This is a diary of incidents reported to the Mull Otter Group by islanders and visitors, of actions taken by the Group and of other activities. We hope that the diary will provide insight into what the Group does to support our otters on a day-by-day basis. The diary is compiled from Nigel Burch’s MOG Scientific Reports.

22/02/2026 Report of an injured otter at Salen – decision made to leave to recover naturally, seems to be improving.

23/02/2026 Otter deaths due to road traffic accidents, MOG 163 (Loch Don) and MOG 164 (Scallastle) were surveyed.

23/02/2026 Reflector sites between Inverlussa and Scallastle that warn otters of oncoming vehicles at night were surveyed – many repairs are required.

19/03/2026 Otter death due to road traffic accident, MOG 165 (Ardura), surveyed.

06/04/2026 Report of possible dead otter reported on shore path by Salen Bay Campsite. Thought to be a bird carcass.

17/04/2026 Dead otter found on main road near Fishnish (MOG 166)

07/04/2026 Report of possible dead otter at Loch Don. Thought after examination to have been a cat.

18/04/2026 Report of possible dead otter at Inverlussa. Area between Loch Don and Ardura searched, nothing found.

23/04/2026 Disturbance issues at Croggan. Area reported to be particularly busy with visitors at the moment.

29/04/2026 Injured otter reported around the Loch Pottie area. The area, was searched, nothing found. Asked locals to keep a look out – nothing since has been reported.

29/04/2026 Report of an injured otter, thought to have been hit by a vehicle. Injuries include lacerations and rear legs partially immobile. Otter still feeding in sea and coming ashore. Decision made to monitor rather than capture. Follow up video 27/05/2026 would indicate (if this is the same otter) that it was recovering at that time.

01/05/2026 Report of an injured otter at Drimnin on Morven mainland, thought to have been hit by a vehicle, moved to a safe area to recover.

29/05/2026 Report of injured otter cub on road near Loch Pottie – area searched but the otter was not seen again.

31/05/2026 Talk given for world otter day at Pennyghael Community Centre, well attended (full). Repeat planned in October 2026

06/06 2026 Enquiry from Sussex Wildlife about database

06/06/2026 Enquiry from a Spanish wildlife magazine reporter, requesting updated information on previous articles/ information.

13/06/2026 Reflectors at Inverlussa strimmed, Some repairs carried out, more required..

16/06/2026 There has been a report that the otter information board at Tiroran was missing. The area was searched and no board found. The board at Knock has been repaired and reinstalled on 15/05/2026. The otter sign at Kinloch requires removal of stickers and the worded sign requires reattaching. Contact numbers on signs need updating.

17/06/2026 Enquiry requesting information on otters in Tobermory, for a planned harbour works impact report.

07/07/2026 Disturbance. Cases of otters and other wildlife disturbance continue to be notified to MOG. This includes disturbance by visitors looking for otters on the shoreline, photographers (some professional) organized tours and various watercraft especially paddleboards and kayaks. There is a continuing need for the education of visitors to café’s and campsites along our shorelines so that they can enjoy watching otters from a distance without disturbing them or other wildlife.

15/07/2026 Reflectors between Craignure and Salen surveyed. Many repairs needed.

04/08/2026 Dead Otter reported on road between Salen and Tobermory – collected and surveyed (MOG 167)

09/08/20206 Report of Dead Otter on road near Glenforsa. Searched for but not confirmed.

21/08/2026 Possible sighting of an albino otter. Not yet confirmed

25/08/2026 Otter reported with plastic ring trapped around its abdomen. Not apparently in pain or injured. Subsequent sightings verified and plans put in place to intervene if required. Eventually the Otter lost the ring without intervention.

Summary Totals for 2026 so far:

14 dead or distressed otter sightings were reported to MOG

9 of these sightings were confirmed by members of the otter group.

Of the confirmed sightings, 5 of the 9 otters were dead. All were road traffic accidents – the bodies were taken for autopsy and the site of their death was surveyed.

4 other otters were injured and were monitored – all recovered without intervention, beyond moving them to a nearby safer location if necessary.

The total for Mull otters killed by road traffic accidents since 2013 is now 122

The roadside reflectors that warn otters of oncoming vehicles at night have been examined between Inverlussa and Pennygown.  There are many reflectors and posts in need of replacement or repair.

The roadside MOG Information boards are also in need of repair or replacement, which has begun.