Otter (Lutra lutra)

http://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/02/08/31/2083130_894b6d2d.jpg < image reference at this link.

The Otter is a member of the Weasel family, and is a native species to the UK.
They live very reclusive lives, living alongside riverbanks, and in the 1960's, they were very close to extinction due to water pollution, as the country became more urbanised.
They were also prone to being hunted for their pelts, and fur.

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02324/otter-pic_2324194b.jpg < image reference at this link.

The Otter is one of Britain's top predators, and has a diet of fish, small waterbirds, and other similar animals.
They are adapted for water life with webbed toes, and they are very sociable animals that enjoy playing in the forms of sliding down muddy banks, and into the water.

http://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/348445/otter.jpg < image reference at this link.

Otters are water mammals, spending a large amount of their time hunting, and swimming in search of mates. The male Otter is referred to as a 'Dog', and the female, a 'Bitch'.
Otters can travel at speeds up to 12km/h in water, and are even faster on-land.

http://www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk/planyourvisit/animals/otter.html < image reference at this link.

The diagram above shows off the locations in the UK that the Otter can be found, and as they are such an adaptable species, they can be found quite widespread across the country.

https://cuteoverload.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/otter1.jpg < image reference at this link.

http://www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk/planyourvisit/animals/otter.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/European_Otter

Dale, H, (2014), The country set: a celebration of Britain's best-loved wildlife, Pg: 62, London: Pavilion Books Group PLC.








Thomas.