Otter
Lutra lutra
Dyfrgi
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Status:
This native species is now widespread throughout the watercourses of Snowdonia from the coast to upland lakes and the riparian habitats between. This represents an impressive population recovery from a point of near extinction in the UK due to a combination of poisoning from agricultural pesticides and poor water quality.
The Eurasian otter is found throughout much of Europe and Scandinavia. The range even extends as far as parts of Asia and south-east to Java and Sumatra.
The otter now receives full comprehensive legal protection in both UK and EU legislation. The animal was however at one time extensively hunted throughout most of its UK range.