From The Warminster Miscellany, 1 July 1861:
On the 22nd ult. [22nd June 1861] James Bayly, Esq. trapped a full-grown otter on the banks of the river at Pitmead, it measured 4ft. 2ins. from snout to tail, and weighed 20lbs. This is the sixth otter captured in our river within a short space of time. Till recently the animal was a stranger to this neighbourhood. It is extremely tenacious of life, and in this instance after the capture of the animal it was a work of much difficulty to kill it. The skin is now in the hands of Mr. King, to be stuffed, and will add another to the numerous and valuable specimens of natural history in Mr. Bayly’s possession. These animals must be regarded as inveterate enemies by all admirers of the Rod. The devastation they commit amongst the fish is very great, as unless pressed by extreme hunger, they consume only a small portion of their prey, confining themselves to the thick flakes about the shoulder and back, leaving the remainder of the carcase to less fastidious feeders.