So sorry to hear that bihai. Otters are such fun creatures - so playful. Too bad some idiot hit it and worse didn't stop and offer assistance right away. Thanks for doing your best and I hope you feel better soon. You may want to set up your cell phone for the various wildlife rehabbers in your area in the event you have to make a call in the future (hopefully not).

Good idea to help all wildlife - they need us as they lose their habitat right and left.

Very sad story indeed.

So you know, that is exactly why I built my 24X30X4 pond. It is for no other reason but to support the local wildlife. One thing I won't do though is feed them regularly. (With the exception of the bird feeders to get them to come close enough to observe, I don't think it is a good idea to feed wildlife generally.) Even feeding the birds has a whole subset of problems. Food at a larger proportion than the local area provides, creates a population the local area cannot support. It is great while you are there and providing, but becomes a problem when you cannot be there, and/or the animals become too comfortable around people. My approach is to provide a habitat suitable for various creatures, but allow them to stay in balance by letting nature take it's course in food supply.

In most parks and sanctuaries it is illegal to feed the wild population. The single biggest problem the creatures have worldwide is habitat destruction. Please consider letting some of your yard go back to nature, and whatever it does, it will provide something a good home and or food. Add a water feature that allows them to drink, and youve come along way toward atttracting every kind of animal.

Also, we all need to educate ourselves about invasive species of vegetation in our area, and attempt to control them without chemicals. It is a big challenge, but of paramount importance to maintain the diversity we enjoy. Just because you can buy it at the local nursery, doesn't mean it is not invasive. In fact the opposite is often true, as the invasives are considered great beginner plants, and thrive in your area. Too bad they escape and create large wild monocultures that smother our native plants, and reduce the health of the habitat. Please be aware of what you plant in your state. I have planted at least 8 invasive species that I am looking to replace now, just due to ignorance of the problem as a younger homeowner. Each of them is doing quite well and are well established, so I really have my work cut out for me! Eventually, I will have eliminated the majority, and replanted a specie that will do just as well, without going out of control, and tipping the balance. There are many common plants in my area that are still sold today that have been identified as invasive. Most everyone has heard of the kudzu problem in the south of the U.S., and I'm sure many of the northern problem plants as well. In the north, purple loosestrife, japanese honey suckle, autumn olive, eunonymous, english ivy, several reed grasses, and dozens of others...

It is our responsibility to protect that which we cherish and rely upon for our own survival. It is all a big chain folks. Eventually, we are the link that breaks.

Regards,
-TT

I didn't dig my pond for the wildlife but they come anyway. I am amazed at the number of critters that show up and take a dip or get a drink. I know most of my neighbors have no idea we have opossum, groundhogs, moles, skunks, foxes, raccoons, King snakes, several other varieties of snakes, otters and muskrats here in the middle of town. I have had to discourage the raccoons because they became too friendly but I still enjoy their antics. Yesterday a pair of Mallards visited.

What a moving, sad story bihai.
It also depresses me endlessly, how short-sighted and destructive man is. I have this saying on my cork board that says "Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself". I think it was said by an American Indian, maybe Chief Seattle. But its true.
This earth is such an incredible place. I feel honored to have been born on it. But the sadness over what is happening to it and the various species is overwhelming to me.
Bless your heart for trying to help that poor creature, and for reminding us to keep the habitat healthy and inviting for all of them.
I feel the same way about "weeds". They are home to thousands of creatures we can barely see......and are vital to their survival. A golf course lawn is a totally sterile dead-end place.
Thanks again for reminding us of what we need to do.