The sighting was made at Christchurch Quay by keen-eyed photographer JoJo Arnell, a member of the Bournemouth Echo Dorset camera club, who captured photos and video of the otter exploring the area.
Ms Arnell said: “A young bold otter spotted fishing and dipping at Christchurch Quay this afternoon.
READ MORE: WATCH: Wild otter delights as it dines alongside fisherman on quay
Wild Otter spotted at Christchurch Quay (Image: Jojo Arnell Crisp, Dorset Camera Club)
“Blessed… the closest I’ve ever been to a wild otter.
“The little guy wasn’t scared at all and seemed curious of the phone even.”
In her video, the otter can be seen resting on rocks, exploring its surroundings and scratching its back along the quay’s stone walls – which she shared to YouTube.
Ms Arnell also reported watching the otter catch a fish.
The sighting is one of several recent reports.
A similarly unfazed otter had its breakfast alongside a fisherman at Mudeford Quay earlier this month.
The growing frequency of these otter sightings suggests otters are becoming regular visitors to Dorset’s quaysides.
Further up the coast, Studland Bay also reported wildlife success this month after spotting a pair of beavers months after they were released in 2025.
Studland nature reserve reported the sighting raised hopes for the arrival of baby beavers (Kits) in the near future.Â