Mull Otter Group is a group of otter enthusiasts who have come together in the hope of making life a little better for the otters of Mull. Otters give us so much: they are beautiful creatures, an important part of the island’s ecology, and they benefit the island’s economy by contributing significantly to wildlife tourism. We want to give a little back.

We try to assist with otter welfare and conservation of otters. Thanks to reports from helpful locals and visitors, we are sometimes able to rescue otters in need of assistance. With the help of SSPCA and IOSF, the otter sanctuary on Skye, four rescued cubs have been provided with a suitable rehabilitation package assisting their release back into the wild.

Our 100 roadside reflectors and 6 signs are designed to make the roads safer for otters: often they must cross roads to reach inland holts. The reflectors work by shining the lights of oncoming vehicles into the eyes of otters considering crossing the road in the hope that it will make them think twice. We contribute to research, keeping statistics on otter mortalities.

We responded to a range of queries about otter concerns. Around half are from locals, many from visitors but also from e.g. Northern Ireland, Orkney, Germany and Spain. Students have been given assistance with their degree researches. Nigel Burch has contributed talks, articles and his scientific paper on road traffic accident mitigation measures was published in the IOSF journal, “Otter”.

We aim to raise the level of awareness of otters and their conservation needs. We have produced thousands of widely available information leaflets and erected 7 information boards at key locations across the island. We have organised talks for schools and for other audiences. Every two months, we report to our members and local community in Round and About, in addition to our website and Facebook page.

Mull Otter Group is committed to preserving a healthy environment for the benefit of present and future generations of otters on the Isle of Mull and Iona. Although we have a healthy population of otters, the Eurasian Otter is still classified “vulnerable” on the IUCN red data list. MOG aims to work together with the local community, other agencies and visitors to the island to ensure that otters on the island are given the space that, as wild animals, they deserve. The Eurasian Otter is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), which makes it an offence to kill, injure or take an otter without a license or to undertake work that could damage their habitats.