‘Otter massacre’ blamed for killing nearly $13,000 worth of koi in the UK

An “otter massacre” in East Dunbartonshire, Scotland, has left a local man devastated after losing his prized collection of Japanese koi carp, estimated to be worth nearly $13,000. The incident occurred on private property where the resident had been raising the koi for about 40 years.

The koi owner initially believed that a heron was responsible for the killings after finding all of the 25 fish dead or missing. However, upon sharing images of the scene online, he and others began to suspect otters were the culprits. He said he found the fish in various states, some decapitated, and others with tails and fins torn off.

Local officials investigated a similar case involving another koi owner in the area who believed otters had targeted their fish. They reported additional fish pond attacks in communities about three hours south of the Scottish community.

Authorities recommend using electric or mesh fencing to keep predators at bay. They strongly advise against killing these wild animals, which under U.K. law is punishable by up to six months imprisonment and a fine.

Lawmakers enacted those legal measures to help safeguard these animals in the 1950s and 1960s. Because of those safeguards, populations have recovered. Scotland is now home to some of the densest populations of Eurasian otters in the world.

The International Otter Survival Fund’s director, Grace Yokon, acknowledged the likelihood that otters were responsible for the recent koi deaths. She advises fish owners to take preventive measures. Raising koi and other fish outdoors, she noted, could inadvertently attract otters seeking an easy meal.

“It’s important that anyone who has ponds with koi carp or any other fish in, that they understand that basically what they’ve got is a feeding table,” Yokon said. “If you leave a table out with sandwiches and nice cakes on it, and come back, they are not going to be there – and anyone who has these ponds has got to protect them.”

Meanwhile, the koi owner affected by the recent incident is unsure of whether or not he will raise more fish. He believes the otters could return.