How to Watch and Film Otters

Whether you want to watch , film or take photos of Otters there is some information you need to know and this page should provide you with everything you need to know from the experts that have the experience of watching Otters without them knowing that they are being observed.

Finding a Otter

Otter watching is based on alot of luck or some wildlife watchers will say its more patience than luck  and being in the right place at the right time thats why abit of research is not a bad thing as then you know where are there likely to be otters. Although now they are a little more common than a few years ago there numbers are continuing to improve giving us all a better chance of getting some views of these wonderfully shy creatures.

Learn about your Otter

The otter is a very active animal and always on the move and looking for food the best way is to ask the locals about where and when the otter is seen so you can work out where there territory/habitat is the best time to see an otter . Most people only tend to catch more than short glimpses because the otters are in a river habitat and often disappear up (or down) the stream beyond the vision of the watcher after only a short time of observation and are mostly seen  around dusk and dawn so its best to be up early as it is your best chance to catch a view of an otter especially in river enviroment.

Go Wildlife Watching's Tip 1

You could also try a Camera trap

Which Go Wildlife Watching sells which would get you information without you having to be there and the time is stamped onto the images or small Movie files so you no the best time to see an otter so you can arrive a few hours before so you can get setup before they begin feeding  but about an 2 hours before you exspect to see them you should stay silent  as other wildlife can alert your presence to the otters as water birds and other river wildlife  use alarm calls when you aproach an area which can affect how invisible you are to the otters as they can disapear under the water and reamerge further up or down the river .

 Ready to go

The Key Otter watching is to be invisible to the otters senses which are very acute always make sure  that when the otter is nervous make sure no movement is made because this can really destroy your chances of an otter staying around in the area long enough for you to get the photos or Footage you are after. As with all wildlife watching patience is key but the weather the time of day  and  an area which has plenty of fish where otters are bound to feed are probably the most important things when otter watching .

 Remember When filming Stay as quiet and still as a part of the scenery a Hide is or camouflage Netting works quite well We recommend this one as its comfortable and Lightweight Wildlife Photography / filming  2 Man Hide as used by Simon King and John Aitchison for spring Watch 2008 .

Click on the photos below to view our other Otter Sections