Otter spotted again in River Wensum near Norwich Playhouse

Oscar has become popular among nature-loving city folk trying to catch a glimpse of him swimming in the Wensum.  

On Tuesday morning Alanna Baker, 32 and from the NR3 area, was walking her dog Roo along the river when she spotted Oscar splashing around near the Playhouse.  

She said: “It was a real privilege to see the otter so close to the city centre.  

“I often walk my dog along the riverside path in the hope of spotting wildlife, but I have only been lucky enough to spot the resident otters four times in the many years I have lived in the city.  

“They are so stealthy and much bigger than I expected.” 

Alanna Baker felt very privileged to spot the otter in the waterways (Image: Alanna Baker)

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City wildlife expert Liam Smith runs the Youtube channel A Shot of Wildlife where people can keep up to date with Norfolk’s wildlife.

He said: “Otters can be seen in Norwich throughout the year.  

“But January and February seem to be when they are most often seen.” 

Oscar the otter was spotted near Norwich Playhouse as Alanna Baker was walking her dog (Image: Kevin Murphy)

Liam puts this down to the waterways being quieter – the cloudier water in the winter also means that the otters need to roam further for food.  

Lack of leaves on trees and aquatic vegetation also means they are easier to spot.  

Liam said: “Otters are apex predators so although they do eat fish, sometimes very large fish, they will also eat pretty much anything else that lives in the river that they can catch.” 

City folk have more chance of spotting Oscar early morning in January and February (Image: Newsquest)

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This can include waterbirds, crayfish, amphibians and even small mammals such as mice and rats.  

But for city folk who still haven’t been lucky enough to spot Oscar, Liam has some tips.  

He added: “If people are wanting to spot otters, they should be very careful not to risk disturbing the animals and keep an eye along the water's edge for any ripples or movement. 

“Otters can be active throughout the day and night but they are most likely to be seen in the early morning or late afternoon into the evening.” 

Liam Smith is a wildlife expert living in Norwich (Image: Liam Smith)