Meanwhile, studies are showing that pollutants like pesticides are harming the reproductive system of otters. You need to be extremely patient. In the latter two they get most of their food. However, between the 1950s and 1970s, their numbers significantly dropped, prompting conservationists to sound the alarm bells for one of UK’s beloved animals. There is a picture below to help you recognise this sign. Other animals you may find here are oystercatchers, pied flycatchers and common sandpipers. Otters are semi-aquatic mammals that belong to the family called Mustelid. 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. 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. 1: Do your research. Their body shape aids in helping them make sudden turns to catch fish and other prey. The otter is lithe and slender with short legs, a strong neck, and a long flat tail that helps propel it gracefully through water. During these months, otters come out and try catching the salmons in the waterfalls. Around ponds and lakes Aside from polluted habitats, hunting also contributed to the decline in their population. When she's not writing, she's busy trekking or exploring beaches. Their dense, short under-fur is overlain by darker, coarse guard hairs that help repel wa… Pet otters need a lot of attention. 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. Fun Facts - Otters have valves or flaps of skin that cover the nostrils and ears to keep water out when underwater. North American river otters, also called Canadian otters, have long, muscular, streamlined bodies with short legs and fully webbed feet bearing non-retractable claws. However, between the 1950s and 1970s, their numbers significantly dropped, prompting conservationists to sound the alarm bells for one of UK’s beloved animals. 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. There are three subspecies of sea otters: southern, northern and Russian sea otters. Apart from being easily accessible, this urban site, which also happens to be Devon Wildlife Trust’s headquarters, receives regular visits from otters. On gravel banks or sand and muddy areas Hence, protecting them is essential to ensure that they continue to thrive in the UK. You may find them resting on ditches, tree roots and boardwalks, among others. The oldest recorded otter reached around 12 years of age, but this is exceptional. 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. Oftentimes, they are found by the River Lune. Otters cannot be kept as pets because they require specific conditions for longevity. Where do otters live? Others report spotting them by the waterfalls. 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. In fact, following the announcement of their comeback, fishing groups called for a cull because they say that otters are threats to their fish. Otters are found almost all over the world and in many wet habitats, such freshwater rivers, lakes, oceans, coastlines and marshes. 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. Not all otters use tools, but sea otters use them all the time. There are several places in the UK where you might be able to spot otters. Otter sightings have been reported in various parts of the country. Sometimes, otters are spotted at the city centre. 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. Anal jelly: This is a clear jelly-like substance that smells the same as spraint. In marshes or reed beds Otters tend to use the same area time after time for depositing waste and this area is referred to as a latrine. Be on the lookout for footprints displaying four toes as these may point you to where the otters are. Their toes are webbed, they have short legs and they boast a tapered tail ranging up to 15 inches long. The European otter (Lutra lutra), also called the Eurasian otter, inhabits Europe, most of Asia and parts of North Africa. At river junctions or intersections. Avoid rivers in full flood or fast-flowing sections Their gestation period is 9 weeks and they can breed at any time of the year, although this usually occurs in spring. If you want our help we can research, plan and book your dream wildlife experience. If you do, then you are lucky because the odds of seeing otters in the UK nowadays are high. On banksides All otters have webbed feet to help propel them through the water, and most species have sharp claws. On old tree stumps or logs 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. When out looking for otters, please follow to this safety advice: Try to work in pairs They communicate via whistles, twittering noises and spitting sounds, which can be heard at night when it is quiet and still. Conservation. Sightings often happen during mid-afternoon. Never put a photograph, film clip, or personal experience before the welfare of the otter. This eventually led to improved water quality and fish population. Otters have an acute sense of smell, hearing and eyesight. Do you want to see otters? 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). River otters as a whole look quite similar to weasels. Life Span: Otters can live to be up to ten years old, though few survive more than five years. Eurasian otters will generally live anywhere that has a source of unpolluted fresh water with a sufficient food supply. Today, the species is flourishing across Scotland, and recovering well across the UK as waterways are cleaned up. She loves animals and currently cares for three adorable chihuahuas. They have long, narrow bodies, with long tails and short legs. They typically … 1167746 At either end of shortcut paths 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. Otters prefer to live in bodies of water that are close to land offering them wetlands or the woods close by. A recent report by Cardiff University (2013) noted that pesticides and pollutants may also be affecting the otter’s reproductive system. It is important to note that spotting otters is not easy. The International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) is one of the world's leading otter charities. The northern sea otter tends to haul out more than others. If you keep a pet otter, be very careful when you have visitors. Stay alert and observant when you go otter spotting in Aughton Woods. In 2011, the Environment Agency announced that otters are officially back in the country. Nowadays, they can be seen in ancestral river territories and other parts of the country. Winnall Moors is a wildlife oasis located north of Winchester city centre. They are carnivorous, and most species eat a variety of fish, amphibians, shellfish, crabs, and other aquatic creatures. A sea otter’s tool of choice: typically a rock that … Catch the best of UK winter wildlife on BBC Two at 20:00 tonight . 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. The otter is one of the few mammals that use tools. This vast wetland serves as a home for a number of otters. This isn’t surprising at all given the city centre’s proximity to Winnall Moors, estimated to be a 10-minute walk. Prior to the 1950s, these fish-devouring mammals were abundant in England. Their numbers are no longer near extinction levels. Due to the drastic drop in otter population in the country, measures were implemented to prevent them from becoming extinct. Other members of this family are weasels, polecats and badgers. Its eyes are placed at the top of the head, so it can remain alert whilst the rest of the body is underwater. 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. The average otter is 1–1.3 metres in length, and weighs up to 9kg. 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. Because otters eat mainly fish, you’ll generally find … The place is open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Others are getting caught in fishing nets and crayfish traps, while some are dying in road accidents. These elusive animals are also highly sensitive.  Stay quiet when observing them and never disturb them and their habitat. Some of them are listed below: This ancient woodland on the River Lune is consider an otter hotspot. The river otter can swim on the surface or underwater. Cubs will stay with and remain dependent upon their parents for over a year. Otter, any of 13–14 species of semiaquatic mammals that belong to the weasel family and are noted for their playfulness. Their diet consists of roughly 80% fish, but they will prey upon birds, mammals and frogs if fish are in short supply. Otter Diet: Otters live near water because it provides them with everything they need—including food. They will start to leave at 14 to 15 months old, and begin breeding at between 17 and 20 months old. River otters possess long, muscular bodies suited to their life on both land and in water. Anal discharge: You may find anal discharges on rocks and boulders. © 2018 Finding Nature Ltd | Registered in England & Wales Company Number 10746185. 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. Perhaps the most foolproof location for otters is the Isle of Mull. 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. Distribution & Habitat The otter is a secretive semi-aquatic species which was once widespread in Britain. The best time to look for otters in this area is early in the morning. This tail serves to propel the otters through water. In 1978, hunting of otters in the UK was banned. Two species are marine; the others live mostly in fresh water. You need to hike if you wish to get a glimpse of these shy creatures. Spraints: In other words, otter droppings. Given these facts and the existing threats, it is not impossible for their number to drop again. The sea otter, however, rarely comes ashore, according to the San Diego Zoo. Where Do They Live Otters can be found in many different parts of the world depending on the types of otters spotted. So, to increase your chance of seeing them, take a walk along the River Tees. There are reports of otter sightings at this traditional hill farm. They do need dry land, though. Where do wild otters live, and how can you see one in the UK? Located at the heart of Exeter city centre, Cricklepit Mill is one of the best places to spot otters. One of the major culprits behind the disappearance of otters in the UK is habitat pollution. The north American range of sea otters extends from the Aleutian Islands to Prince William Sound. Organochlorine chemicals which are found in pesticides contaminated rivers in England rendering them uninhabitable for fish and otters. During your walk, you may spot other animals such as seals, herons, swans and tufted duck. Or email otters@swansea.ac.uk Winterwatch is now on with live reports from the Scottish Highlands. These otters have brown-to-gray fur, and their undersides are a lighter, silvery shade. But do you want to go out and see them? 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. Do your homework to ensure that you’re fully educated before venturing out to otter spot. However, when fish is scarce, they eat insects, frogs, birds and other mammals like rodents. There is a high chance of one of them getting bitten. They have 2 or 3 cubs weighing no more than 40g; these are not born natural swimmers, and very often adults will force their young into the water for their first swimming lesson. River otters are smaller than their cousins, the sea otters. The best places to find otters and their signs are: Under and near bridges The best signs are of course tracks, but other signs are listed below. One of … Your email address will not be published. For the best chance of spotting an otter, head to Scotland, the west coast of Wales, East Anglia and South-West Endland. But don't mistakenly call these beasts 'sea otters' – they are still our native otter, and not the different North American sea otter. Only enter the water if it’s safe to do so Some claim seeing these marine mammals along the farm’s natural trail. Otters do not reproduce quickly. Despite their sleek bodies, these mammals can eat food amounting to as much as 25% of their body weight. They can live eight to nine years in the wild but have lived up to 21 years in captivity. Otters are very playful: Don’t be surprised when you see otters happily sliding. Eurasian otter eating fish photo by Smudge 9000, Your email address will not be published. Their small heads widen to long necks and shoulders, and they have flattened, well-muscled tails. They sometimes live along the coast, but they still require fresh water nearby. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Fishery owners hunted them because they were viewed as threats to the fish. They even love to live in swamp and marsh areas. If you really want to see otters at Gilfach farm, schedule your visit between October to December. Required fields are marked *. – but our river systems still require extensive habitat management to restore them to a healthy level that can sustain fish stocks and wildlife. Do not drink the water Their main habitat is on the land near to water bodies. 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. This can also be black, but varies in colour. It’s one of the things … Predators such as the bald eagle may eat the pups. Sea otters are found in two areas: The Pacific coasts of Russia and Alaska, and along the central California coast. 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 oldest recorded otter reached around 12 years of age, but this is exceptional. Can otters use tools? 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. 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. 2: Prioritise species safety. If opportunity presents itself, an otter will eat a … Reports now state that otters inhabit every county in the UK – great news for the otter! But it survived in Scotland’s cleanest bodies of water in the north and west. They can be found in Alaska, Canada, Japan, Russia, Washington, Alaska, Oregon and other places along the coast. Otters are adorable animals and they can live both in the land and in the river. River otters generally live alone or in small social groups. Otters are carnivorous animals and fish make up 80% of their diet. 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. Though still considered rare, the species is widespread in the UK and can be seen in almost every county. In fact, in their lifetime, most females only give birth to two sets of pups. This can include rivers, canals, lakes and wetland areas. At the visitor centre, there is an interactive screen where you can watch footage of otters during their visits to the Mill. The sea otter, one of the 13 otter species, is considered the smallest marine mammal in the world. 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! Where do sea otters live in the world? There’s a hide where you can wait for them without being seen. They also have five toes – a distinctive sign that it’s an otter print. 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