An otter was seen tucking into a crab it had caught on the edge of Mudeford Quay, unfazed by onlookers as it ate its meal out in the open.

Robert Griffiths, a fisherman who witnessed the encounter, said: “I’ve never seen one up close like that before.

“I normally see him (the otter) in the water, but I’ve never seen it come out on the quay in front of me feeding like that.

“He (the otter) really wasn’t bothered about anything down there, he was just scoffing his breakfast down.”

Wild otter spotted at Mudeford Quay unfazed by onlookers (Image: Robert Griffiths)

Mudeford Quay remains a working hub for the local fishing fleet in Dorset and is known for its authentic, gritty charm.

According to the Dorset Wildlife Trust, spotting an otter in Dorset 10 years ago would have been incredibly rare due to their decline from pollution, habitat loss and hunting.

However due to conservation efforts, otters have now returned to rivers, streams, and reedbeds across the county.

Mr Griffiths added: “To see an otter that close, it’s a really surreal experience, you know, really lovely.

“It bought a lot of joy to people to see that.”

The trust say otters are more than just a lovely sight, they are “top predators” and a “vital indicator” of ecosystem health.

On the trust website, it states the presence of otters suggests clean waterways and strong fish populations.

Additionally, these secretive, semi-aquatic mammals had all but vanished from rivers and wetlands, reportedly driven out by pollution, habitat destruction, and hunting.

The charity explains that the return of otters is proof that habitat restoration and pollution control can make a difference.

The website further states: “A healthy otter population means clean rivers and strong fish stocks.

“Protecting otters helps protect a whole host of other species-from water voles and dragonflies to kingfishers and trout.”

“Once a ghost of Dorset’s past, the otter is now very much a part of its present and future.

“Their return reminds us that even heavily damaged ecosystems can heal with time, effort, and care.”