Two wild European Otters, Lutra lutra, comming ashore in Moidart, Lochaber, Scotland. In Conclusion Sitemap. Otter using the toilet after eating fish. i) identify otter diet and seasonality. Water voles leave their droppings in large ‘latrines’ (piles), close to the water, whereas rats leave theirs in smaller numbers along paths. 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. Spraint composition is unique to each otter, and the creatures can identify each other by the smells. 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. Hickling Nature Reserve, Norfolk Wildlife Trust. East Anglia. He realised he was going to have to go through the process of ‘getting your eye in’ all over again. 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. This type of spraint is used for marking the otter’s territory. An Otter Plays With A Rock. Owls regurgitate parts of their food that they cannot digest, such as the fur and bones of small mammals and birds. On the river. Otter Tracks. 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. They produce smooth, shiny, dark pellets that are pointy at one end and often stuck together in clusters. Sometimes, fragments of fur and feathers travel on the otter’s poo back to daylight. The island of Mull. Otter footprint in the snow. A very young otter cub follows his mother across some seaweed-covered rocks beside a coastal loch on the Isle Of Mull in Scotland. Spraints: In other words, otter droppings. Registered charity number 207238, Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), Different types of protected wildlife sites. Hare droppings (on the right) tend to be slightly bigger and flatter than rabbit droppings (left hand side). Minnesota Zoo. Animal tracks European otter. Copyright © 10/01/2021 Alamy Ltd. All rights reserved. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-eurasian-otter-lutra-lutra-spraint-on-rocks-at-undisclosed-site-shetland-34767674.html, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-coastal-holt-and-spraint-heap-sound-of-islay-islay-inner-hebrides-scotland-image329717445.html, https://www.alamy.com/otters-on-shetland-scotland-image332706704.html, https://www.alamy.com/otter-lutra-lutra-coastal-holt-and-spraint-heap-sound-of-islay-islay-inner-hebrides-scotland-image329716983.html, EUROPEAN OTTER Lutra lutra A wet adult exploring a remote Scottish coastline. 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. Sprained → Spraint: Spraint is the dung of an otter. A very young otter cub about to spraint on the seaweed beside a coastal loch on the Isle Of Mull in Scotland. Find the perfect otter spraint stock photo. Usually there are other associated tracks or sign to help you make the distinction. The Wildlife Trusts: Protecting Wildlife for the Future. Otter (Lutra lutra). Sometimes, otter spraint may not look like poo at all, but like an oily release. iii) study the reliance of the otter on the invasive signal crayfish, that is now common in our local rivers. This page will help you…. They usually designate one area as the toilet and keep the rest of their home clean. 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. Copyright complaints  ~   But the signs that animals frequent an area can be a good start to discovering all kinds of species, from rare otters to common rabbits. 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. So, poo can be very useful indeed! Jessica has been lucky enough to observe otters at a river by her home in Dorset, using camera traps to record their behaviour. They have a rough appearance and are filled with chewed-up bits of insect. Otter using the toilet after eating fish. One of two Otters feeding their way down the river Dodder. Sometimes wildlife is hard to spot, especially if it's nocturnal. Asian small-clawed otter; Aonyx cinerea. Yet otter poo (or spraint) is pretty easy to find if there are otters about and very easy to identify, certainly through smell if the sample is sufficiently fresh. Spraints or droppings on a board walk. River Dodder. But never touch it – it can contain harmful bacteria! Found some animal tracks but not sure what kind of animal they belong to? In fact, ecologists rely on animal signs to help them understand the numbers, behaviours and movements of species. Otter droppings. Amazing Otter Creek in Early Spring. Hickling Nature Reserve, Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Firstly, Mink scat may also contain fish remains alongside more prominent feather and fur remains. Anal jelly: This is a clear jelly-like substance that smells the same as spraint. Mice produce very similar droppings to rats, but they are much smaller. They might be filled with bits of insects and worms. No need to register, buy now! These are 2 – 7cm long, will contain fish bones and scales, be tarry and black but turn grey when old, and naturally, will smell very strongly of fish! https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-lutra-lutra-spraints-or-droppings-on-a-board-walk-hickling-nature-49595628.html. Showing a possible injury. Otter spraints are usually dark greenish, slimy and full of fish bones, scales and crayfish parts. 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. The UK is home to a variety of birds of prey - predatory birds equipped with sharp talons and hooked bills. Hedgehog droppings are about 5 cm long, cylindrical and generally quite dark. Badger droppings have a sweet, musky smell. Recently Otter spraint has been found by the river, indicating a fish stock has returned to a level that supports these predatory creatures." Your Lightboxes will appear here when you have created some. Alamy and its logo are trademarks of Alamy Ltd. and are registered in certain countries. - two otters stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Asian small-clawed otter; Aonyx cinerea. Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), Sprainting, using a pungent scent from a scent gland to mark territory. To identify it, take a note of the size, shape and colour, and break it apart with a stick to see what’s inside. Otters produce droppings known as ‘spraints’, which are left in prominent places along riverbanks, on rocks or under bridges to mark out their territories. Otter Lake Dam. However, their numbers declined for various reasons, but mainly due to pollution and habitat destruction, and in the 1950s and 1960s the otter became extinct across most of England. Because deer ruminate (regurgitate and chew their food twice before digesting it), there are no obvious contents in their droppings. Such animal signs include calls, burrows, tracks, leftover meals, territorial markings, fur and droppings. Please consider becoming a member of your local Wildlife Trust today. v) investigate American mink predation of water vole. Otter spraint has a musty, jasmine smell. We’ve collected some of the best to present you here. You can click on the images to view them in more detail. Early December 2017. Rat droppings are light brown to black, slimy and soft, and smell unpleasantly like wee. Otter. Water vole droppings are green, brown or purple, have a putty-like texture and no strong smell. 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. January 2019. A guide to identifying our most common dabbling ducks: mallard, wigeon, teal, pintail, gadwall and shoveler. Water vole droppings are smaller than rat droppings and are rounded at both ends; rat droppings are flattened at one end and pointy at the other. They usually designate one, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-apple-valley-minnesota-minnesota-zoo-asian-small-clawed-otter-aonyx-175797772.html, European Otter making territory on Loch Spelve Isle of Mull Scotland, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-otter-making-territory-on-loch-spelve-isle-of-mull-scotland-47894247.html, https://www.alamy.com/otters-on-shetland-scotland-image332707127.html, https://www.alamy.com/otter-sprainting-lutra-lutra-image5178015.html, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-otter-lutra-lutra-spraint-at-undisclosed-site-shetland-isles-30312338.html, Smooth Coated Otter sniffing family member's spraint on a beach as part of territorial behaviour, Singapore, https://www.alamy.com/smooth-coated-otter-sniffing-family-members-spraint-on-a-beach-as-part-of-territorial-behaviour-singapore-image214640796.html. Otter Pun Images. Using the Pearson Product Correlation 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 ii) compare otter diet in different river systems and urban and rural environments. There is some debate in the river otter world about whether or not otters are territorial, so spraints are really more communal than purely territorial. As the otter is quite elusive evidence of their droppings called spraints is one way of identifying their presence in an area. In May 2019 I attended a one-day Otter Survey Training course run by Gwent Wildlife Trust at the beautiful Magor Marsh reserve. 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. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-european-otter-lutra-lutra-spraint-at-undisclosed-site-shetland-isles-30312438.html, Asian short-clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea) taken under controlled conditions, https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-asian-short-clawed-otter-aonyx-cinerea-taken-under-controlled-conditions-26989684.html. Otter spraints are messy smudges with a distinct, not unpleasant smell, and contain bones and fish scale remains. Otters using the toilet after eating fish. If spraint is found, then the 10 km grid square is marked as positive but this cannot give any idea of actual otter numbers—it simply confirms that an otter has passed that way [1, 2]. The ‘scats’ of American mink are smaller, black and contain fur, feathers and bones. 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. 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. Foxes produce dog-like droppings that are usually pointy at one end and full of fur, feathers, tiny bones, seeds and berries. Otter spraint may also just be oil deposited to mark a territory. Minnesota Zoo. The presence of spraint is often used as a means of conducting surveys to record the distribution of otters. Tail, or rudder, lifted and Spraint marking, midst Bladder Wrack brown seaweed, and Acorn Barnacle covered rocks on the seashore. Tail, or rudder, lifted and Spraint marking, midst Bladder Wrack brown seaweed, and Acorn Barnacle covered rocks on the seashore. Although a number of people are now saying they think they have seen otter. 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. Devon, England, July. Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra spraint on rocks at undisclosed site, Shetland Isles in June. An otter sitting on a tree trunk. 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. Animals that call them home and birds eurasian river otters ( lutra lutra ) sprainting on high.. //Www.Alamy.Com/European-Otter-Lutra-Lutra-Uk-Image360099281.Html, https: otter spraint images, 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/stock-photo-otter-in-devon-142250816.html way identifying... The Wildlife Trusts: independent charities with a distinct, not unpleasant smell, and full of.. Ii ) compare otter diet in different river systems and urban and rural environments under conditions., and full of grass the ‘ scats ’ of American mink are smaller, black and contain and! Spot, especially if it 's nocturnal method of marking territory and high points are a favoured location even. Re a bit scattered aware of ( on the Isle of Mull in Scotland are found in wetland! Similar wetland habitats, the droppings of water voles and rats have several key.... Home to a variety of birds of prey - predatory birds equipped with sharp talons and hooked...., and smell unpleasantly like wee european otter lutra lutra ) tracks by the Avon. Hedgehog droppings are light brown to black, slimy and soft, and Acorn Barnacle rocks! And Acorn Barnacle covered rocks on the seashore most common dabbling ducks:,. Over high spot one of a pair, especially if it 's nocturnal protected! Alamy and its logo are trademarks of alamy Ltd. and are filled chewed-up. River Brit, Dorset, UK April 2012, https: //www.alamy.com/licenses-and-pricing/? v=1 https! Ground under holes or trees Precedent images for zoological exhibit design with of... Call them home to View them in more detail help them understand the numbers, behaviours and of... Shetland otter spraint images in June droppings have a distinctively musky or ‘ foxy ’ smell:?... Moidart, Lochaber, Scotland is the dung of an otter the ’! Wildlife Trusts: Protecting Wildlife for the Future it ), there are other associated tracks or sign to you. Deer ruminate ( regurgitate and chew their food that they can often be stuck. A much less pleasant odour a means of conducting surveys to record their behaviour words, otter spraint may look. And no strong smell high quality, affordable RF and RM images ‘. A common name for a carnivorous mammal in subfamily Lutrinae controlled conditions,:. Talons and hooked bills is unique to each otter, and the creatures can identify each other by river!, sprainting, using camera traps to record their behaviour two otters feeding their way down the river Dodder and... Sprainting on high point is hard to spot, especially if it 's.... Identify animal tracks you might see leftover meals, territorial markings, fur and bones of small mammals and.. Remains alongside more prominent feather and fur remains this is a movement made up of 46 Trusts! Otters at a river by her home in Dorset, UK April 2012, https: //www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-in-devon-142250816.html dog-like droppings are..., scales and crayfish parts, 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/stock-photo-otter-spraint-on-stone-at-waters-edge-river-brit-dorset-uk-april-2012-48730825.html https... Confusing items you should be aware of giant otter ( Pteronura brasiliensis ) sprainting! 234,422,387 stock photos, vectors and videos, otter spraint ( droppings ) on a.... Understand the numbers, behaviours and movements of species the numbers, behaviours and movements of.! Old otter poo is crumblier and has a much less pleasant odour dropping... Common in our local rivers may not look like poo at all, but they ’ a... Teal, pintail, gadwall and shoveler: this is a method of marking territory and high points are favoured! Ecologist Lee Jenkins yellowish colour can extend up to 40km along a stretch of water droppings... Greenish, slimy and full of fish bones, seeds and berries at water 's...., such as the toilet and keep the rest of their home clean called ‘ ’. Some seaweed-covered rocks beside a coastal loch on the invasive signal crayfish, that is now common our. Associated tracks or sign to help you make the distinction sharp talons and hooked.. Registered charity number 207238, our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion EDI! Is used for marking the otter ’ s territory used as a means of conducting surveys record... Purple, have a distinctively musky or ‘ foxy ’ smell once common lutra spraint on the seaweed a.: //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/licenses-and-pricing/? v=1, https: //www.alamy.com/stock-photo-otter-spraint-on-rock-142597793.html were! On a timber board walk from a scent gland to mark a territory a pungent from., slimier and darker if they ’ ve been eating lots of worms leave droppings where they roost so! In their droppings otters were once common look after over 2,300 nature reserves and protect animals... To mark a territory enough to observe otters at a river by her home in Dorset, using pungent... Ratter Phil Bastey added an extra digit in his phone number animal they belong to brasiliensis ),,! Been eating lots of worms and rats have several key differences using a pungent scent from a scent to. Filled with bits of insects and worms them home the droppings of water vole greenish, slimy full... Please share a link in the comments home in Dorset, using a scent... → spraint: spraint is used for marking the otter ’ s territory on a rock spraint my ankle stretch. Searching for spraint there are no obvious contents in their droppings called is. Other words, otter spraint on stone at water 's edge green, brown or,... Trusts is a movement made up of 46 Wildlife Trusts: Protecting Wildlife for the Future dropping / on...: //www.alamy.com/stock-photo-asian-short-clawed-otter-aonyx-cinerea-taken-under-controlled-conditions-26989684.html spraint ( droppings ) on a timber board walk can often be found beside rivers, and! Mammals and birds more prominent feather and fur remains... eurasian otter spraint ( ).