Mull-ing around: Otter cubs released into wild

TWO otter cubs have been successfully released on the Isle of Mull after a year with the Scottish SPCA. 

One cub, named Gribun, was around eight-weeks-old when it was found and taken into the care of the SSPCA.

Another young otter, Rush, was also looked after by the charity after being found alone on Uist last February.

They have since been spotted on the island and are said to be doing well.

Wildlife centre manager Colin Seddon said: “Luckily, both otters were around eight-weeks-old so we were able to introduce them to each other and allow them to develop together.

“It’s important to rear otter cubs in groups as they depend on play and interaction with their own kind to learn life skills.

“We don’t release otter cubs until they are at least 12 months of age as that is around the time they become independent of their mother.

“As both of the otters were from the west coast, it was important to release them back in that area and we were fortunate enough to be able to release them on Mull, where they could be provided with support feeding to help them adjust to their life in the wild.

“The Mull Otter Group has been a tremendous help, monitoring both Rush and Gribun since the release.

“I’m delighted that they’ve been seen in the area a number of times, feeding and interacting as wild otters should.”

The wildlife centre at Fishcross, Clackmannanshire, treats otters from all over Scotland and has specially designed facilities to care for them.

The charity usually treat about 20-25 cubs and adults annually.

If you’re concerned about the welfare of a wild animal, please call the SSPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.