How otter sighting created ripples of interest in Bann
An otter in the River Bann near the Boat Club last Thursday afternoon. INPT40-203.
WALKERS on the towpath beside the River Bann were treated to a surprise appearance by a not-so-shy otter last Thursday afternoon.
The animal, who had obviously decided to do some early fishing, was spotted by a member of the public who hot-footed it to the Portadown Times office to relay news of what he assumed to be a highly unusual visitor.
Times photographer Tony Hendron duly went along to the river bank near Portadown Boat Club but the water was quiet. Never one to miss a scoop, he settled down and waited, and at four o’clock on the dot, just as he was about to leave, a silky black head pushed its way through the surface of the water and began to catch fish.
The photos of the otter, displaying some very sharp teeth, stirred a lot of interest within the office and a subsequent phonecall to Craigavon Borough Council unearthed some interesting facts about this particular mammal.
Contrary to what many people may think, otters are very common in the River Bann and live along its banks all year long. However, they are mainly seen at night-time when they come out to find fish.
Marcus Malley, conservation officer with Craigavon Borough Council, said, “Male otters are more commonly seen and will travel quite a distance. Female otters, who have cubs with them, are very reclusive.
“You will find otters in any river where there are fish, including the Corcrain River.”
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Weather for Portadown
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
