CARP EATERS!! Can an Otter climb an Otter fence??

Otters were on a steep decline in the 70's and 80's which was thought to be connected to leaching of agricultural pesticides which entered the aquatic food chain and poisoning predatory species.
It's fair to say that the protection and reintroduction of Otters in territories across the UK has been incredibly successful, at the expense of some of the countries most specimen fish species. 15 years ago an Otter fence was relatively uncommon, and an Otter sighting even more rare in many parts of the country. Today you stand a good chance of having an Otter encounter in almost all counties.
At the rate Otter sightings are being reported in certain parts of the country, there's a clear trend in which these numbers are heading. Daylight sightings are more and more common as they become more brazen around us.
An Otter fence is a crucial measure for any fishery business, even if you're lucky enough to not have Otters in your area currently, it's just a matter of time. Fenced fisheries concentrate these growing numbers of Otters into unfenced territories, depleting the stocks over time. We will see more fences challenged as Otters become more desperate to find that easy meal that's becoming increasingly hard to find in the wild with the accelerating competition.
Whilst it's great to see a species bounce back so successfully, it's a sad story for specimen river angling and forces naturally beautiful stillwater to erect a costly and unsightly boundary that will need constant maintenance to function whilst Otters become wise to overcoming the obstacle.
Please share any footage or stories that you have. As an industry we need to document the impact of this species on the wider aquatic ecosystem.

[@erdevon3257]

Be thankful you havent got 2 legged Eastern European predators

[@BPMilling]

Not yet!

[@mattgoodchild8215]

Yes otters are becoming a real countryside pest in my opinion I live afloat on a narrow boat seen them right outside my window I've seen half eaten bream they are spreading very fast along the tame valley area Tamworth I've seen half eaten tench in the Kingsbury area where I also fish for pike I've cought pike with massive wounds that where clearly from an otter even the new EA fishing licence has a picture of an otter eating a fish which is quite ironic there will be a decrease in nesting bird numbers for sure what idiot decided that otters should be re introduced

[@BPMilling]

I think that it's important to document all of this damage so the right people can realise the problem!

[@TheXJRMAN]

@Matt Goodchild Chris Packham's "rewilding Britain" and a board of academics without country wildlife management in a DEFRA private fund to Natural England, these people have no idea, just graphs and metrics.

[@Globetrotter-1]

Otters eat fish and other animals. Get over it. They have as much right as any wild animal to hunt and eat prey.

[@davidfox5878]

For the most part, otters have not been reintroduced - they made their own way back after their near extinction from pollution. Also, the otter population will not just keep growing - it will reach a natural saturation level and then cease growing. It will fluctuate around that level under normal survival pressures.

[@Globetrotter-1]

@@davidfox5878 That is very true. Although the massive and widespread overstocking of single species such as carp and rainbow trout across UK has meant that there is now an abundance of easy-prey fish, especially in small commercial venues and club waters...like hunting sardines crammed inside a tin can.

[@carld9451]

Great to see the otters and great to see yourself taking exta protection for your fish hopefully no harm comes to the otters

[@markcresswell8088]

Thanks for the vid, questions (I help run a lake) the battery you use (Enforcer) How long does a charge last? How long does it take to charge up? Do you have 1 on charge whilst other being charged? Currently our lake is fenced and we haven't had any problems but may look to upgrade the fence

[@stuartrichardson6928]

Be thankful that you can fence your fishery. My river stretches have been decimated. The otter population has exploded but the countryfile set don’t admit this as it doesn’t fit the agenda. Very sad times for angling!

[@BPMilling]

Lots of people seem to have the same opinion Stuart! Very sad and happening at an alarming rate!

[@wakou222]

"The Countryfile Set" Are who precisely? People who care? Left-wing oat-milk vegetarians?

[@stuartrichardson6928]

@@wakou222 just because you “care” doesn’t make your opinions ,idea’s or actions correct. I care! That doesn’t make me right. I am a river keeper though so I’d like to think that my experiences and observations over many years helps me care for all the ecosystem and not just some of it.

[@robertgoddard565]

Otters can indeed climb fencing without an over hung top. However they don’t do it unless they are struggling for food and it’s out of desperation. They climb far better than they can dig.

[@TheXJRMAN]

Ruining a water near you soon.....got a river or canal close....it's over.

[@BPMilling]

Agreed!

[@kurtlucas8638]

Very informative. Eye opener

[@BPMilling]

Glad it helped Kurt!

[@grahamsibbert2412]

Hello. How strange, unless you are a different person, I have just been reading about your fishery and the fences you have erected. I read it it the magazine IYCF

[@paulAnthony7236]

When everything is ate then someone might listen.

[@northernlight40]

22-250 is the answer

[@johnstockburn6396]

A very good choice as is a 243.

[@northernlight40]

@@johnstockburn6396 it’s a situation created by foolish people ,land and property owners should have the right to protect their property ,I’ll be honest if it were me I would quietly dispose of the offending animal and say nothing.

[@johnstockburn6396]

@@northernlight40 this vermin has been inflicted upon people without asking just like the dingy s arriving, there is a reason why otters were controlled and that is because of the destruction they cause , look through youtube and someone posted a video of a dog otter snatching six week old lambs , ridiculous and people put up with the crap that these rewilding idiots spout .

[@dabberlocksisjustoutofview9013]

With the reintroduction of beavers into all areas of England especially here in Wiltshire this provides going to get a whole lot worse for still water fisheries. The beavers are pushing the otters out of the rivers imo.

[@BPMilling]

This will be interesting to see what happens here.

[@rogersmith8339]

I thought it was the Poles who ate the carp.

[@scarthingwellfishponds5047]

Those insulator bits are about £10, they won't last like yours will mind, sorry about your loss, been through it a fair few times myself, nothing as big as yours but lost brood stock a few times now.

[@BPMilling]

Yes there has been some very interesting stories as well as many like mine which have been shared since releasing this video!

[@newphone890]

How are dog walkers getting in if its otter fenced? Are they not using the same way as they are?

[@BPMilling]

That camera was outside the fence.

[@richardcole9558]

I would add a strand of electric 4 inches out and 4 inches up from the bottom , similar to a pheasant release pen , it would stop them trying to dig under ..

[@BPMilling]

I definitely will if I see them challenging this fence again after all I've done now!

[@richardhewitt4243]

Would a motion detector linked to light and sound spook them and keep them away? I realise other animals will trigger but it may help with the other measures you have already in place

[@BPMilling]

I'm not sure, there's lots of reports of domestic ponds falling victim to Otters, so I think they're becoming more brazen. It would look like wembley if I had lights around all my ponds anyway.

[@portcullis5622]

How about a couple of aggressive dogs on the inside of the fence on some winter nights? Their scent will linger and may act as a deterrent. Better still, ask the local zoo if they can lend you a 🐅!

[@BPMilling]

I might see if the Wealdstone Raider wants some work.

[@paulburgess1807]

So sorry 😢

[@paulgeary6246]

Im an animal lover but find it ludicrous that you can't legally protect your buisness with force

[@robgood719]

So if you was a farmer and inside that fence was your chickens and a fox was getting in what would happen 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️so why is it so unfair that fisheries can’t do more to stop this the cost of fish far out ways the cost of a chicken 😔😔😔

[@BPMilling]

Doesn't seem right does it!

[@phillipm2274]

'Promo sm' 💐

[@1954satan]

SSS

[@jacksmith1983]

Outside of the angling community, there is no public support or call whatsoever for a cull on otters. If anything anti-otter rhetoric is more likely to alienate the wider public and attract attention from the conservation lobby that you really don't want. But by all means carry on misreading the room.

[@BPMilling]

There was no mention of a cull in the video, it was a more of an educational video for fisheries to understand how they might threaten their stock despite having an otter fence.

[@leebouttell537]

Thanks for sharing your problem being a carp fishery owner I appreciate it my lake is fenced with tornado and skirt 🤞 good so far but is inspected daily due to stream next to lake

[@ACshinealight]

I seen Andrew Ellis in ur pics had him in Scotland at my Own place

[@shauncorless8965]

Once they find a food source ,,,it all goes down hill seen it lots of times on local waters here ,😢

[@ROB1966SHARON]

My local commercial has just had to install an otter fence where the fence splays outwards at the top so they can't climb over

[@BPMilling]

Yes that's the traditional Otter fence, but I find it quite unsightly, particularly on my small growing ponds. Hopefully if more people begin to use electric strands to stop climbers then they'll learn to not try climbing!

[@Jammysandwedge88]

Here from insta! Epic content as always considering the circumstances! But with these things we learn we grow we get better, keep up the good work ❤

[@TuberiderFPV]

Our local lake that i fished for 40 years suddenly got shut down after otters from a nearby country home got released then crossed a road and started killing all the carp, sad times.

[@BPMilling]

These stories are becoming all too familiar with so many unfortunately!

[@timothyridge6136]

As much as I respect your efforts to earn a living, the sensational claims about rivers are just that. Up here in yorkshire we have had otters for as long as anyone in the uk. Try looking over topcliffe bridge in early or preseason and then tell me the otters are having an impact. The fishing on most of the yorkshire rivers has NEVER been better. To be quite honest carp and carp anglers have had a far bigger negative impact on my own fishing. Only a short while ago one of yorkshires major angling clubs removed some specimen bream from a venue, then denied it ever happened and banned several members from their facebook page for insisting that it did! Up here in yorkshire we don't have many big lakes so the demand for large water bodies far outstrips supply. A number of the coarse anglers are now at the point of 'war' because of the fishery management decisions being made. Take it from me, these mamals are rarely if ever taking coarse fish other than carp and with that in mind, personally I hope the little buggers learn to fly! Sorry and all that but I'll maintain my stance until carp angling in my area learns to play fairly with other anglers!

[@adamcuffe6777]

Hi pal great video, my lake is 100 acre plus I've got no hope otter fencing as it would cost me thousands, any advice would be great, I've heard they do come on every now and again is there anything I can scare them off with. Thanks

[@meok292]

Sorry you lost fish, however a few points; As with any livestock, losses happen. In fish terms it could be predation, disease, poor angling. Stock is only as safe as your weakest security point. In my poultry keeping, I never blame a fox, only my poor security, as the fox (or otter) is doing its natural job. I wrote articles in a national angling mag, arguing the case for Otters from an environmental/lake/fishery benefit perspective. Of course, carp fisheries are not trying to be natural or have a balanced fish population, instead the whole point is a stock of big carp to target - great for carp anglers and enthusiasts but not a natural situation. We either embrace a natural situation or, if the artificial situation is chosen, the effort to secure must be factored in. Thanks for your video and best of luck going forward with the fencing

[@pauldavis144]

100% they can climb 4 otters have entered my syndicate last winter by climbing over the fences. Now the bailiffs have increased the height and put a return of 40cm facing away from the lake to stop them. Fences work but only if you have them deep in the ground and don’t stop dead at a certain height. These creatures are buggers and will keep finding ways in they are clever

[@rogercude1459]

Yes they can an do! Our local pond had a cheap home made fence knocked up out of anything we could get hold of, one morning a big dog otter had climbed 3feet an got caught at the top of the fence under its chin by a piece of wire sticking up! An Died😊 also look out if you have animal rescue in your area nothing to stop them releasing them over your fence!!

[@dazwatson9080]

Something has been removing all the fish from my pond which is 4 feet high. Caught an Otter on night vision last night trying to break into the cage I've built on top of the pond. It hopped onto my pump housing

[@KarenNoble-p7c]

what a great at video, like any animal they will adapt.. we will adapt and find away to reduce the otters eating our carp in our lakes.. its rubbish that lake owners are limited to what they can do on there lakes.

[@danthedewman1]

were able to eliminate the problems for good here...but the electric fence is a great deterrent

[@ashleymann666]

The capture license is easy it's the release part is hard .open and close season is needed

[@johnrobinson8230]

I watched a TV program recently about a farm that kept ducks and due to otter predation the farmers had to lock up the ducks at night.I think most people assume otters only eat fish but they will take most wildlife including rare ground nesting birds and of course the endangered water vole mink used to be their worst predator but otters have taken their place now .

[@BPMilling]

I think that's the one thing which might play in our favour John! Fish are out of sight and out of mind for the general public. The like the idea of watching a cute Otter raise a litter of cute pups in a diverse wetland. Fish are seen as slimy, smelly and ugly in the eyes of many! I think we just need to keep highlighting the wider damage they're having.

[@Globetrotter-1]

It just amazes me how people trying to control otters rarely understand their natural habits. 🙄 Of course otters hunt a variety of food sources and can easily climb trees, and fences and also dig beneath them. They are wonderful animals and it is great to see them finally spreading naturally in the environment. Predators are a vital aspect of the eco system. The site of horrendous looking high metal fences around lakes has turned beautiful natural places into very ugly monstrosities and have become sad places to see.

[@alfiedog30]

Good luck mate hope you don't get any more kills

[@mattslade5196]

Wow very eye opening I manage several lakes in the Thames Valley we are fenced but I think we need to be more vigilant Keep up the good work and keep fighting

[@BPMilling]

Thank you Matt!

[@wyepiscator]

Have you applied for a fabricators position with Jag?

[@BPMilling]

😂 total precision Mark! I do it all by eye.

[@bobsanderson8792]

What a loss that mirror must have been Ben. Stunner.

[@BPMilling]

I was gutted believe me!

[@paulkeogh3518]

Eastern European poachers have devastated Carp stocks near me.

[@BPMilling]

Gits!

[@catalickconverta6823]

I reckon they can climb a fence easily even dogs can climb them a wild otter could, i reckon otter fences should be a foot taller an have a lean to them leaning outward making it even harder for them to get over the over hang

[@robshaw3655]

We spooked something, found a live fish ide on the bank and a trail of bubbles crossing the pond. Not an otter area , guessing mink?

[@TheGingerPondkeeper]

Thanks for posting, this really informative. I have a garden pond that until recently had 3 mirror carp and a common (55-65cm), a 45cm tench, 14 adult (20cm) rudd and 42 rudd fry. Then over the winter an otter/s wiped me out, only leaving the rudd fry. They'd got in under the garden gate, making an indentation underneath it. I bought some reclaimed garden slabs and buried them between 45-60cm under the ground beneath the fence, so hopefully there's no way they can dig under it as apparently they don't tend to dig more than 30cm down. As you say though, what they're said to be able to do/not do, may be very different to what they can actually do. I always think that a hungry, desperate, wild animal will try anything/push their limits when they need food. I've seen videos of herons walking through electric wires, getting shocked, but ignoring it to get to food. As for climbing I think I read that they don't tend to climb up more than about 2ft, but who knows?! I think the difference between the climbing they were doing in the video you showed and your fence, was that the climbing otters had a ledge to get to, whereas if they climbed your fence they'd just have a narrow wire and then a drop, which might put them off/make it riskier for them.

[@BPMilling]

I agree with you there, this video has certainly got people sharing lots of interesting and worrying stories! I have also been sent some very good footage of an otter climbing an Otter fence, although it's most likely to be an individual skill of an animal that's been raised in captivity where it's learnt to climb. I've been wrong before though!

[@jasonnewman8455]

Thos is heartbreaking throughout much of the UK these days. My local ex march lake has never seen otters, and has remained unfenced, has been absolutely ravished over the last six months with many large carp on the bank and stashed into reeds! Death of the pond unfortunately, and a piece of history disappears! Unlike the otters!!

[@BPMilling]

Very sad indeed mate!

[@Auqalungangler]

They can climb trees walls go for miles across country without water a fence is no real problem. These are Apex predators eggs chicks birds fish Anything they can catch they will catch and eat you SHOULD know that

[@BPMilling]

I feel inferior to your knowledge. All I can do is apologise and hope that it's accepted. It won't happen again.

[@rcl13868]

This really breaks my heart. Our small private pond has lost several Carp and Bream to Otter in over the last few months. We can't afford to fence it and it isn't our land. What do we do🤷🏼‍♂️

[@BPMilling]

There are many clubs in the same boat that can't get permission or funds to protect their assets sadly.

[@RobertCooper-ch8fj]

Remember my father in law had a trout fishery was fishing thete late one night when I saw what I thought was a otter I told him so he got someone in with a trap and they caught 12 within 2 days they were removed and he's had no more trouble from them

[@BPMilling]

Interesting! I've been told that they're very hard to trap!

[@Backs4more]

I feel your pain. I had a small loch wiped out. I lost 15 Koi to about 12lb and 50 c3s witching 18 months :(

[@BPMilling]

Lots of stories like this it seems! We need to keep banging the drum!

[@2010wembley]

Good video, shame itvwas inconclusive. Could you do something showing the different electric fences in a bit more detail? I always thought the lesser jouled fence (ie standard stock fencing) were not strong enough to give an otter a meaningful shock. The once with separate earths (earth live earth live earth live) are supposed to be better

[@BPMilling]

Not sure Gary, I had fences ticking over at 3000v which kept Otters out of a pond in an area where I know Otters are thriving. I've since managed to get it kicking out 8000v because I could handle a 3000v and felt that it wouldn't be enough.

[@MatthewLRothon]

I read that in America they make chilli emulsions (sometimes with ammonia). They use this on jettys as the otters destroy the wooden supports.

[@BPMilling]

Interesting!

[@chrischris1459]

Very interesting. I'm a bit confused about the timeline though as the date on the camera footage keeps changing from January 2021 to December 2022?

[@BPMilling]

Ignore the timeline Chris, I had 2 trailcams out, both of which seem to be a bit faulty with keeping the date/time. It would have been useful to know what times they were visiting, but unfortunately they're not reliable enough to tell!

[@chrischris1459]

@@BPMilling Ah ok that makes sense. Great work though. Let's hope they can't climb fences ...would be total disaster. I'm amazed that there are still lakes in this area or not far away that have no fences. History fish just sat there for the taking in the winter😳

[@rockdude100]

They are certainly are spreading fast now, a tiny club lake by me had problems where they had traveled nearly 7 miles up from the Thames along small streams/ditches. We are finding fish ottered this winter on the lake I fish, its taken them a few years to migrate from other fenced waters but they are here now and know its a food source, sadly it will never be fenced 😞 Two swans were found the other week killed and the odd ground nesting bird carcass has popped up.

[@keithwilliams1853]

A dog Otter can travel up to 20 Km a night in search of a mate.

[@BPMilling]

I think that it's important to document all the damage to draw light to the problem which is getting worse at an accelerating rate!

[@herwa1953]

After looking at all types of otter exclusion we took the plunge with tornado fencing dug in as the video footage 4 main things we did differently The netting is turned out at the top All Gates (x 3 ) all farm track gates have galve sheeting on them stops possible climbing on a straight bit of fence each gate threshold has been concreted (no digging under) entrances are your weakest point Third point we have to drains that lead to a flood dyke they maintain our water level the outfalls have one way flaps on to stop flush back from the flood drain but also have a concrete face and base on them inside and out as this gives a good base for the grids the grids are wire supermarket wire baskets they work a treat The fourth point and this is we’re the real work starts we keep a sterile strip around the fence inside and out we have to spray it off 3-4 times a year (our fence is just over a kilometre so a fair length ) this gives you complete visibility at all times I have seen so many waters fenced then just left for nature to take over even if it’s just overgrown grass, brambles ect how do you check it I hear people saying the fence is dug under why keep it clear Rabbits can dig under it at the point we’re the fence is turned under but do dig warrens or nest holes that can bridge the fence underground Badgers are natures JCB,s and can be a real issue if they are in the area or expand into the area The other issue you can have if your unlucky if environmentalists who feel otters should be free to predate any water they like and have on a number of occasions cut a couple of strands out of a fence that is covered by grass or brambles to allow access in or out yes it does happen Hope that helps

[@BPMilling]

Lots of good points mentioned there! Thanks for sharing!

[@danialgarratt504]

Thanks, this is really interesting. What are your thoughts on mink? obviously not as much as a threat to larger carp, but fry/c1?

[@BPMilling]

I think mink will take the odd fish and they'll definitely be more succesful where cormorants are fishing and causing silvers to be packed into reedbeds. But I think they're less persistent and come and go quicker than Otter which will persist when they find a food source.

[@herwa1953]

The only sure fire way with mink is trapping baited cage traps or 110 body traps on runs not seen a fence that will keep them out I believe enviroment agency will advise on control of mink if water voles are present as minke are one of there biggest predators

[@richardcole9558]

We found them to be a complete nightmare on the trout ponds , not only taking fish but ducks and other wildfowl ..

[@gordonrazey]

Very informative! Another great video. 👍 Which trial cam do you use Ben?

[@BPMilling]

Thank you as always Gordon. I’ve had the Apeman trailcams for years, they seem to be ok. I only paid about £60 for them at the time, i’m not sure if you get what you pay for on other options, i’ve not really looked into them again recently! No doubt there’s more bells and whistles on the market.

[@gordonrazey]

@@BPMilling Thanks Ben. I keep meaning to get one. Will have a look 😏

[@tonymontana4974]

Leave the otters alone people are the problem

[@BPMilling]

Some people don't help themselves, you're right. As an industry we need to share the impact that the success of this predator has on many peoples businesses.

[@tezbenn723]

I’d shoot em

[@craigfarrell2939]

Frustrating especially as you have spent so much time and money on good fencing, and respect for dealing with it the way you have, it would have been really easy to set a snap trap up on the other side of the fence and problem solved.

[@pauldaniels9049]

BOOM

[@nh2805]

My small club water has suffered greatly to these little buggers. Sadly we do not have a fence and will likely never have one as we do not own the pond. Quick question, has anyone caught one alive and removed? Or better yet does anyone shoot the critters? Now I'm a true nature enthusiast but! But I love my fishing too much and would if I had means eradicate these predators, or is it simply a waste of time

[@davepenton4137]

Yes they can be caught alive under license. Only from a fenced fishery, if one has got in or was already in before the fence went up. In your case, it’s not fenced so their is no point. As if it was trapped and moved where would it be moved too....? Your comment regarding nature enthusiast and shooting an otter should not even be in the same sentence. Any type of interference of a protected species can lead to serious consequences. Killing an otter could be 6 months in prison a large fine and in the case of the successful prosecution in Dorset the loss of your business. So if I was you I wouldn’t even contemplate it. If you was too remove an otter from a open fishery by whatever means, another otter at some stage would replace it. It is also the case that even in enclosed fisheries, it’s not just a case of catching it and releasing it, they have to be monitored, for a period of time to ensure it’s not a mum and cubs. Which is also the problem with killing one, if you was to kill the mum, depending on the age of the cubs, you could effectively wipe out 3 possibly 4, as cubs have to be around 10 months old before standing any chance of surviving on their own. So I wouldn’t advise you ask that question on social media and if anybody was daft enough to admit it, they would be open to prosecution.

[@nh2805]

@Dave Penton thanks for your reply ,I take your points,kind of knew the answers anyway mate. Don't panic I don't think a question being asked on a you tube comments section on otters is high up the MI5 to do list. All hypothetical questions ,but as said thanks for replying

[@Berealwith]

Gutted for you, my local river has just started to be hit. In the mud we are seeing otter tracks, because the local council has introduced otters back in the water. The river has just got back where it was teaming with good stocks of fish. It was hit hard a few years back as well with Cormorants. I wish these so called good doers would introduce the otters elsewhere, and let the rivers get back to a fish bound healthy stocked water without these threats, just to satisfy the dog walkers. I watched a good video made by John Wilson full of information about otters and fisherie(god rest his soul) when I remember it I'll post it on here. Its well worth a watch.

[@mattyj624]

Great insight video fella, sorry to hear of the loss of a beautiful fish. I'm seeing more & more of them in n around the water park this year fortunately we've a very good fence around the syndicate lake. Hope you've solved your issue & have no more losses.

[@BPMilling]

It will be interesting times ahead i think Matt, i’ve heard a few fenced fisheries losing fish this winter. Thankfully everyone seems to have found where they got in, but i’m sure we’ll see more and more Otters outsmart our fences in the future!

[@johnstockburn6396]

Why should fisheries have to pay for the destruction caused by these beasts ? Loss of live stock is not funny and why should the fishery owner be out of pocket for something that has been inflicted upon us ? ,..nothing that a single barrel cannot cure . Sickening the amount of damage that is done by little furry animals .

[@BPMilling]

Exactly, all we can do is keep reporting the problem and putting it in the light for all to see. Then we can just hope that it eventually gains traction!

[@johnstockburn6396]

@@BPMilling the authorities are more concerned about the whinging of the great unwashed who I am convinced are the minority , something needs doing or there will be nothing left .