Otter?

 

You know, I'm by no means certain, but I think these could be otter tracks left in a muddy bank on Highland Water. I want it to be otter tracks, because that'd be cool.  Eurasian otters have established themselves an active community along the coastal region of the New Forest, and have been known to follow streams inland in the pursuit of food. So. Maybe? Of course the tracks could be those of a badger, both otters and badgers have 5 toes leaving prints roughly the same size, though normally the claws of a badger are more pronounced. You see myriad tracks this time of year, these caught my eye as different, though I am no expert.

Settling in

Back earlier in the year I mentioned signs of badger activity at the site of an long abandoned sett. On passing the spot this morning it was clear that some of the old setts' entrances have been reopened, one in particular. A good sign I'm hoping.

Moving in

This is a good sign. There used to be an active Badger sett here, although I've not seen a badger or any sign of one in maybe twenty years. It's a place we pass regularly and I've kept my eye open, though over the years the numerous entrances to their sett have become filled with season upon season of leaf litter and debris, now hardly visible. It's looking like a new clan could be moving it though.