Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted after a resident of Ritchie Park spotted the otter struggling.

The female otter, estimated to around a year old, is now being looked after at the charity’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Clackmannanshire. Staff have named her Mouse after a body of water close to where the cute creature was rescued.

Centre manager Colin Seddon said, “Mouse was very weak and lethargic and only weighed 4kg, when she should have been close to 6kg.

“As otters depend on their mothers for the first 12 to 18 months of their lives, we think she may have become separated and simply could not cope on her own.

“Mouse has a stomach upset but is responding slowly to treatment and is starting to eat whole fish.

“We are hopeful she will make a full recovery and we will be able to return her to the wild once she is ready.” Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.