The Top Ten in Hebridean Wildlife!

The Otter

The Minch has one of the densest otter populations in North West Europe (Green and Green, 1994) and as one of the last otter strongholds, you are more likely to spot one of these agile swimmers in the Hebrides than anywhere else.

Reaching up to four feet in length, they are fast and fluid in and out of water. Although extremely shy, you are quite likely to view these animals if you have patience and are good at keeping quiet. They like rocks, beaches and seaweed-strewn shores; you can also see them around sea lochs on the east coast of the islands where they hunt for fish.

Their fur coat is medium to dark brown with paler fur on the belly area. The tail is used as a rudder in swimming and is long and thick. The face is quite dog-like but with small ears close to the head, while the legs are short and powerful. They are very shy creatures so you will have to be very still and preferably downwind of them if you hope to watch them. They feed on eels and fish, especially salmon which is their favoured meal.

If you want to improve your chances of spotting an otter, and learn lots more about them and where they live along the way, organised otter walks with local countryside rangers and wildlife experts are available. Click here to find out more...