Time to get excited: Otters have been spotted on Lancaster University campus

Last week it was shared on the official Lancaster University social media that otters have been spotted swimming in Lake Carter, on North-West campus. 

Although as one of the best wildlife-friendly universities in the UK, the Lancaster University campus is notably home to a range of animals including hedgehogs, bats, birds, squirrels, rabbits, and of course, ducks, otters are a completely new addition to the campus’ ecosystem.

However, this isn’t the first time people have seen them thriving in the local area. In past years, otters have also been seen swimming in Lancaster Canal.

Earlier in the year, on March 25th Dasha Allard spotted the animal as she was running along the Lancaster Canal at around 6.30pm.

Dasha Allard said: “At first I could not believe my eyes, I thought ‘surely not’! I quickly took a picture of it as it came out of the water.”

Photo of otter swimming within the last few days in Lake Carter

But how or why did otters come to be on campus? Unfortunately, this is still unknown. It could be linked to the university’s efforts to improve biodiversity and wildlife conservation. 

Luckily they have their thick fur to keep them warm in the increasingly colder winter months. For the rest of us, at least a chance to see some otters is an excuse to make it to campus, despite it getting dark by 4pm.