Otters

Otters are medium-sized semiaquatic mammals grouped together within the Lutrinae subfamily of the Mustelidae family of mammalian carnivores. Most closely related to the stoats, weasels, martens and polecats, 13 species of otter are recognised globally, one of which, the European otter (Lutra lutra), is native to and resident in Britain. In the wake of improvements in water quality and the banning of pesticides, otters are experiencing a resurgence in Europe and in the UK in particular since the 1980s.