Baby otter found ‘crying’ on doorstep in Kirkcudbright

A BABY otter found “crying on a doorstep” after becoming separated from his mother during Storm Desmond was today in the safe hands of staff at Scotland’s national wildlife rescue centre.

A 10-week old otter cub who was found on a doorstep in Kirkcudbright after becoming separated from its mother during heavy rain earlier this week. Picture: PA

The 10-week-old cub was discovered at the back door of a house in Kirkcudbright on Monday morning.

He is now is being bottle-fed by staff at the centre, run by rescue charity the Scottish SPCA.

Centre manager Colin Seddon said: “This is a very hazardous time for young otters as they can easily be washed out of their holts by high rivers and at this age they are not accomplished swimmers.

A 10-week old otter cub who was found on a doorstep in Kirkcudbright after becoming separated from its mother during heavy rain earlier this week. Picture: PA

“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.”

Mr Seddon said 2015 had been the charity’s busiest-ever year for otter cubs. The centre, at Fishcross, near Alloa in Clackmannanshire, has 15 in its care at the moment.

The Kirkcudbrightshire cub has been nicknamed Buddy by centre staff.

Mr Seddon said that Buddy was currently being bottle-fed milk and hand-fed fish.

He said: “He is still weak and underweight but is improving.”

In time he will be introduced to the three other youngest cubs at the centre – nicknamed Ebb, Tide and Wave – who were also found without their mothers.

All four will stay at the centre for around a year until they are old enough to fend for themselves in the wild, and can be re-released.

Anyone needing to contact the charity’s Animal Helpline can do so on 03000 999 999.