I know there are Otter's on my local stretch of river, but how do I stand getting images of them?? Do I need a schedule 1 license to go near the Holt? or what about trying to get images of them in the water, would that need a license. Speaking to fisherman they say the Otter's regulary swim and fish very close to them without to much worry. So was thinking about setting up in a good spot, but obviously don't want to get into hot water.
I wouldn't have thought that photographing them as they swam along well away from the Holt would have been a problem but it would be best to check by ringing up English Nature/DEFRA.
I photograph Otters alot on the Somerset Levells, and I must admit I have never given it a thought, as long as you dont disturb them I cant see that you would have a problem, too much red tape !!! they arewild creatures after all.........................
Rob - The Otter is listed on Appendix I of CITES, Appendix II of the Bern Convention and Annexes II & IV of the Habitats Directive. It is also protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Schedule 2 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc.) Regulations, 1994.
This protection means that it is an offence to deliberately:-
* Kill or injure Otters
* Capture or keep Otters
* Destroy, damage or obstruct their den
* Disturb them while in the den
* Sell or advertise for sale, Otters and anything derived from them
*Import or export Otters, whether dead or alive
So if you do none of the above you'll be ok. The main problems as noted above have to do with disturbance at the holt, particularly when there are cubs around as this is obviously bad practice.
Sitting out where they are feeding and letting them come in range is a safer bet. They are incredibly sensitive animals, with good smell and hearing, although I have heard some folks say they have poor eyesight. That has not been my experience - I've found them to have excellent vision.
I think they are wonderful animals, and have seen some great interactions between otters and hooded crows, otters and seagulls, otters and octopus and even otters and sheep (the sheep headbutted the otter!). Spend a lot of time with these animals and you'll be rewarded with some great sights.
I know, I know - it looks like that! But no, generally it means otter pelts, teeth, skulls etc.
However.......if you have a photograph that looks like it is exploiting the animals then you 'might' get into some difficulty if someone spots it. So far as I know this is uncharted waters, but.....there will always be a first time for it!
You are fine to photograph otters. Just don't disturb them at the holt. Have spoken to English Nature about this and various gamekeepers and fishermen. Have recently spent 2 weeks photographing otters on Mull (Highly Recommended Location).
From experience they have an excellent sense of smell so ALWAYS approach downwind. Their hearing is also superb so wear rustle-free clothing. Their eyesight appears to be very short-sighted. However if you expose your outline so a clear sky then they will see you mile off. I have sat within a couple of metres and they have not noticed my presence. Stay low and always keep your outline covered.
Most river otters are nocturnal though, so this may present a problem for you. Find a spraint sight (otters poo at the same places for territorial reasons) sit and watch and see what happens. Good luck... look forward to seeing the results.
Discussion
7 repliesI know there are Otter's on my local stretch of river, but how do I stand getting images of them?? Do I need a schedule 1 license to go near the Holt? or what about trying to get images of them in the water, would that need a license. Speaking to fisherman they say the Otter's regulary swim and fish very close to them without to much worry. So was thinking about setting up in a good spot, but obviously don't want to get into hot water.
Any advice would be great.
Regards
Rob
I wouldn't have thought that photographing them as they swam along well away from the Holt would have been a problem but it would be best to check by ringing up English Nature/DEFRA.
Good luck!
I photograph Otters alot on the Somerset Levells, and I must admit I have never given it a thought, as long as you dont disturb them I cant see that you would have a problem, too much red tape !!! they arewild creatures after all.........................
This protection means that it is an offence to deliberately:-
* Kill or injure Otters
* Capture or keep Otters
* Destroy, damage or obstruct their den
* Disturb them while in the den
* Sell or advertise for sale, Otters and anything derived from them
*Import or export Otters, whether dead or alive
So if you do none of the above you'll be ok. The main problems as noted above have to do with disturbance at the holt, particularly when there are cubs around as this is obviously bad practice.
Sitting out where they are feeding and letting them come in range is a safer bet. They are incredibly sensitive animals, with good smell and hearing, although I have heard some folks say they have poor eyesight. That has not been my experience - I've found them to have excellent vision.
I think they are wonderful animals, and have seen some great interactions between otters and hooded crows, otters and seagulls, otters and octopus and even otters and sheep (the sheep headbutted the otter!). Spend a lot of time with these animals and you'll be rewarded with some great sights.
I'm presuming that this doesn't extend to the sale of photos of otters? Or does it?
Sorry if that's a dumb question!
Michael S
However.......if you have a photograph that looks like it is exploiting the animals then you 'might' get into some difficulty if someone spots it. So far as I know this is uncharted waters, but.....there will always be a first time for it!
You are fine to photograph otters. Just don't disturb them at the holt. Have spoken to English Nature about this and various gamekeepers and fishermen. Have recently spent 2 weeks photographing otters on Mull (Highly Recommended Location).
From experience they have an excellent sense of smell so ALWAYS approach downwind. Their hearing is also superb so wear rustle-free clothing. Their eyesight appears to be very short-sighted. However if you expose your outline so a clear sky then they will see you mile off. I have sat within a couple of metres and they have not noticed my presence. Stay low and always keep your outline covered.
Most river otters are nocturnal though, so this may present a problem for you. Find a spraint sight (otters poo at the same places for territorial reasons) sit and watch and see what happens. Good luck... look forward to seeing the results.