Nature lovers have reported seeing otters in the waters of west Dorset including in West Bay and Bridport.
Otter just off the pier at West Bay (Image: Melissa Herring)
Melissa Herring from Beaminster was treated to the sight of one of the mammals splashing about off the pier of West Bay.
She described how lucky she felt to witness such a sight.
Otter just off the pier at West Bay (Image: Melissa Herring)
Over towards main Bridport, Chris Causon was out on an early morning dog walk when he spotted an otter under the bridge at East Road, just about to head into the River Asker.
Otter under East Road Bridge, Bridport (Image: Chris Causon)
Otters typically live along rivers, lakes, wetlands and some coastlines, where they dig or use dens called holts in banks or rocky areas. Most eat mainly fish but will also take frogs, crustaceans, shellfish, small birds and mammals when available.
They usually live alone or in small family groups, though some species like the giant otter form larger social groups with coordinated hunting. Young otters stay with their mother for many months to learn to swim and hunt before becoming independent.
Otter under East Road Bridge, Bridport (Image: Chris Causon)
In the UK, the native species is the Eurasian otter, which has recovered in recent decades and now occurs on many rivers and coasts again. They are protected in law, and conservation focuses on clean water, safe riverbanks and reducing road deaths where otters cross roads near water.