF MULL, SCOTLAND
I spent per week watching an otter mum put together her cubs for independence on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. The surroundings right here is beautiful, and you’ll get pleasure from all of it in 4K.
SEARCHING FOR OTTERS
Male otters maintain massive territories which they mark with ‘spraints’. These are simple to identify as a result of they fertilise the soil beneath which in flip prompts the grass to develop into mounds. By following the spraint mouds, I quickly spot the dominant canine otter.
OTTER FAMILY
But it surely’s a six mile trek alongside the shoreline earlier than I discover a feminine with cubs. This household seem like dwelling beneath some rocks by the shoreline the place the feminine can simply take her cubs out foraging. This is called a nursery holt.
HUNTING LESSONS
It’s wonderful to see how the household hunt as one, with the feminine within the lead and the 2 cubs streamlined behind her. They transfer via the seaweed in search of crabs, fish, and even octopus, slipping via the water nearly as one.
CATCHING PREY
The mom is educating her cubs to hunt. In one other two months, they are going to be a 12 months previous and fending for themselves. Within the meantime, they nonetheless depend upon her to offer meals for them in addition to to suckle.
MUM IS TIRED
The toll on mum is starting to point out, she seems to be skinny and is clearly drained. It gained’t be lengthy earlier than she pushes them out of this territory. Within the meantime watch her attempt to hold on to her personal catch, and take day out for a nap.
OTTER CUBS
The cubs are nonetheless making sense of the change in mum and when she doesn’t reply to their calls they appear nervous. However they’re additionally creating quick. Already the male cub is a proficient hunter and it’s enjoyable to look at them play collectively while mum recuperates.
DANGER
However these cubs are nonetheless susceptible. There are white-tailed eagles within the skies above and these large birds can kill otter cubs. Canine otters are additionally a menace, particularly to the younger male. Fortunately the canine otter holding this territory is definitely their father.
GROOMING
As soon as reunited the otter household start grooming. That is a necessary a part of an otter’s each day routine, it reinforces household bonds and retains their fur clear. But it surely additionally performs an necessary function in maintaining them heat.
BUBBLES
Because the otters carry the fur they lure a layer of air near their our bodies which insulates them from the chilly water. For this reason you see a tell-tale path of bubbles when an otter dives, it’s the air being slowly launched!
#otter #wildlife #robertefuller
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