ON THE BACK: Throughout the ‘60s & ‘70s otter numbers declined dramatically. This decline is thought to be a result of agricultural chemicals entering the food chain. Starting in the early ‘60s more and more of these chemicals have been banned and, as a consequence, otter numbers are recovering well. In addition, cleaner rivers and a ban on otter hunting are likely to have played their part in the recovery.This otter (probably a male) has climbed out of the water onto a favourite spraint site and will then take a short cut across the field before re-entering the river. Spraints (faeces) are used to mark territory and are placed on prominent points both in and on the banks of rivers. They can be identified by their characteristic smell (likened to jasmine!).