Otter Distribution

The map below has involved many individuals, groups and parties in Cumbria and is the result of many hours of surveying and inputting data. I believe it to be a  fairly accurate account of the movement of otters in the county.  I would like to thank everyone who has contributed and participated especially to those who have supported and encouraged me to complete the picture.  Special thanks must go to John Martin, Harry Stables, Hugh Woods, Gary Rushworth, John Webster, Tony Marshall and Gail Butterill.  I will add every body who has been involved below. Cheers everybody!!! 

There is already an increase in the number of otters found dead or injured on our roads due to the sheer volume of traffic using the roads.  This one was killed at troutbeck in Jan 2004 and as far as we know is the second otter to be killed at this spot in the last two years. ( Picture provided by John Martin of the environment agency )

The otters still use the original ditches drains and secret tracks that they have used for years and now some of these ancient routes involve new roads that cross or run by their old haunts.  Where otters have presumably died from natural causes and have been returned for analysis then it will be interesting to see what chemicals are present in their systems. This will give us a bigger picture of what is really happening out there and hopefully the interested bodies will act on this information.

From my survey work I have found that otters are still not common and have a long way to go before they can be classed as common.  In fact I believe they are hanging on in some areas.  I expect some will disagree but at least this baseline will be a good way of monitoring their progress and help track their distribution so keep on sending the information in folks. 

It is important that we keep updating the records to continuously monitor the overall situation and then we can act on any problems.  So keep on sending your sightings/evidence in and I will continue to update your records.  Thank you