The fascinating world of the Shetland otter

There are around 800-1,000 otters living in Shetland – the highest density of otters in Europe. One of 13 species in the family group, ours are the same as found elsewhere across the continent, the Eurasian otter. Having been completely isolated for so long though, the genetics of Shetland otters differ slightly from those of other populations.

Generally, otters here tend to be slightly smaller than other Eurasian otters, but more noticeable than their size is the individually recognisable pale markings on their throat or chin that can make their appearance differ. This tends to be less commonly seen in otters elsewhere, yet each individual in Shetland shows it – a birth mark, one might say, and each one is unique.

These markings make it possible to identify and recognise individuals, allowing for fascinating insight and study into their lives. Learning this as an enthusiastic and aspiring young naturalist over 35 years ago helped me to know individuals, their routines and particularly how and where they lived along our coast, which formed the foundations of the work I do today.

The ecology of otters is truly fascinating. Adapted for a semiaquatic lifestyle, they are as comfortable in the water as they are on land, and in an environment so markedly influenced by weather, wind and wave as Shetland, that’s all the more impressive. Unlike many others, the Eurasian otter lives a solitary life, particularly the males (known as ‘dogs’) who, after breeding, play no parental role. Females, on the other hand (known as 'bitches’), are notoriously devoted mothers who nurture and care for their cubs for up to a year or more.

Though historically found to be nocturnal hunters elsewhere, here they very much prefer to forage during daylight hours, with their daily routines revolving around the rhythms of the tides that rise and fall around our coastal edge. With over 1,600 miles of it, one would think there is plenty choice for an otter, but, they tend to be found in higher density along lower lying shorelines.

Granted, you might see otters anywhere in Shetland; inland freshwater bodies, along streams, around ferry terminals, or even in our very town centre, but for me, it's off the beaten track, along a remote wide-open seascape, that you really experience and appreciate everything that is so special about Shetland's otters.

Breathing in the sea air and absorbing the contrast between land and sea, the habitats that connect them and the species they support, make for a special experience any day. But, be there in search of otters, as the tide slowly slips away, revealing a lush carpet of bladderwrack and a fallen forest of kelp, there's even greater excitement. The overall scene and setting is reward enough, but it is the otter that truly brings it to life for me.

It has always tantalised me how there can be such a feeling of serenity while out in their world, yet also such exhilaration with action, emotion and drama. I see this surprise and enthral everyone I take out and it's why Shetland has long been the go-to destination for so many TV production companies featuring the magic of otters on screen. I’ve had countless clients, photographers, camera operators and journalists rate the experience above that of any other species they've seen.

Whether through binoculars or my camera lens, while I watch otters the world around me melts away. Watching them now is as exhilarating as I first remember as a kid. In fact, it is all the more so now. Studying them as I have, particularly over past 20 years, I understand their lives, routines and relationships more than I ever will any other creature, but I am still learning and that’s the beauty.

As clichéd as it may sound, working on otters is an absolute a privilege. More important to me than the encounters I facilitate though, is my responsibility to educate people I work with (be they novice or professional) on the ethics and sensitivities involved in finding, observing and enjoying them.

Shy, secretive and elusive are all words that have been, and still are, associated with otters, and how difficult they are to find. This is all still true, but their status across Britain has changed remarkably over the past two decades, as has their accessibility.

Their population expansion is one of the greatest conservation success stories of our time, a truly magnificent achievement, aided especially by hunting bans and the cleaning up of the nation’s waterways. Otters can now be found widely across the UK, even in major cities and often, at any time of day. Whether on your TV screen, social media feed or on your local patch, otters are more popular than ever, although best we don’t talk to anglers or collectors of pond fish on this…

For the growing number of people who now find solace in nature, their increase and expansion is well timed, and what better to take your mind off the upheaval of these past two years than watching otters? But there needs to be a balance. People need to understand that our time with them must always be on their terms, not our own.

There is a growing concern, particularly at the more accessible locations in Scotland, (and to a lesser extent here too), that with increasing volume of visitors, many locations are becoming overcrowded. This can lead to disturbance and all manner of issues for otters. Topically, these concerns were raised and advice given, just the other week on BBC Winterwatch from the island of Mull, by my good pal, Iolo Williams.

At locations such as these, often many of the encounters enjoyed are with a small number of individual otters that have become habituated to one degree or another. There has been the perfect example of this here in Shetland, in Lerwick harbour where, over the past 12 months, a mother and cubs could be seen and enjoyed on a daily basis along the town’s busy seafront.

The behaviour of these animals must never be misinterpreted though. Most otters, particularly in more remote settings, will usually behave very differently. They, and indeed all wildlife should always be approached the same, with utmost caution and consideration. Whether you are in your local park, a weekend away or maybe even a visit north to Shetland, enjoy nature, but please do so responsibly. Our appreciation and enjoyment of it should always be considered a privilege, but never a right.

Happy watching!