FENCING and signage has been put up along a Dorset river to keep people from disturbing otters in their natural habitat.

Officers from the Dorset Police rural crime team, Dorset Council rangers and staff from the UK Wild Otter Trust (UKWOT) visited the River Stour on November 23 following reports of ‘otter disturbance’ .

Further fencing and signage has been put up along the River Stour to prohibit access to certain areas of the river.

Whilst this fencing prohibits physical access it does still allow observers to see any otters in their natural habitat.

PC Claire Dinsdale, deputy lead for wildlife crime at Dorset Police, said: “We attended the Stour and received a number of reports surrounding otter disturbance.

“These included alleged reports of people entering fenced off areas and in some cases entering the water itself to get closer to otters.

“We would like to remind the public that otters are fully protected as a European protected species and disturbing otters is an offence.”

The fence line along the river has been extended to protect the otters who inhabit the area from disturbance.

The UKWOT has assured the public that the fencing will not prevent residents from taking photographs or observing the wildlife, but will remove the risk of disturbance.

Dave Webb, founder of UKWOT, said: “It is not about stopping people from photographing these animals but they are highly vulnerable and they are a protected species under law. We all have a duty to ensure that they are not disturbed in any way and are working with the rural crime team of Dorset Police who support this important work”.

Residents are reminded to keep dogs on leads around otters, to keep their distance and to report any case of otter disturbances to Dorset Police.

To report a wildlife crime in progress call 999, or to report non urgent reports call 101 or email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk