Rescuers Save Otter Pup From Icy Death

Jan 4 2009 By Mike Larkin

A BABY otter ditched and left to die in freezing weather has been saved by wildlife workers.

The tiny six-week-old pup was discovered curled up in an old tyre by a dogwalker.

He is now being handreared back to full fitness by staff at nearby Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust in Beith, Ayrshire.

Centre boss Gay Christie said: "It was very cold and he was too young to be out alone. He wouldn't have lasted long.

"When such a young otter leaves its holt it is usually because their mothers have not returned and they are hungry.

"When a pup is taken into care it is often because its mother has been killed crossing the road. In this case there is also a railway line nearby."

The pup weighed less than a kilo when found on Christmas Day but is recovering well and will be released back into the wild after 12 months. He has been named Nicholas after Santa Claus.

Gay said: "He is nippy and takes a bite at your fingers. But he would not have a good future in the wild if he becomes tame."