The otters are back

Tracks were first seen a week ago in the upper reaches of the reserve along the River Wey and droppings used to mark the territory were found near one of the hides.

Staff at the reserve confirmed yesterday that the tracks and droppings belonged to an otter and have asked members of the public to look out for it.

Nick Tomlinson, Radipole Lake visitor centre manager and member of the Dorset Otter Group, said: "This is the first time in years that positive signs have been found of an otter on the reserve.

"It could be a young male seeking to establish a new territory and if so he is picking a good place. There's plenty of food in the river and good cover in the reed beds. We'll be keeping an eye out for further signs and asking the public to let us know if they actually see it."

Bronwen Bruce, rivers and wetland officer at the Dorset Wildlife Trust and co-ordinator of the Dorset Otter Group, said: "The River Wey is the only river in Dorset which, as far as we know, didn't have any otters living on it, so this is great news.

"They are pretty shy creatures and tend to be nocturnal but there is a slim chance of a sighting if you are visiting the reserve.

"We only have three other recorded sightings at Radipole, all dating back some time, but it looks like this otter has been around for a week already so maybe it's planning to stay."

Male otters grow to around 115cm from their nose to the tip of their tail. Females are slightly smaller at around 100cm. They live near rivers, streams, lakes, marshes and coastal areas, hunting for fish under water.

Loss of habitat, pollution and hunting have contributed to their decline and the population has only recently started to recover through protective legislation and conservation programmes.

This recent sighting will be added to a database being built up by the Dorset Otter Group, which surveys the county for the conservation of otters.

To become a member of the group call Bronwen Bruce on (01305) 264620.