Colne woman mistakes predatory mink for an otter

Sarah Menzies was walking along a canal near Regent Street in Nelson.

Ms Menzies, from Colne, said: “I spotted it go into the water then told my partner and son.

“I'm glad it came back out of the water again for me to video it or they wouldn't have believed me.”

She posted the video to the Facebook group ‘Nelson Lancashire Now and Then’ along with the caption "not something you see every day, an otter on the Canal".

At the time of writing, the post has received over 150 comments and many people took to the comment section to talk about the video.

One person said: “Wow – amazing."

And another said: “We’ll have to keep our eyes open on our lunchtime walk.”

However, many others were quick to point out that it is not the whiskery and furry-bellied otter.

American mink (Photo: Sarah Menzies)

It is an American mink, an invasive and active predator which feeds on anything it can physically catch.

A spokesperson for the Lancashire Wildlife Trust confirmed this adding that its “more pointed face and erect ears” suggest that it is an American mink.

They added: “The mink is a small, lithe mammal, with brown-black fur, a narrow snout, a small, white chin and a white throat.

“Mink can be distinguished from otters by their smaller size, darker fur, and smaller face.”

However, they can be aggressive if confronted by humans so make sure not to get too close if you encounter one.

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust spokesperson added that invasive species can be an issue in Lancashire as they can hunt animals which are close to extinction. 

They added: “Mink are a problem in areas of Lancashire where they have preyed on mammals and birds.

"They are a real threat to rare, native water voles (which are currently facing extinction partially because of them) and ground-nesting seabirds.”

The American mink population has grown from escapees from fur farms in the 1960s. Many were released by animal rights activists, who did not understand the problems they could cause to our native species.

Mink are good swimmers and females are small enough to enter the water-line burrows of water voles and take their young.

Mink are fiercely territorial; their dens are close to the water and the females have one litter of four to six kittens a year.

Mink are much more likely to be seen than the shy and secretive otter – but if the two came face-to-face otters will outcompete mink.

Where can I see otters in the North?

If you want to catch a glimpse of a real otter in the county, there are some places you can go in the North, according to the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust

Hockenhull Platts - Within easy distance of Chester and Tarvin, Hockenhull Platts nature reserve sits beside the River Gowy and is a great place to enjoy a short stroll along the Mill Trail and over the quaint medieval bridges that traverse the reserve. Otters have been recorded along the banks of the river and it is hoped the newly created wetlands may also encourage these secretive river dwellers.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Wreay Woods - The reserve follows the course of the River Petteril where a deep gorge has been cut through the land. Unmanaged river channels such as this, often containing large woody debris, are now a rarity in the county. They provide ideal otter habitat and there are occasional sightings of them here. Also look for grey wagtail, dipper and kingfisher.

Durham Wildlife Trust

Shibdon Pond - One of the few large lowland, open water bodies between the Tyne and the Tees and particularly important due to its location on the urban fringe. Otters regularly use the reserve and it is also home to large cormorant and tern roosts. Look out for water rail, greenshank and sandpipers.

Lancashire Wildlife Trust

Aughton Woods - Remote ancient woodland on the River Lune, which is a hotspot for otters. It’s full of coppiced trees, including small-leaved lime. Also look out for common sandpipers and oystercatchers from February onward.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Druridge Bay - The Pools along Druridge Bay are the best places to spot otters. Northumberland. NWT manages five reserves along Druridge Bay: Cresswell Shore and Cresswell Pond, Druridge Pools, East Chevington and Hauxley. They are important sites for birds and other wildlife.

Tees Valley Wildlife Trust

Portrack Marsh - Take an early morning walk along the River Tees towards the reserve. Check the river and riverbank for otters which are regularly seen in and around the town. At the barrage, keep an eye out for common seal and kingfisher too.

Bowesfield - This wetland reserve is formed by three loops in the River Tees, each with its own character and special wildlife. Look out for otters along the river, as well as birds such as stonechat, water rail, curlew and sand martin in the summer months. The reedbeds are also home to reed bunting and harvest mouse.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Staveley - This site is great for otters - in 2012 it was home to a mother and cubs who were seen on several occassions. It’s also home to more than 230 plant species and a range of birds, including locally rare short-eared owl and jack snipe.

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