LOST BABY OTTER FOUND CRYING ON A KIRKCUDBRIGHT DOORSTEP

The Scottish SPCA is caring for an otter cub found crying on a doorstep after becoming separated from his mother during severe weather in Dumfries and Galloway.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted when the 10 week old was discovered at the back door of a house in Kirkcudbright on Monday morning (7 December).
The cub is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, where he has been nicknamed Buddy.
Centre manager Colin Seddon said, “Buddy is currently being bottle fed milk and hand fed a diet of fish. He is still weak and underweight but is improving.
“This has been our busiest year for otter cubs and we have 15 in our care at the moment.
“Buddy will be introduced to our three youngest cubs, Ebb, Tide and Wave, who were also found without their mothers.
“They will stay with us for around a year until they are old enough to fend for themselves back in the wild.
“This is a very hazardous time for young otters as they can easily be washed out of their holts by high rivers and at that age they are not accomplished swimmers. If separated from their mothers, they may well perish.
“We would appeal to the public to be watchful, especially in areas affected by the recent floods.
“If anyone hears or sees any animals they think may be in distress they should contact our animal helpline for advice on 03000 999 999.”