Species Name: Otter - Lutra lutra

How to recognise

Shy and elusive, otters are largely nocturnal and rarely seen. Both adult male and female otters average over a metre in length. The combination of large size, broad head and muzzle, small ears and the long tail with its broad base are distinctive. The presence of otters can also be detected by tracks, droppings and food remains. The otter may be mistaken for the introduced American mink but its larger size and long broad based tail distinguish it.

Where to see

Otters like shallow water with plenty of fish. Quiet back waters of the Norfolk broads, reed-fringed freshwater dykes and many of Norfolk’s rivers including the Wensum, Bure, Yare and Nar provide just these conditions. NWT Ranworth Broad and NWT Barton Broad are just two places where otters are regularly recorded in Norfolk.

When to see

Throughout the year. To see an otter in the wild demands not only being in the right place at the right time but also that you spot the otter before the otter spots you. Dawn and dusk are the most likely times to chance upon an otter.

Conservation status in Norfolk

UK Biodiversity Action Plan

Norfolk Biodiversity Action Plan

Increasing in Norfolk. Otters declined catastrophically throughout England in the late 1950s. In Norfolk by the 1970s, most traditional otter sites were deserted and whole river systems no longer supported any otters. Today though, otters have returned to most of their former haunts in Norfolk. This conservation success story is the result of both better legal protection for otters and the banning of the pesticides which poisoned them.

How to help

Support conservation campaigns to protect wetland areas and ensure our rivers and waterways are free from pollution.

Did you know?

An otter can roam 10kms in one night.

The otter’s droppings are known as spraint and otters use them to mark their territories.

Finding out more

Mammals Trust UK

The Mammal Society

Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists Society

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