This semi-aquatic species is found across most of Europe. It is a carnivore and prefers fish, although it also eats crustaceans, birds, amphibians, and other smaller mammals it is able to catch. It inhabits all types of freshwater habitats, and is also found along the sea coast. Otters are very shy and elusive animals, making them hard to spot. It is easiest to spot them at dusk and dawn, when their activity peaks.

OIKON d.o.o. conducted the research on otters in the Park area between 2019 and 2022 in cooperation with the Park’s Professional Service Department. The research aimed to assess the size and condition of otter populations and individual otters, to determine which space they use and to record potential threats. Monitoring of otters is still ongoing.

The relatively large number of about 25 individuals (confirmed through DNA analysis of the collected samples) indicates that the Park area offers an ideal habitat for this species.

Objava The Otter in Plitvice Lakes National Park pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".

Its thick and waterproof coat, webbed feet, blubber, and a strong and muscular tail are just some of the ways it has adapted to staying effortlessly in water for longer periods.

It is a large predator that feeds mostly on fish, but also on other species of amphibians, crustaceans, birds, smaller mammals and aquatic insects.

Otters can very rarely be spotted in the wild. It is a nocturnal animal that hides at the first sign of danger in thick coastal vegetation or its dens by the coast. Its traces can be found the easiest by the coast, such as tracks in mud or in snow during winter, or spraints and jelly-like secretions with an intense smell used by male otters to mark their territory (they are extremely territorial).

The area of the Plitvice Lakes National Park provides a perfect habitat where this species can live undisturbed. It can usually be seen in the early morning, swimming in lakes while looking for prey.

Otters tend to create a U-shaped wave with their elegant swimming movements, with only their eyes and nose visible above the surface.

Expert service staff are tracing otter presence in the Park area through “Monitoring of Species with the Purpose of Preserving the Ecological Network HR5000020 of Plitvice Lakes NP – Lutra Lutra Otter”.

Objava LUTRA LUTRA OTTER pojavila se prvi puta na Nacionalni park "Plitvička jezera".