Medical reports to determine the cause of death of an otter that captured the heart of a Moray community have concluded he likely suffered complications after being bitten.
Cooper delighted visitors to Elgin throughout the summer with his antics in the pond in Cooper Pond.
However, his body was discovered near the banks of the River Lossie earlier this month after concerns had grown for his welfare.
A post-mortem instigated by the New Arc animal sanctuary, which had been trying to catch Cooper so he could receive treatment, has established his initial injury is consistent with a bite from a dog or an adult male otter, who are known to drive off younger males from their territory.
It is believed complications causing weakness and infection caused one of Elgin’s favourite animal residents to then die from starvation.
Keith Marley, who founded the animal sanctuary, said: “This is a timely reminder that when you come across any animal or bird with a wound it is imperative that it gets medical attention as soon as possible.
“Wounds and breaks may heal themselves, but are far more likely to result in either permanent disfigurement, constant pain or sadly, as in this case, death.”