I thought I saw an otter here (but it's probably a mink.)

Image: © Richard Humphrey Taken: 22 Aug 2010

There are several old brick built quays on the grassy banks of the River Welland in Spalding which once serviced the riverside warehouses, most of which are now domestic dwellings. The significance of me posting this photo is that I saw a small mammal being chased by a flotilla of ducks along this section of river. After swimming up river for 500 metres it climbed onto the base of this quay and then I shot a short video, see link to youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXi2n3BTXW0 Anyone know what it is? Small otter, stoat, weasel ? Moderator, and wildlife expert, Hugh Venables sent me the following note "Unfortunately it looks much more like a Mink. An American species brought over here for fur farming. A feral population has established itself through deliberate releases by animal rights protesters (and general escapes). This population has caused significant problems for many native waterway species, especially the Water Vole. I hope the animal rights protesters are happy! On the positive side, they can't co-exist with Otters so are being driven out of some areas as Otters expand their range."

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