SEA MAMMALS

Yell is one of the best places in Europe to see otters (dratsi) this is why Hugh Miles chose to film his award winning documentary film, "On the track of the wild otter" here. Yell is popular with otters because of the rich food supplies in the offshore shallows, a low peaty coastline for excavating holts and abundant freshwater for bathing, so as to clean off salt water.

Most local folk have met an otter on the road at some time, so please Drive Carefully! The map shows the best places to see otters but remember they are shy creatures and have a keen sense of smell so keep down-wind of them!

Grey and common seals can often be spotted basking on rocks at low tide. The profile of the common seal shows a slight dip from forehead to nose, that of the larger grey or Atlantic seal being straight or convex.

With luck, the seawatcher might also spot whales and dolphins, such as the pilot whale, killer whale or harbour porpoise.