A RESCUED otter cub has died following suspected oil pollution in a South Lakeland beck.

The young creature, named Ollie, was found by a member of the public near a footpath close to Lindale Beck.

The finder was advised to leave the cub and monitor it in case the mother was around, but called Grange-over Sands resident Sarah Neill, a volunteer with the International Otter Survival Fund, when it was still there 10 hours later.

“It was very weak and limp and I immediately rushed it to the vets for emergency treatment,” said Sarah.

“As soon as I saw it I knew there was something wrong. It was a lot bigger than the otters I’m normally called out to help – probably around four months old.

“At that age if they see a human, they should run, but it was completely quiet and placid.

“What was worrying was that there was a distinct smell of petrol coming from the cub, even after he had been bathed.”

Ollie was given a steroid injection by the vet, and initially responded to the treatment, but deteriorated rapidly and died the next day.

“If an otter has ingested petrol they need to be treated within three hours and we knew it had been at least ten,” said Sarah.

This was immediately reported to the Environment Agency, who confirmed they had already received reports of diesel in the River Winster the week before.

The cub is now being sent for a post mortem examination to confirm the actual cause of death.

Andrew Frankish, from the Environment Agency, said: “We are currently investigating an oil pollution incident on Lindale Beck in Lindale, which has also impacted the River Winster.

“Our site visits indicate that very little oil is now entering the beck, however there is a very thin sheen of oil over an extensive area of the River Winster which will take some time to flush through.

“We believe we have now found the source of the pollution and work is on-going to prevent any further pollution of the watercourse.

“Unfortunately, we have had a report of an otter in the area that was taken ill and has since died. An autopsy will be carried out on the body to determine the cause of death.

“Investigations are ongoing and once complete, we will consider what enforcement action is required.”