A recent report by Cardiff University (2013) noted that pesticides and pollutants may also be affecting the otter’s reproductive system. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. Perhaps the most foolproof location for otters is the Isle of Mull. Predators such as the bald eagle may eat the pups. In the latter two they get most of their food. However, when fish is scarce, they eat insects, frogs, birds and other mammals like rodents. Where do wild otters live, and how can you see one in the UK? They sometimes live along the coast, but they still require fresh water nearby. 2: Prioritise species safety. – but our river systems still require extensive habitat management to restore them to a healthy level that can sustain fish stocks and wildlife. By the 1970s, otters were restricted mainly to Scotland, especially the islands and the north-west coast, western Wales, parts of East Anglia and the West Country (though they remained common and widespread also in Ireland). Otters cannot be kept as pets because they require specific conditions for longevity. Most otters live in dens — built by other animals, such as beavers — that are dug into the ground that have many channels and dry inner chambers. During your walk, you may spot other animals such as seals, herons, swans and tufted duck. Given these facts and the existing threats, it is not impossible for their number to drop again. She loves animals and currently cares for three adorable chihuahuas. Despite their sleek bodies, these mammals can eat food amounting to as much as 25% of their body weight. A sea otter’s tool of choice: typically a rock that … Fun Facts - Otters have valves or flaps of skin that cover the nostrils and ears to keep water out when underwater. The otter (Lutra lutra) was lost from most of England and Wales between the 1950s and the 1970s because of pesticide pollution of waterways. River otters as a whole look quite similar to weasels. On gravel banks or sand and muddy areas This eventually led to improved water quality and fish population. Be on the lookout for footprints displaying four toes as these may point you to where the otters are. There is a high chance of one of them getting bitten. Their numbers are no longer near extinction levels. Only enter the water if it’s safe to do so Can otters use tools? Keep up to date with the hottest wildlife content on the web and save £10 on your first wildlife experience. However, between the 1950s and 1970s, their numbers significantly dropped, prompting conservationists to sound the alarm bells for one of UK’s beloved animals. Apart from being easily accessible, this urban site, which also happens to be Devon Wildlife Trust’s headquarters, receives regular visits from otters. – but our river systems still require extensive habitat management to restore them to a healthy level that can sustain fish stocks and wildlife. Unfortunately, even though the species has made a distinct comeback and is now found often in our rivers, wild otters rarely live beyond 4 years of age. One of the major culprits behind the disappearance of otters in the UK is habitat pollution. When out looking for otters, please follow to this safety advice: Try to work in pairs They do not like intruders in their space or near their family and will defend accordingly. Beware of loose banks and slip hazards North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. In certain parts of the country road deaths are considerably high – this is something we at the UK Wild Otter Trust want to address by helping with under-road tunnels to help reduce the number of road casualties. Because otters eat mainly fish, you’ll generally find … The oldest recorded otter reached around 12 years of age, but this is exceptional. If you really want to see otters at Gilfach farm, schedule your visit between October to December. Sea otters are found in two areas: The Pacific coasts of Russia and Alaska, and along the central California coast. Never put a photograph, film clip, or personal experience before the welfare of the otter. River otters belong to the weasel family. Otters are social creatures. The sea otter, one of the 13 otter species, is considered the smallest marine mammal in the world. Beware of ticks (which can carry Lyme disease) and consult your doctor should you feel unwell, Charity Registration Number - Otter, any of 13–14 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family and are noted for their playfulness. 1167746 This isn’t surprising at all given the city centre’s proximity to Winnall Moors, estimated to be a 10-minute walk. Located at the heart of Exeter city centre, Cricklepit Mill is one of the best places to spot otters. At river junctions or intersections. In recent years the otter has encountered new and varied threats, including habitat destruction (road building, new urban development), persecution by fishery owners and gamekeepers (as they are seen as a threat to fish and game birds – which is untrue), and if near the sea, injury and capture in fishing nets. Oftentimes, they are found by the River Lune. Anal jelly: This is a clear jelly-like substance that smells the same as spraint. In 2011, the Environment Agency announced that otters are officially back in the country. Around ponds and lakes It has taken 30 years, but the otter's comeback is now complete. Otters have reappeared in places where they have not been seen since the industrial revolution, including Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester, and even on the Thames and the Lea in north London. One species of otter is native to the UK: the Eurasian or European otter, which is found across Europe, even reaching some parts of Asia and Africa too. The best places to find otters and their signs are: Under and near bridges There are reports of otter sightings at this traditional hill farm. You need to be extremely patient. The best signs are of course tracks, but other signs are listed below. The otter is one of the few mammals that use tools. Otters tend to use the same area time after time for depositing waste and this area is referred to as a latrine. Prior to the 1950s, these fish-devouring mammals were abundant in England. So, to increase your chance of seeing them, take a walk along the River Tees. Their body shape aids in helping them make sudden turns to catch fish and other prey. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. Sometimes, talks about otters are conducted here. Prior to the 1950s, these fish-devouring mammals were abundant in England. Where do sea otters live in the world? Some of them are listed below: This ancient woodland on the River Lune is consider an otter hotspot. Hence, protecting them is essential to ensure that they continue to thrive in the UK. Required fields are marked *. They can be found in Alaska, Canada, Japan, Russia, Washington, Alaska, Oregon and other places along the coast. Do not drink the water But don't mistakenly call these beasts 'sea otters' – they are still our native otter, and not the different North American sea otter. Though currently believed to be extinct in Liechtenstein and Switzerland, they are now very common in Latvia, along the coast of Norway, in the western regions of Spain and Portugal and across Great Britain, especially Shetland, where 12% of the UK breeding population exists. Copyright © 2019 Uk Wild Otter Trust | Designed by Kinlake, Otter factfile: What they’re like, threats, and how to find them, What to do if you find a live otter or cub. It’s important to know your target species’ habitat, behaviour and feeding patterns before setting out. If you do, then you are lucky because the odds of seeing otters in the UK nowadays are high. The place is open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Despite being strong swimmers, otters are unable to hold their breath underwater for long periods and usually dive for no more than 30 seconds at a time. Two species are marine; the others live mostly in fresh water. These are 2 – 7cm long, will contain fish bones and scales, be tarry and black but turn grey when old, and naturally, will smell very strongly of fish! Known for their playfulness, otters are found all over the world including the UK. There is a picture below to help you recognise this sign. Reports now state that otters inhabit every county in the UK – great news for the otter! Others report spotting them by the waterfalls. The north American range of sea otters extends from the Aleutian Islands to Prince William Sound. Catch the best of UK winter wildlife on BBC Two at 20:00 tonight . Where do otters live? It’s one of the things … So otters live in two different worlds, no actually three: the dry one we are familiar with, the under water world and the under ice world. This can also be black, but varies in colour. One of … Otters are very playful: Don’t be surprised when you see otters happily sliding. These elusive animals are also highly sensitive.  Stay quiet when observing them and never disturb them and their habitat. In the UK IOSF is the only charity solely dedicated to the conservation, protection and care of otters based on years of scientific research in the UK and around the world. Pet otters need a lot of attention. Do you want to see otters? Cubs will stay with and remain dependent upon their parents for over a year. Otters are also regularly seen at Portrack Marsh. Otters prefer to live in bodies of water that are close to land offering them wetlands or the woods close by. The European otter (Lutra lutra), also called the Eurasian otter, inhabits Europe, most of Asia and parts of North Africa. There are three subspecies of sea otters: southern, northern and Russian sea otters. Stay alert and observant when you go otter spotting in Aughton Woods. Today, the species is flourishing across Scotland, and recovering well across the UK as waterways are cleaned up. Other sea lochs along Scotland's west coast are similarly rich in otters, which can be seen foraging for food on the water's edge. Youngsters will open their eyes within 5 weeks. © 2018 Finding Nature Ltd | Registered in England & Wales Company Number 10746185. Others are getting caught in fishing nets and crayfish traps, while some are dying in road accidents. Where Do They Live Otters can be found in many different parts of the world depending on the types of otters spotted. Due to the drastic drop in otter population in the country, measures were implemented to prevent them from becoming extinct. They live in holes in river banks called holts; a holt will have a few different entrances to protect against flooding, with at least one entrance being above water level. Do your homework to ensure that you’re fully educated before venturing out to otter spot. Otters have small, rounded ears, and long sensitive whiskers to help them feel the vibrations of their prey. Aside from polluted habitats, hunting also contributed to the decline in their population. Their diet consists of roughly 80% fish, but they will prey upon birds, mammals and frogs if fish are in short supply. They also have five toes – a distinctive sign that it’s an otter print. You may find them resting on ditches, tree roots and boardwalks, among others. It is important to note that spotting otters is not easy. Reports now state that otters inhabit every county in the UK – great news for the otter! They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. Otters have an acute sense of smell, hearing and eyesight. On boulders or rocks either in or near a river Other animals you may find here are oystercatchers, pied flycatchers and common sandpipers. They are usually found on the river and riverbank. Their toes are webbed, they have short legs and they boast a tapered tail ranging up to 15 inches long. They do need dry land, though. Conservation. By the 1970s, otters were restricted mainly to Scotland, especially the … Nowadays, they can be seen in ancestral river territories and other parts of the country. Having spent her childhood in the countryside, Fran has been fascinated about nature since she was young. There’s a hide where you can wait for them without being seen. River otters possess long, muscular bodies suited to their life on both land and in water. The use of pesticides containing organochlorine chemicals was also stopped. Not all otters use tools, but sea otters use them all the time. Spraints: In other words, otter droppings. If you keep a pet otter, be very careful when you have visitors. At the visitor centre, there is an interactive screen where you can watch footage of otters during their visits to the Mill. Their main habitat is on the land near to water bodies. The best time to look for otters in this area is early in the morning. Where do sea otters live map? Yet, it still took three decades for otter population in the UK to fully recover. The otter is lithe and slender with short legs, a strong neck, and a long flat tail that helps propel it gracefully through water. Life Span: Otters can live to be up to ten years old, though few survive more than five years. The sea otter, however, rarely comes ashore, according to the San Diego Zoo. Tracks/footprints: Otter prints can be found at the edge of river banks, in gravel, sand, and mud, and on tarmac if they have just left the river. Other members of this family are weasels, polecats and badgers. On banksides But it survived in Scotland’s cleanest bodies of water in the north and west. The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) is one of the world's leading otter charities. They are able to stay well hidden in these types of environments which makes them less like to fall victim to a variety of predators on land. Eurasian otter eating fish photo by Smudge 9000, Your email address will not be published. Its eyes are placed at the top of the head, so it can remain alert whilst the rest of the body is underwater. On old tree stumps or logs While authorities say that numbers are looking good for otters, you must still take part in efforts to safeguard these adorable mammals, especially since threats to their existence remain. For the best chance of spotting an otter, head to Scotland, the west coast of Wales, East Anglia and South-West Endland. Eurasian otters are indigenous to the UK and can be found in either fresh or salt water, although it’s usually known as the river otter for the obvious reason. In 1978, hunting of otters in the UK was banned. We do too. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. Always wash your hands once completed Though still considered rare, the species is widespread in the UK and can be seen in almost every county. Origin & Distribution: The otter is a secretive semi-aquatic species which was once widespread in Britain. Otters can live in most places where there is a rocky shoreline and nearby freshwater, but these tips collated by Joe Gibb – with the help of otter aficionado Roger Cottis – will help give you the greatest chance of spotting an otter in the wild. In marshes or reed beds European otter Scientific name: Lutra lutra The sinuous otter is an excellent swimmer and can be seen hunting in wetlands, rivers and along the coast - try the west coast of Scotland, West Wales, the West Country or East Anglia for the best views. This vast wetland serves as a home for a number of otters. This can include rivers, canals, lakes and wetland areas. The average otter is 1–1.3 metres in length, and weighs up to 9kg. Otters are adorable animals and they can live both in the land and in the river. In fact, in their lifetime, most females only give birth to two sets of pups. But do you want to go out and see them? They typically … 1: Do your research. You need to hike if you wish to get a glimpse of these shy creatures. When she's not writing, she's busy trekking or exploring beaches. All otters have webbed feet to help propel them through the water, and most species have sharp claws. If opportunity presents itself, an otter will eat a … This is essential to ensure that the otters reduce predation of stillwater lakes and, of course, so that anglers are able to enjoy their historic and popular pastime and live in harmony with the beautiful otter. Organochlorine chemicals which are found in pesticides contaminated rivers in England rendering them uninhabitable for fish and otters. Otters are carnivorous animals and fish make up 80% of their diet, Located at the heart of Exeter city centre, Cricklepit Mill is one of the best places to spot otters. Otter sightings have been reported in various parts of the country. Road and building constructions as well as other infrastructure developments are displacing otters, too. At either end of shortcut paths During these months, otters come out and try catching the salmons in the waterfalls. Where do otters live? They will start to leave at 14 to 15 months old, and begin breeding at between 17 and 20 months old. In fact, following the announcement of their comeback, fishing groups called for a cull because they say that otters are threats to their fish. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Changes in traditional farming methods also play a part in threatening the otter via the increasing use of pesticides. Known for their playfulness, otters are found all over the world including the UK. This tail serves to propel the otters through water. Otters are very territorial and live in family groups. Avoid rivers in full flood or fast-flowing sections The oldest recorded otter reached around 12 years of age, but this is exceptional. Sightings often happen during mid-afternoon. There are several places in the UK where you might be able to spot otters. However, between the 1950s and 1970s, their numbers significantly dropped, prompting conservationists to sound the alarm bells for one of UK’s beloved animals. They even love to live in swamp and marsh areas. Eurasian otters will generally live anywhere that has a source of unpolluted fresh water with a sufficient food supply. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel wa… Your email address will not be published. They communicate via whistles, twittering noises and spitting sounds, which can be heard at night when it is quiet and still. Meanwhile, studies are showing that pollutants like pesticides are harming the reproductive system of otters. Distribution & Habitat The otter is a secretive semi-aquatic species which was once widespread in Britain. They are carnivorous, and most species eat a variety of fish, amphibians, shellfish, crabs, and other aquatic creatures. Below is a selection of photographs of spraints, tracks and other otter signs. Some claim seeing these marine mammals along the farm’s natural trail. Anal discharge: You may find anal discharges on rocks and boulders. River otters are smaller than their cousins, the sea otters. Otters do not reproduce quickly. Otters are semi-aquatic mammals that belong to the family called Mustelid. The river otter can swim on the surface or underwater. If you want our help we can research, plan and book your dream wildlife experience. The European otter has been here for millions of years; it is a member of the Mustelid family, which also includes the badger, mink, weasels, stoats, martens and polecats, and is the only truly semi-aquatic member of the weasel family. Otters are found almost all over the world and in many wet habitats, such freshwater rivers, lakes, oceans, coastlines and marshes. Fishery owners hunted them because they were viewed as threats to the fish. Otter Diet: Otters live near water because it provides them with everything they need—including food. Or email otters@swansea.ac.uk Winterwatch is now on with live reports from the Scottish Highlands. When is the best time to see otters? Their gestation period is 9 weeks and they can breed at any time of the year, although this usually occurs in spring. North American river otters were hunted and trapped extensively for their fur in the 19th and 20th centuries, and are still hunted in some places. Their f… Winnall Moors is a wildlife oasis located north of Winchester city centre. The world’s smallest marine mammal can live on both land and water and are found in most English counties due to their clean rivers. The northern sea otter tends to haul out more than others. 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