Riverview close: otter munches on the remaining fish in garden pond

For the past nine days, the hungry otter has been tucking into thousands of pounds worth of fish swimming in a garden pond on Riverview Close, St John's. 

Kieran McCarthy, who has been looking after fish in his home for 25 years, said: "We have absolutely none left, not a single one."

By day five Mr McCarthy was 'cheesed off' because the otter had killed 106 fish from the front and back garden pond.  

And despite putting up preventative methods the otter killed all but two fish on his ninth visit. 

READ MORE: Otter eats thousands of pounds worth of fish in the middle of the night

Mr McCarthy, 68, who was a former teacher at Cherry Orchard Primary School, said: "We rescued one badly injured one and rehomed it in Malvern and there was one tiddler which I put in the indoor tank. 

"I still have my indoor tanks where I keep tropical fish and goldfish." 

Although both ponds are now empty, Mr McCarthy said he is surprised the otter is still coming back. 

'I'm cheesed off but it's nature' says retired school teacher (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "He is still coming back, but we don't have to stay up and watch him anymore and patrol the garden - not that it did any good in the first place. 

"He would look me in the eye and carry on. 

"After being a teacher for years, you are trying to teach kids the very characteristics this otter has. 

"He is determined, he has a lot of courage, he's brazen and efficient. 

"There is an awful lot to admire and it's fascinating to watch. 

"All I want to do is warn other folks that this is happening and put things in place." 

Mr McCarthy said he is not going to rehome fish in the pond for now because Spring is the best time to move fish. 

The otter has been making an appearance between 8.30pm and 5am every night. 

Mr McCarthy said: "He doesn't follow a schedule or a set diet, but he'll be disappointed today (Wednesday) because I've emptied the front pond and I've secured the back pond the best I can."