NOT LONG after the spotting of an otter in Bradford on Avon, another person was lucky enough to snap what is thought to be the same otter splashing about in Prior Park in Bath.

The rare sight of the aquatic mammal was caught on camera whilst it was splashing away in the River Avon in Bradford by Nick Cole from Chippenham. Just under three weeks later another surprise encounter was captured at the lake in Prior Park. It is thought the otter had made its way there from the River Avon to find itself some food.

Rachel Beaumont, experience manager at The National Trust in Prior Park, said: "There was an article a couple of weeks ago about the otter being spotted in Bradford and it is most likely it has made its way up the stream to us at Prior Park. The theory is that the otter came this way to feed on the crayfish that live in the lake."

The residence of the otter in Prior Park is hoped to benefit the lake wildlife by them eating the invasive species of crayfish.

Simon Ford, the National Trust’s nature conservation adviser, said: “Crayfish are the favourite foods of otters along with fish and eels.

“It obviously shows that the water there is in really good condition and that there is a lot for them to eat- all of which is good news for the park. The invasive crayfish is a problem in many waterways and having otters eating them is a good thing.”