Otters return to Midland waters after extinction scare

They haven't been spotted in Leicestershire for over 20 years...

But now, having fought back from the brink of extinction, otters are now returning to waters in the region.

Video courtesy of James Burman.

The species almost died out in the 1980s because pollution got worse and their natural habitat was eroded.

Read: Five things you didn't know about otters

As otters start appearing in the waters of the Midlands again, here are some fun facts about the slippery creatures you may not have known:

• Their 'favourite' food are eels, but they're not fussy. They'll eat any fish or small mammal.
• Males have a 'home range' of up to 40km of river and associated water courses.
• Otters are fiercely territorial - fighting is common and can be to the death.

• Females give birth to two or three cubs per litter. When this happens the male moves out of their home, called a 'holt' and moves into a place of his own. He plays no part in rearing baby.
• They are a protected animal under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010.

Otters are being spotted in Leicestershire for the first time in more than 20 years, having fought back from the brink of extinction.

The species almost died out in the 80s as pollution got worse and their natural habitat was eroded.

An action plan was launched in the late 90s to try to bring otters back and secure their future, with the aim of boosting their numbers by 2010.

And it seems to have worked.

Wildlife buff James Burman was delighted when he was out near the River Welland in Market Harborough and spotted them swimming and playing on the banks.