Spacing and foraging of otters (Lutra lutra) in a marine habitat

Abstract

The distribution of otter dens (holts) and otter droppings (spraints) which also function as scent markers, is described for an area of coast in north‐west Scotland, and some observations are presented of the otters' movements and foraging. Otter holts were spaced out at an average distance of 11 km, and spraints were concentrated around the holts. The foraging areas were probably used communally, and the difference between this utilization and that observed elsewhere is discussed.