These otter cubs are almost the same size as their mum and still suckling. Time for mum to teach them essential survival skills and begin the process of separation.

You can watch more otter films here:    • Otters | Discover Wildlife | Robert E...  

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ABOUT THIS FILM
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Isle of Mull, Scotland

I spent a week watching an otter mum prepare her cubs for independence on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. The scenery here is stunning, and you can enjoy it all in 4K.

Searching for otters

Male otters hold large territories which they mark with 'spraints'. These are easy to spot because they fertilise the soil beneath which in turn prompts the grass to grow into mounds. By following the spraint mouds, I soon spot the dominant dog otter.

Otter family

But it's a six mile trek along the coastline before I find a female with cubs. This family appear to be living under some rocks by the shoreline where the female can easily take her cubs out foraging. This is known as a nursery holt.

Hunting lessons

It's amazing to see how the family hunt as one, with the female in the lead and the two cubs streamlined behind her. They move through the seaweed looking for crabs, fish, and even octopus, slipping through the water almost as one.

Catching prey

The mother is teaching her cubs to hunt. In another two months, they will be a year old and fending for themselves. In the meantime, they still depend on her to provide food for them as well as to suckle.

Mum is tired

The toll on mum is beginning to show, she looks thin and is clearly tired. It won't be long before she pushes them out of this territory. In the meantime watch her try to hang on to her own catch, and take time out for a nap.

Otter cubs

The cubs are still making sense of the change in mum and when she doesn't respond to their calls they look worried. But they are also developing fast. Already the male cub is a proficient hunter and it's fun to watch them play together whilst mum recuperates.

Danger

But these cubs are still vulnerable. There are whitetailed eagles in the skies above and these huge birds can kill otter cubs. Dog otters are also a threat, especially to the young male. Thankfully the dog otter holding this territory is actually their father.

Grooming

Once reunited the otter family begin grooming. This is an essential part of an otter's daily routine, it reinforces family bonds and keeps their fur clean. But it also plays an important role in keeping them warm.

Bubbles

As the otters lift the fur they trap a layer of air close to their bodies which insulates them from the cold water. This is why you see a telltale trail of bubbles when an otter dives, it’s the air being slowly released!

Art inspiration

I follow wildlife to gain an insight into their secretive lives for my paintings. Follow this link to see the otter painting my experiences inspire: https://www.robertefuller.com/product...

ABOUT ME
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I am a British wildlife artist and filmmaker on a mission to share my love for wildlife with the world. As well as creating detailed animal film and art portraits, I promote wildlife tours around the world and do all I can to help conserve and protect wildlife here at my home in Yorkshire. I hope that by putting nature in the frame I can foster a deep love for wildlife amongst my followers.

You may like to purchase my artwork which you can find on my website: https://www.robertefuller.com. Many of my paintings are portraits of the wonderful characters you watch here!

You can also follow me on these platforms:
Website: https://www.robertefuller.com
Facebook:   / robertefullerart  
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CHAPTERS
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00:00 On the Isle of Mull
00:29 In Search Of Otters
00:40 Finding A Dog Otter
03:23 Spraint
03:44 Glimpsing Female & Cub
05:44 Hunting Through Seaweed
06:50 All Three Otters Together
07:29 Cub Take's Mums Food
07:47 Otters Hunting
09:03 Suckling
11:08 Mother Distancing Herself from Cubs
12:04 Cubs on Their Own
12:28 Danger to Otters
12:47 Mother Otter on Her Own
15:07 Otter Family Reunited
15:26 Grooming
16:12 Dog Otter in Pursuit
17:50 Summary
18:44 Last Night on The Isle of Mull

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© Robert E Fuller

Copyright Disclaimer: Please feel free to share my videos but do not download any content without permission with the intent to reupload. If you would like to license any content, please get in touch: [email protected]

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