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Mammal✓ Protected species

Otter

Lutra lutra

✓What to do NOW

  1. 1Do not approach — the otter has a powerful bite and can become aggressive when frightened
  2. 2If injured or in difficulty on a road: report the location and call CRAS or Carabinieri Forestali (1515)
  3. 3Document with photos at a safe distance
  4. 4If containment is necessary: use a sturdy metal crate, never bare hands
  5. 5Transport in a ventilated crate with a damp cloth on the bottom

✗NEVER do this

  • ✗Do not touch bare-handed
  • ✗Do not put in water without CRAS guidance
  • ✗Do not feed with fish: risk of conditioning and loss of wild behaviour

⚠ Important note

The otter is among the rarest aquatic mammals in Italy: the population is concentrated in Calabria, Basilicata, and Campania with sporadic presence elsewhere. The main cause of death is road traffic on roads crossing watercourses. Every recovered specimen has enormous value for the species — contact CRAS immediately.

⚖ Legal protection

The otter is protected by the Habitats Directive (Annexes II and IV) and Law 157/1992. It is considered a priority species at European level.

Also known as

European otterriver otter

Did you find a otter right now?

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