The cheeky otter enjoyed an early breakfast in a garden in Acklam on Thursday
12:38, 14 Feb 2026Updated 12:45, 14 Feb 2026
Watch as cheeky otter steals carp and goldfish from garden pond in Acklam
Otters are popping up at various unusual spots around Teesside, but the sighting of this little fella takes the biscuit. Or in his case, a pond full of fish.
Under the cover of darkness, the cheeky intruder crept into the garden of a home in Acklam on Thursday to enjoy an early morning dip and a rather expensive breakfast. Residents Debbie and Brian Martin had already lost several fish to a heron, but the brazen otter polished off the replacements in one swift sitting.
Otters have been recently spotted at the Tees Barrage, Saltholme and even a park in Middlesbrough. And as populations recover in the UK, the mammals are thought to be increasingly targeting garden ponds for easy treats.
“It was amazing,” said Debbie, 59. “We had been down to see them at the barrage and had chatted to people about them but actually seeing one here… at first I was thinking, what is it and where has it come from?!”
The little thief was unveiled on Ring doorbell footage at their home, which regularly catches wildlife having a snoop around the garden. “I check the Ring doorbell footage because we do get foxes and other things in the garden,” said Debbie.
“I noticed there was a fox at about 7am and when I looked back, I saw the otter appear just after 3am. We back on to Acklam Grange school and there is a beck that runs along Mandale and eventually does go along past Teesside Park and into the river.
“So I’m thinking has it come up looking for food this far? When I put it on Facebook people have said they have spotted an otter around this area before. He must have a really good sense of smell!”
Otters have recently been spotted at a park in Middlesbrough(Image: Darren Hudson)
An otter at the Tees Barrage(Image: Rick Ingham)
Last year, the Martins lost about 12 fish when a heron paid an unwelcome visit. “It took everything out of the pond so my husband said ‘I’m not going to spend a lot of money on it.’
“So there were only six fish in there this time. We had three ghost koi – only smallish ones but they weren’t cheap – and three goldfish.”
Brian has now decided the pond has to go. “He’s said now, ‘that’s it, I’m getting rid of it, I can’t afford to keep feeding the wildlife,'” laughed Debbie.
“People have messaged me privately saying they have expensive fish in their ponds and are now thinking they need extra security. I can just see them buildings walls around their ponds!”
Thanks to Debbie for sharing the footage. Have you spotted an otter in your garden or an unusual location? Let us know!
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