A man hears a noise in the shed: When he sees where it's coming from, he acts immediately

Haringsee (Austria) - A farmer heard strange noises in his old shed in Naarn an der Donau. When he went to investigate, he got an animal surprise!

The farmer discovered the female otter in his barn. (symbolic image)
The farmer discovered the female otter in his barn. (symbolic image)  © 123RF/yanalyso

Behind the desperate whimpering was a "tiny, exhausted baby otter", as the animal welfare organization "Vier Pfoten Österreich" reported on Friday.

The farmer acted exactly right and alerted the nearby wildlife station. The animal remained there temporarily and was then taken to the Owl and Bird of Prey Station (EGS) in Haringsee.

It was only there that it was discovered that the otter was not a male but a female. As a result, "Otti" became "Ottilie".

"Ottilie was already completely weak when she was found, and she had sore paws. She also had a very painful abscess on her head," says Dr. Hans Frey, Scientific Director of the EGS.

Ottilie is feeling better

Ottilie has to stay at the wildlife sanctuary for the time being.
Ottilie has to stay at the wildlife sanctuary for the time being.  © Four Paws

Thanks to the medical treatment and care, however, the female water marten is now doing much better.

During care, the team ensures that a certain distance is maintained so that the wild animal remains shy towards humans.

Ottilie will remain at the wildlife station in Haringsee, Austria, until she is released into the wild.