Rare film of wild otters

Press, 16 April 1984, Page 18

Rare film of wild otters

Wild otters are shy, elusive and generally nocturnal — three good reasons why they are seldom captured on film. Another reason is their rarity, partially due to the use of pesticides and the encroachment of man on their natural habitats. In at least half the counties of England the otter is now extinct. But on the remote Shetland Isles, far to the north of Scotland, otters continue to live as they have done for centuries. There, in one of the last otter strongholds in Europe, a wildlife cameraman, Hugh Miles, spent three consecutive summers seeking and filming these beautiful and enchanting creatures. This film for the 8.8.C.’s “The World About Us” won the Merit Award for Cinematic Excellence at the 1983 International Wildlife Film Festival. It can be seen on Two at 7.30 tonight. Hugh Miles is renowned for his work as a wildlife photographer. He is a regular contributor to wildlife documentaries for 8.8. C. Television and was leading cameraman for the acclaimed series, “The Flight of the Condor.” In 1982 he received the Wildscreen Award for best cameraman. It was in the spring of 1979 that Hugh Miles first went to Shetland in search of the wild otter. He soon discovered it was no easy task. After many weeks of walking mile after weary mile of rocky coastline and keeping watch for hours in the cold, his efforts were finally rewarded when he encountered a family of totally wild otters.

This remarkable film tells the story of his relationship with one particular otter and her family. They are seen hunting and eating fish, grooming on tlie rocks, playing together and curling up in a tangle to sleep. A rarely observed courtship scene is included as well as many fascinating shots of mother and cubs, whose antics are most entertaining.