Otters
One of the UK’s larger mammals, otters belong to the same family as badgers and weasels. Although they often hunt in salt water their large territories must include some fresh water that they need to wash in daily in order to keep their fur waterproof. Often elusive to see, their populations have recovered significantly over the last decade and they are now found in every county of the UK.
Interesting Facts
Otters sleep and have babies in their underground dens which are called holts. Otters dig these themselves, often using old rabbit warrens or hollows under trees as a starting point.
Activity: Ollie otter's diary
A classroom activity featuring ‘Ollie the otters diary’ this activity brings together reading comprehension and maths to create bar charts of how much Ollie has eaten and the distance he has travelled.
Activity: Make me
In this activity children are asked to focus on how each part of the otter is specially adapted for its life in the water, a good starting point to talk about adaptation in general.
