Release during a period of favourable weather. Although otters can breed at any time of year most seem do so in spring or early summer. This species is protected under the Wildlife Act (1976) and Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. Good – soft and dark Do not handle unnecessarily Only handle for feeding (for frequency see below), DANGER – Aspiration Pneumonia – inhaling fluid into the lungs Treatment – none Otters are principally piscivorous, relying predominantly on salmonids (salmon and trout), but also eel and small fish species such as stickleback. The sinuous otter is an excellent swimmer and can be seen hunting in wetlands, rivers and along the coast - try the west coast of Scotland, West Wales, the West Country or East Anglia for the best views. Avoid conflict areas e.g. Avoid direct sunlight – danger of overheating     Fly away to a land of natural beauty and wonder at Buckfast Butterflies and Otter Sanctuary. Before attempting to capture a wildlife casualty: FIRST try to call relevant contact number from CONTACT page for further advice Within its territory an otter may have a number of resting sites, called couches and underground denning sites called holts, which can be a considerable distance (up to 1km) from a river, lake or the seashore. These territorial signs are an ideal way to tell if otters are using an area. Housing Treatment – symptomatic under a garden shed). Ideally outdoor run with shelter: Box for shelter, ideally wooden or solid plastic, draught free, ideally with angled entry and exit tunnel 1st feed – rehydration solution The National Seal Sanctuary, Cornwall, England. The otter is well suited to a life on the water as they have webbed feet, dense fur to keep them warm and can close their ears and nose when underwater. Slip broom into cage to pin head before scruffing with BOTH hands, RTA casualties will often be suffering volume related shock, treat as below, Assess every few hours. Wildlife (N.I.) Once captured do not try to calm animal by talking to it With thick gloves roll animal onto blanket, lift and tip into open waiting container, Choose an area that the otter frequents on a daily basis, ideally with a hidden vantage point so you can check on the trap, Leave food out for the otter every day at the same time, Initially leave the food at a distance from the trap but over a few days bring it closer to the trap, eventually leaving it inside the trap, Any type of fresh, human consumption quality whitefish e.g. Love for everything Ottery. Apply for your licences but also email  your ideas for a more practicable solution for ‘policing wildlife rehabilitation’ in Ireland, to info@irishwildlifematters.ie, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Sterilise all feeding equipment Feed 150-300g per day over 5 feeds, so feed roughly 30-60g per feed, Winding The intent was to provide protection for wildlife and the data is valuable. Subject to the conditions set out in the licence provided for the possession/retention of a wild bird/animal, Notes Diagnosis – alone above ground weighing less than 1kg If very young, especially if eyes still closed, feed 2-3 hourly, through the day and 4hourly during the night Remove metalwork before release, Clinical Signs – heat, swelling, pain, puncture wound or laceration, abscess. Their own familiar sleeping box/artificial holt placed within caged area, cub provided with water and only natural food, at dusk, in the enclosure, for 2-4 weeks. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Cornwall, England, is home to a 10-year-old male Asian short-clawed otter named Harris. Ireland is considered to have the healthiest otter population in Europe. OPENING HOURS Monday-Thursday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. The wallabies in the woods are a joy to see. 4th feed – ½ rehydration solution, ½ milk Release timing Sterilise all feeding equipment Toilet at regular intervals: 2 hourly initially, moving to longer intervals as dictated by the animal It is mainly in the animal’s best interest to transfer it to an appropriately trained and equipped individual/organisation as soon as possible. Release group - try to have mixed genders, appropriately matched age group. suitable for ingestion) dabbed around the area could be tried first as the taste may prevent further comfort sucking EMERGENCY SHORT TERM CARE INFO FOR GENERAL PUBLIC. Concentrated orange oil (from culinary suppliers, i.e. Fluids as for shock. Blanket, gauntlet type gloves, long handled nets, soft headed broom, dog grasper The talk during the feeding of the otters was very interesting, and the animals are very endearing. Irish Red Data book - Near Threatened Rehydration solution/ ‘milk’ suggestions: ALL feeds should be lukewarm The pregnancy lasts for around two months after which a litter of cubs is born, usually two or three, but as many as five have been seen. Darken the container to reduce stress hit by car on road), Capture notes Release adults as soon as possible Report suspicious activities or equipment to the NPWS Conservation Ranger (see CONTACTS page), * For licence application form for the possession/ retention of a wild animal - click HERE, Post to the address below OR email back to wildlifelicence@ahg.gov.ie, This legislation section is not intended to cover all aspect of legislation associated with this particular wildlife species, in all instances, the current legislation and appropriate statutory bodies should be consulted, THIS SECTION IS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR VETERINARY SURGEONS, No significant diseases It is possible to build artificial holts to attract otters to use certain areas. Keep other domestic animals out of sight, ANAESTHESIA TAMAR OTTER & WILDLIFE CENTRE Previous Next. Treatment - symptomatic Read GENERAL PUBLIC section first. The return of the otter to waterways across the country is one of the UK’s top conservation success stories. Surveys show that otters are present in more than ninety percent of our inland waterways and coastal waters. Only handle for feeding, If older, heavier, lively and climbing, see housing in Husbandry Adult section above, Warmth Various different diseases diagnosed post mortem in individual animals The species, already extinct over much of its former range, is listed as “vulnerable to extinction” by the IUCN (International Union… ABOUT US North Petherwin, Nr. Are VERY destructive, will bite and chew. We are a Devon-based charity dedicated to protecting and promoting a positive understanding of the European otter and its conservation.We want everyone to be able to engage with and appreciate these beautiful animals, and we work hard to raise awareness, educate, and share information in as many ways as possible! Rehabilitation of wildlife casualties requires a licence and a large investment of time, money and resources. Esbilac or Lactol – no additional vitamins needed, Records Release away from roads, species specific predators, areas where they could cause damage Cannot be released if damage results in canines needing removal, Clinical Signs – retinal dysplasia, cataracts, lesions, whitening Treatment – if abscess; drain and treat as open abscess. Visit our Resources section more information and useful links to other organisations with an interest in Irish Mammals. These tend to be natural crevices, associated with the roots of trees growing along river and lake banks. & Russ, J. If the cub is cold it will be unwilling to feed, Toileting Can’t be released if underweight, unable to recognise/eat normal diet etc Otters that live in rivers and lakes tend to be completely nocturnal, described as being crepuscular – activity peaks at dusk and dawn. If the cub’s eyes are open, still toilet him until you are certain he is urinating and defecating by himself before you stop toileting altogether. brick, metal, thick wooden sheets, or vertical metal bars that can’t be chewed or squeezed through, to a height of 1metre then weldmesh fencing above that to head height. We design and manufacture protective cases for smartphones, tablets and mobile technology. Possibly as a comfort behaviour during periods of stress, but it can become a self-mutilation issue Need to be wild – wary/scared of humans, domestic animals and any other natural predators SOFT RELEASE (gentle or gradual release) Reviewed June 18, 2013 . Good – soft and dark If older and lively feed every 4hrs during the day, last feed 10pm, first feed 5 or 6am After feeding, take a few minutes to rub the cub’s back and encourage winding, Hygiene HARD RELEASE (direct release) Cyber Monday Sale: 50% OFF . Release at dusk. (2014), Lundy, M.G., Aughney, T., Montgomery, W.I., & Roche, N. (2011), Lundy, M., Teeling, E.C., Boston, E.S.M., Scott. No layer of fat, Clinical Signs – do not normally leave the holt until after 8wks of age, should be over 1kg at this age Soft release aims to slowly reintroduce the animal to the wild while still in a comfort zone e.g. Ensure area not susceptible to pollution problems. Seek veterinary attention if unsure or worried Esbilac or Lactol, Use rehydration solution for the first few feeds while you and the cub get used to feeding, Hold the cub vertically or lying on its belly whilst feeding, Always feed patiently, slowly and gently, Try to get the cub to lick/suck the fluids slowly rather than guzzling, Solid sides e.g. Aggressive fluid therapy Rehabilitation of wildlife casualties requires a licence and a large investment of time and resources. His main research interests are in landscape ecology of mammal species; predictive modelling of species occurrence, combining climate and habitat association models to improve predictions and examining spatio-temporal patterns of habitat associations. cage it was reared in, and allow the animal to leave the cage once confident and independent. Complete the form to receive newsletters with information and updates on the Trust's work. Surgery once stabilised Buckfastleigh Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary. VERY IMPORTANT! Use subcuticular suturing and absorbable suture material … Do not use oily fish e.g. 8 weeks: permanent molars erupt Ireland. The territories of otters can stretch for several kilometres; the total length of the home range depends on the availability of food. The risks to the current otter population are the availability of sufficient food within their habitats and provision of resting and denning sites. Dog carrier/puppy crate See some amazing pictures and learn more about the various different species you will see when you visit. Corticosteroids for endotoxaemia. The longest territories occur in upland streams where an individual may have to range more than 20km to find sufficient food. If more than one young animal in care, if practicable, try to form a release group. Buckfast Butterflies & Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary The Station, Buckfastleigh, Devon. They are slightly larger than our native European otter and are probably the most numerous Otter species in the wild. Lundy, M., Montgomery, I. Cage opened one evening and left in-situ for animal to come and go until it feels confident enough not to return. DCHY00019 | Charity No.20100841 | Company Registered in England No.05598716, Roche, N., Aughney, T., Marnell, F. & Lundy, M.G. OtterBox See SUPPLIES page for food and equipment mentioned below, Housing – cub Registered with Revenue Commissioners No. 2nd feed – rehydration solution Bedding can be straw or hay if obtainable, otherwise line container with newspaper Release criteria/considerations A significant number of otters are also killed on our roads. Mammals; Statistics Length: 60-80cm Tail: 32-56cm The occurrence of otters at any site relies on a complex interaction of the characteristics of the wider landscape and local site specific habitat factors. Excellent and lithe swimmers, the young are in the water by 10 weeks of age. Otters are strong animals with a dangerous bite, do not handle unless confident, Equipment Surveys show that otters are present in more than ninety percent of our inland waterways and coastal waters. Sign in Sign up for FREE Cyber Monday Sale: 50% OFF Fractures – mainly cheekbone, pelvis or cervical vertebrae Horse Barn. Mainly head, feet and around the anus Dr Mathieu Lundy is currently working at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute in Belfast. On milk formula, faeces will be pale yellow/white and curdled looking. Cover container with towel, darkness will reduce stress The talk during the feeding of the otters was very interesting, and the animals are very endearing. Consider natural history of the animal and the location of local wild groups of these animals Ideally observe discreetly before examination; wildlife hide injuries Entanglement / entrapment capture (e.g. Fresh open clean wounds - clip, clean and suture if necessary. Join our mailing list so we can keep you posted on the latest news from the Sanctuary as well as information on upcoming events, courses and programmes. TQ11 0DZ 01364 642916 contact@ottersandbutterflies.co.uk. Review of Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre. In other regions the otter shares aquatic habitats with species specialised to different habitats such as sea otters, but in Ireland the otters that live at the coast and those that occupy our rivers are the same species. The juvenile otters remain as a family group for around six months or longer before the young otters disperse to establish their own territories. If under 400g, or very sick, the cub needs to be kept warm; part of the container needs to be roughly 30˚C A particular problem associated with otter cubs is penis sucking Must be of an appropriate weight for the age, sex, and time of year for the species After treatment and when fit enough to swim, a rigid container with fresh water can be added to the enclosure D.D., Buckley, D.J., Prodöhl, P.A., Marnell, F. and Montgomery, W.I. Use towels on top of newspaper for bedding The Irish otter population remains one of the most stable in Europe. Ideally at least 2 people, Dog grasper capture (e.g. Weigh same time each day The otter is highly secretive and although widespread people tend to only get rare glimpses of the species in the wild. Soft release may take weeks -months. mackerel or herring Unlike other resting sites the natal holts do not tend to be marked with spraints. OUR MISSION. There are so many attractions to visit with the family or like me, just a nice day out with my wife. The Irish otter population remains one of the most stable in Europe. Fresh water for drinking Diagnosis - clinical signs Various diagnosed post mortem in individual animals He completed his PhD at QUB in 2008 where he examined the patterns of species diversity in riparian areas in agricultural landscapes. It involves continuing to care for animals at the release site, and aims to compensate for difficulties of newly released animals finding food and shelter in a new environment. Dab with tissue, take a break, and then start again very slowly, Introducing ‘milk’ reflective jackets, warning signs, Note exact location and call relevant person from CONTACT page, Ideally stay with the casualty until someone comes to help, With container on its side on the ground, otter pulled into container, Container closed, grasper released and carefully withdrawn WITHOUT letting otter out, If worried/unsure, treat as for snaring (see below)continue capture (as below) and bring to vet for assessment, Container must be large enough to fit fox and any embedded fencing section, Otter pulled/lifted into open container (support rump by scruffing it as you lift). The first otter and wildlife sanctuary in Ireland is near completion at the ISPCA National Animal Centre, Keenagh, Co Longford, and will be opened later in the year. Other resting sites are also used, frequently in dense vegetation and may be associated with frequently used runs and slides into the water. Escape artists!! Place container in warm area inside house, Feeding Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is a registered charity (RCN: 20108519) dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned seals from across the coast of Ireland. Careful consideration of release site; possibly release in different area to where found, with fewer otters, Clinical Signs – injury to the limb, chipped teeth from chewing at it, underlying tissue damage Puppy crate or rigid wire mesh container e.g. Table above is ROUGH guide, each individual is different Comments – euthanize if amputation required. HANDLING The Eurasian otter is a member of the Mustelid family which includes stoats, minks and pine martens in Ireland. To be larger than females and indeed may overlap with a holt has. Excitement otter sanctuary ireland the otters when they smell the fish terrestrial prey Irish otter in! 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