Phil, Isn't the contention that several illegal and unrecorded releases were made? I'd be interested in your experiences or views on illegal re-introductions.
Have to say on a personal note your posts and references on the subject are a breath of fresh air and have shed light on the realities of the situation for me. Really appreciate the information.
Chris I've heard the so-called claims of clandestine breeding down the years but give them little if any credence and for these reasons.
First you have to capture or find the breeding stock. The find could be injured otters, which is possible may be to find one, but more than one? Very doubtful unless you are conspiring with others on a regional/national scale. The old adage here is pertinent, “the more that know about something, the more likely it will leak out!”
Capture means to trap them, running the risk of the traps being discovered possibly with an animal inside by river users. Because otters are not generally creature of habit and the size of the territory, means the trap could have to be there for many days, dramatically increasing the risk of discovery by someone. Otter traps are also a large piece of equipment 5 ft by 2 ft squire minimum. Given the lovability of otters in the British consciousness, any such traps, particularly contain an animal, would be reported to the police ASAP I’d think. That would in turn go through to the Wildlife Crimes Officer as a priority. They would make every effort to apprehend the trap setters. To a WCO this would be a big job and crime to solve, earning mass brownie points with the high-ups, when they are appraising their work and progress they are making in it.
I know this from conversations I’ve had with WCO in my region about many things wildlife. These guys live breath wildlife and solving the crimes around it because of the passion they have for it. The role of WCO is more a vocation than a police officers job.
The only other way I can think of for capture relates to the birthing holt but won’t go into detail for obvious reasons.
Assuming the obstacles above were overcome by an individual and or group, they would need at least 3 mature animals, one male two females of two or more years old for it to be a viable proposition. Otters become sexually mature at 2. A large secluded and secure area split into a minimum of 3 pens including small pond 6X6 ft in each. The mature animals would have to be kept separate to stop them fighting. A constant supply of fish to feed the animals with, probably and initially live until they were weaned onto deads and probably sea fish for ease of supply.
Otters when awake, feeding or playing are quite noisy animals constantly calling, low growling and snorting and more so when they have cubs. Without such seclusion of say a remote small holding or farm where the pens are, they would quickly draw attention to themselves and be noticed by someone. The likelihood being the people keeping them would be asked questions about them by neighbours, friends, visitors and possible reporting for keeping them.
Again assuming an individual/group got around the above, at best they could only breed a maximum of 6 cubs per 15 months and more likely half that and a maximum of 6 litters per brood female’s life as the animals only live 5-7 years in captivity.
Despite all the stories about clandestine breeding and to the best of my knowledge no one has ever been reported or caught for illegally keeping otters. Nor has any traps ever been found.
The effort, commitment and secrecy need to breed otters clandestinely on a scale the stories would have us believe just doesn’t add up. So because of all of the above and as I said Chris, I give it little credence and view it as an urban myth.
