Last updated 10:31, Friday, 29 August 2008

MILLOM residents are being warned to keep their eyes peeled for an exotic creature hiding out in the town.

The escaped otter

The hunt is on to find an Asian otter that has been spotted roaming around the streets. It is thought the animal escaped from captivity.

The creature was last seen at Mainsgate Road, heading in the direction of Cumberland Close at 6pm on Thursday last week. It is not known where the otter escaped from, but residents have been asked to keep a look out.

Officers from South Lakes Wildlife Park were said to have been dispatched to lay humane traps in the area. The otter was caught on camera in the back garden of Mainsgate Road resident Laura Pattinson.

The 18-year-old said: “It was originally seen at about 5pm running down the road by a passing cyclist. He said it ran away from him so he followed it. It then ran down our drive and into a pile of rubble in the garden. We have just knocked down our shed and it hid among the bricks.

“The cyclist knocked on our door and told us about it. We have been in contact with Dalton’s zoo and they have been round and put traps in our garden.

“They said it isn’t theirs. I just want to warn people that it is out there. It seemed very tame as we fed it some tuna and some mackerel.”

An expert dispatched to catch the creature has identified the otter as Asian.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust has been informed of the otter’s escape.

David Kennedy, audience development officer at Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said: “Because Asian otters are smaller than native ones, if it comes across a native breed it could be in for a bit of trouble.

“From the photos I have seen of it, it looks in pretty good condition.

“I wouldn’t advise people to approach it. As with any wild animal it should be treated with some level of respect, as they do have very sharp claws.”

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 555.