Common otter  (Lutra lutra)

Once widespread throughout the UK the otter is now largely restricted to Wales, south-west England, Scotland and Northern Ireland (5), is scarce in the east and south-east and absent from central England (6). It occurs throughout most of Eurasia, to the south of the tundra line, as well as in North Africa (2).

Found by clean rivers, lakes and along coasts. Otters living on the coast also require a source of fresh water with which to clean their fur (3) in order to retain its insulating properties (2).