Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Large otter caught on camera in Henley




AN otter is on the loose in Henley.

A large furry creature was recently caught on camera by a Henley resident as it raided a fishpond in the dead of night leaving no stone unturned as it forced away blocks holding a net in place to protect the fish from predators.

The black and white trail cam footage shows the otter squeezing under the net and seconds later it enters the pond.

The fish belonged to resident Andy Thornley who has mixed feelings about his garden intruder.

“All 25 fish are gone. The otter came a week or so ago and half went then and it came back for the other fish which I’d only recently stocked up. I’m fifty-fifty about what happened. It’s quite fascinating to have wildlife like this in the middle of Henley but I haven’t got any fish now and won’t be getting anymore,” Andy said.

The otter was filmed at 1am when motion detectors activated the trail cam which has previously filmed badgers, foxes and a deer in Andy’s garden but the clarity of the 20 second clip isn’t blurred and gives a clear view of the otter’s antics.

But how did the otter know where to go for the fish and where did it come from?

“I think it lives in the River Alne which isn’t right next door to our house so the otter had a bit of a trek to get to our place. Apparently they listen out for running water and it eventually got to the pond. The fish were golden orfe, a bit like a goldfish but I won’t be replacing them. I’ll turn the pond into a nature pond instead. I’ll probably try and deter the otter coming into the garden but I won’t harm it. I think otters have been in Henley for some time now,” Andy said.

He posted his otter video on social media which drew several responses with people quick to sympathise with Andy’s plight some of whom had lost fish to otters as well. There was a balance of understanding in the comments which Andy shared with fellow contributors and while it was a shock to lose the fish, otters need to be protected which they have been in the UK since the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

According to the National Trust otters are spread across just a few locations throughout the country and are a rare find for wildlife spotters.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More