Or... as they're known in English... Otters!
It's not long ago that otters were a rare sight. I'm not saying that they're common now but with cleaner water in our rivers they are far more common that they were. The best time to see them is around dawn or dusk, somewhere where it's quiet.
They're quite a big animal, about a meter (3ft in old money) long with a thick tail (a bit like a labrador dog) which acts like a rudder when they swim. They have a furry, waterproof coat, short legs and webbed toes. They can dive underwater for up to about 4 minutes on one breath.
Of course they're known for eating fish but will also eat ducks, frogs, mice and even a rabbit!
If you go out to spot otters look for grass tunnels, paths that begin and end in water, mud slides and paw prints on banks.
You might be lucky enough to see otters at Porthmadog (near the harbour), Coed y Brenin, in Afon Prysor around Trawsfynydd, Afon Mawddach, Talyllyn and other places.
Find out more about otters HERE
After me writing this post a lady contacted me to tell me that an otter had walked into her house in Bryncir (A487 between Porthmadog and Caernarfon) last week. The cheeky thing had eaten the cats' food then taken a nap in the cat's basket before heading off back to the river. These are the photos that she sent.
Look out for more Cadair View Lodge Ltd wildlife blogs.
I don't claim to be a wildlife expert and I'm happy to be corrected if I've made a mistake. I'm just trying to pass on a little knowledge which enhance a visit to our wonderful part of Wales.
See our accommodation in the Heart of Snowdonia HERE