Otters Make a Spectacular Comeback in France: Witness the Revival!

The area in France inhabited by otters has expanded by 40% between 2009 and 2023, according to a study from the National Center for Scientific Research, featured in a scientific journal. This semi-aquatic mammal had nearly faced extinction in the early 20th century due to hunting, water pollution, and the loss of wetland habitats. However, in the 1980s, otters became a protected species, and hunting them was prohibited.

At that time, only a few otter groups survived, located along the Atlantic coast and in the Central Massif. According to scientific research, these populations have now merged in recent years. Otters can now be spotted in Burgundy, mountainous regions, and even in rivers near the Mediterranean.

Otters traditionally live isolated from human settlements, thriving in areas rich in resources. This recolonization demonstrates the otter’s remarkable ability to adapt to diverse habitats. This is encouraging news, suggesting that “the species could establish itself permanently, provided its habitats remain protected and connected,” the study highlights.