Otter conservationists on Skye have released their latest cub into the wild, ready to embark on independent adult life.
Paul and Grace Yoxon stumbled upon the tiny creature by chance whilst out for a walk with their dog near Duncraig Castle in the days leading up to Christmas in 2018.
After hearing the animal’s instantaneously recognisable high pitched peeping, they opted to take the cub back to their dedicated otter hospital in Broadford as they feared for its wellbeing with its mother absent.
The otter, which the husband and wife duo named Karma, was the first they had ever come across themselves despite being involved in the conservation of the species for more than 20 years.
Workers at the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) watched Karma grow from a cub weighing just about one kilogram into an adult ready to be released back into the wild.
And after more than a year of loving care at their dedicated base in Broadford, members of the IOSF gathered back at Duncraig Castle to release Karma back into her natural habitat.
Mrs Yoxon said: “Karma had grown into a beautiful strong otter and was ready to take her place in the wild.
“She was rather unsure of what was outside the carrying box and took a while to come out and explore the shore and the water.
“She waited until she felt there was no-one around and then set off.
“The release site was perfect, with plenty of vegetation where she can lie up and make her own holt and there is plenty of prey for her in the coastal waters.
“It is such a gorgeous spot too.
“People often ask us if we are sad when they go, but we are not. It is where they belong so to see them go off and be wild is the whole point really – it is great.”
Mrs Yoxon thanked the owners of Duncraig Castle for allowing them to return to release Karma at the spot she was found, and for their commitment to monitor the area to ensure Karma’s newly fledged independent life gets off to the best possible start.
Typically, the IOSF look after otters for around 12 to 15 months – the same amount of time they are nurtured by their mothers.
The organisation has cared for more than 200 otters from across the UK and Ireland through its extensive work spanning more than 25 years.
If members of the public come across otter cubs, they are advised to leave them be in the hope the mother will return.
However, if the mother does not return, the discovery should be reported to the IOSF by dialling 01471 822 487.
