Tiny otter cub rescued from Ipswich riverbank is recovering in North Devon

A tiny otter cub facing almost certain death on an Ipswich riverbank is now making a remarkable recovery in North Devon.

Weighing less than 500 grams and believed to have been only eight weeks old, the cub – now named Scratch – is being cared for by the UK Wild Otter Trust at its North Devon rescue centre.

He was spotted alone and far too young to fend for himself, by a kind-hearted passer-by next to the quiet Ipswich river, with no sign of his mother, who had possibly been killed in a traffic accident.

Scratch earned his name the feisty way - by giving the finder’s son a quick swipe during the rescue attempt, proving even the tiniest otter cubs have plenty of wild spirit.

Dave Webb, founder of the UK Wild Otter Trust, took up the story: “At first, the person didn’t know what to do.

“Someone advised them to return him to the river in case his mum came back, but when they returned a short while later, Scratch was still there, cold, crying and clearly distressed.”

Realising the cub wouldn’t survive alone, the rescuer gently picked him up and contacted Dave and his team of volunteers at the charity, who arranged for Scratch to be brought into the trust’s care.

Dave added: “When he arrived, Scratch was cold, hungry, and confused, but he was also a fighter!

“With warmth, food and around-the-clock care, he’s already growing stronger every day.”

Above: Scratch weighed less than 500g when first rescued. Credit: UKWOT

Now weighing a healthy 1.5 kilos, Scratch’s recovery is well underway and with expert care and a tailored rehabilitation plan, the aim is to one day return him to the wild where he belongs.

The UK Wild Otter Trust continues to rehabilitate wild otters across the UK and relies on public support to fund this vital work – Scratch will be the charity’s eighth rescue this year so far.

Dave said: “Thanks to someone who stopped, who cared, and who acted, Scratch has a future. We need more people in the world who are willing to stop what they’re doing and help wildlife when it’s in need of our help.

“And a note to the public - if you find an otter cub which seems to be in distress, phone the UK Wild Otter Trust or your local wildlife rescue centre for professional advice.”

If you find a cub or adult otter in difficulty, would like to find out more about the charity or make a donation, please go to https://ukwildottertrust.org

Above: Eventually it is hoped Scratch can be released into the wild. Credit: UKWOT