Kids

If you think you have to go on safari to see some cool wild animals, then think again! We’ve tracked down some fascinating wild animals - and they can all be found living in the UK!

Otter
Otters are secretive creatures; they live in quiet rivers and streams where they are unlikely to see people. In the 1960s, otters were almost extinct in the UK, but now their population is growing as rivers have been cleaned up and it's been made illegal to hunt them. Otters are between 55cm and 110 cm in length and have brown fur which often gets paler on their bellies. They have long thick tails and webbed feet which help them swim. An otter's ears have valves inside so that they can swim underwater and they have long whiskers - a bit like a cat. As well as fish, otters will eat rabbits, ducks, moorhens and even snakes.

Where could I spot one?
Devon and Cornwall are the best areas for otter spotting, but you could also try Hampshire, Kent and even along the Thames river.