Otter deaths stump wildlife trust

The trust is not certain if the deaths are linked to a parasite

A cluster of unexplained otter deaths on the Somerset Levels this summer is baffling wildlife experts.

Eight corpses have been found on either side of the Polden Hills - six of them were discovered in just one month.

Somerset Wildlife Trust is not certain if the deaths are linked to a parasite which is known to affect otters.

Spokesman James Williams said: "It is extremely worrying and unusual because this is the time of year when we don't get much trouble from dead otters."

Report deaths

He added: "We get a steady trickle of otter deaths scattered all over the county - a fluctuating amount, with July normally being a very low month. We don't know why it's happening."

The marked increase in deaths in Somerset comes at a time when the species is under increasing pressure, said Mr Williams.

The creatures are vulnerable to a fluke, believed to have come from Eastern European ornamental fish released into the county's watercourses.

The parasite does not kill the otters, but causes liver disease and jaundice, which weakens them.

The trust is encouraging people to report deaths of otters - and mink, which carry the same parasite - so that corpses can be examined.