The most relaxed otter you’ve ever seen

When you ask guides, previous and current, in the event that they’ve ever seen a Cape Clawless Otter in Londolozi, you may discover combined reactions. Chris Goodman will roll his eyes and let you know he is nonetheless undecided they’re really there after his solely sighting within the practically 20 years he is been right here. Pete Thorpe will say that you just simply must take a stroll alongside the Sand River and it is best to uncover one in all them. Andrea Campbell documented her seek for otters in Londolozi by organising path cameras alongside the river for just a few weeks, which appeared to seize every thing apart from what she had hoped for, and lately was lastly in a position to examine notes with Josh Attenborough relating to our personal sightings of otters on the bridge .

The bridge that crosses the Sand River is likely one of the most stunning spots alongside the river and also you by no means know what you will notice because it crosses the river.

One night, as I used to be crossing over the river of sand on the bridge, I noticed a crocodile mendacity in one of many traditional ponds. This was not in itself an uncommon sight, however simply behind it, a motion within the water caught my eye. With my eyes targeted, I drew the distinctive form of an otter’s head protruding of the water, and could not imagine my luck as I continued searching with out it being fully disturbed by the presence of the car.

A standard sight when crossing the bridge is crocodiles mendacity in await any fish or frogs that is perhaps washed up of their open mouths.

Otters are superb swimmers and glide effortlessly via the water as they hunt for fish, frogs, and different aquatic morsels

What makes them so onerous to identify?

Otters are extremely secretive by nature, and though they’re discovered within the waterways of the Sand River in Londolozi, sightings of them are uncommon, so sitting in silence and observing this catch was extraordinary. On high of being shy, otters are primarily nocturnal animals, the place they’re most lively in foraging. Throughout this time, in the event that they hear or see a automobile, they’re prone to slip into the water and disappear into the reeds, making it unlikely that they are going to be seen for any size of time.

Throughout the day, they often sleep in dens or burrows, generally known as holts, alongside the river financial institution, which makes them tougher to identify. Nevertheless, if they’re outdoors, that is usually when they’re taking part in, and if an individual is fortunate sufficient to come upon them from a distance, you may get a half first rate view of them earlier than they even discover they’re doing so. He watches and runs away.

When the otter is looking for meals, it should transfer alongside the river financial institution hopping out and in of the water and making an attempt to shock its quarry.

Claw-headed otters are glorious swimmers and are identified for his or her distinctive searching methods. In contrast to different species of otters, they don’t have claws and as an alternative have webbed ft, which they use to burrow in sand and gravel alongside riverbeds to catch small fish and crustaceans. They’re additionally identified to feed on crabs, frogs, and different aquatic creatures. Going again to the otter sighting I discussed earlier, we watched as he entered the bridge forward and saved frantically looking out the dashing river for something to eat.

I discovered from some research that otters are additionally social animals and are sometimes present in household teams. They impart via a sequence of chirps, whistles, and growls, and use scent markings to ascertain their territory alongside the riverbank, so I used to be desperately hoping another person would be part of this one in entrance of me, however that wasn’t the case.

I sat watching it for some time earlier than it disappeared into the reeds, and though I have been fortunate sufficient to see one earlier than, it was all the time very quick sightings. Spending 20 minutes straight with this uncommon creature was a privilege and a reminder of simply how a lot there may be to see right here. Irrespective of what number of recreation drives you’ve got been via or what number of years you’ve got been within the bush, there’s all the time one thing new to see, and also you by no means know when that second will occur.