Fischotter Carinthia

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) inhabits structurally rich running waters, streams, rivers, lakes and pond landscapes with well-covered banks. It reaches a body length of up to roughly 90 centimetres plus a muscular tail of around 40 centimetres, with body weight typically between seven and twelve kilograms. A dense coat insulates the animal in cold water and webbed toes make it an outstanding swimmer and diver. Its diet is dominated by fish and supplemented by crayfish, amphibians, water birds and small mammals.

Well into the twentieth century the otter was heavily persecuted for its pelt and as a perceived competitor of fisheries, and across large parts of central Europe it was driven close to extinction. River straightening, water pollution and contamination with PCBs caused additional collapses in reproduction and population. Since legal protection took effect, water quality improved and targeted conservation measures were introduced, the species has slowly recovered and is gradually recolonising lost habitats.

For practising hunters the Fischotter is of no quarry relevance today, as it may not be hunted. It is strictly protected under Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive and under the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). However, the return of the otter to its former range brings conflicts with pond aquaculture and fisheries, since otters increasingly visit accessible fish ponds in winter and can cause significant economic losses there. For hunters the otter is mainly relevant as an observation species and as a contribution to wildlife monitoring, for example via tracks, spraints on bridge piers or road kill records.