Otters return after 30-year gap

The number of otters is thought to be small

Conservationists are celebrating after otters were spotted in Leicester for the first time in 30 years.

The rare, semi-aquatic mammals have been photographed in the River Soar at a location near to the city centre, using heat sensitive cameras.

Otters are significant as they are very sensitive to pollution and their return indicates a much cleaner environment.

Riverside rangers now hope they will form a permanent colony in the area, enhancing its biodiversity.

It is believed there are only a small number of the animals in the Leicester area.

Ranger Adrian Lane said: "It (pollution) gets into the environment and builds up and eventually kills the otters," he said. "And if it is building up up in the otters it is building up in us human beings and it can affect us as well.

"If the otters are coming back because there is less pollution, then there is less pollution harming us as well."

The rangers have appealed that the animals, which are about the size of an adult fox, be left in peace.

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