THE sight of a shy and elusive otter, one of the UK’s top predators, is among the most rewarding wildlife experiences possible. Seeing one is never easy, but then where would the fun be if it was?

The secretive semi-aquatic mammals are most active at dawn and dusk. This makes December, with the late sunrises and early sunsets, a wonderful time of year to improve your chances of spotting this enigmatic creature.

Though still rare, otters are widespread throughout the country. After years of persecution, the species has now returned to rivers in every county in England following efforts by conservation organisations like The Wildlife Trusts.

Otters are an important flagship species as their presence in any given river indicates it’s a relatively healthy ecosystem.

There are some popular otter haunts here in Hampshire, including several Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust nature reserves.

Winnall Moors Nature Reserve is a wetland haven in the heart of Winchester that otters are known to pass through daily, while Lower Test Nature Reserve, a patchwork of floodplain meadows, marshes and reedbeds in Southampton, boasts regular sightings too.

When on the lookout for otters, various signs can give away their presence. And often, seeing these signs are far easier than seeing the animal itself. On muddy or sandy riverbanks, keep an eye out for two inch-wide, five-toed pawprint tracks, trampled vegetation or slipways into the water made by a belly-sliding otter. Investigating tree roots, riverside rocks and beneath bridges might reveal the animals’ droppings, which are used for communication. Otter poo, known as spraints, act as scented messages that help them find mates and defend their territory. Spraints often contain visible fish bones and have a distinctive and strangely pleasant smell, reminiscent of jasmine tea.

It’s also worthwhile observing the behaviour of other animals when looking for otters. For example, a flock of ducks suddenly swimming away could signal a nearby otter. Keep an eye on any movement around reedbeds too as this is where otters often hunt, while a tell-tale trail of bubbles in the water may be a sign an otter has spotted you first.

Otters are fast and agile swimmers but if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one in the flesh, you’re looking for a grey-brown mammal about a metre long with a pale chest and throat and a broad snout.

Ultimately, the trick to otter spotting is patience. And a generous dose of luck.