Elusive otter is a picture in river home

It is an animal not seen in our urban waterways for about 30 years – but now an otter has been photographed for the first time close to the city centre.

Pollution from factories and pesticides meant that, since the 1970s, the mammals have been extremely rare in the county's rivers and canals.

However, last month one was caught on camera in the River Soar within swimming distance of the heart of Leicester.

Years of restoration and clear-ups have helped many rare species make their homes again in the city.

Leicester City Council has released pictures of the otter which was photographed using a hidden camera at a secret riverside location.

Council bosses want to keep the exact spot under wraps to ensure the animal will not be disturbed.

Conservationists say these images, along with other evidence of otters in the city, are good news for the city's waterways and green spaces.

Senior council riverside officer Adrian Lane said: "We've had tantalising signs of otters being active throughout our river system recently and these pictures are the final piece of the jigsaw to confirm beyond doubt that they are here.

"Otters used to thrive in the city area up to 30 years ago but declined because of the use of pesticides in the environment. Being such shy and elusive creatures, these could even be the first ever photographs of an otter in the city.

"Otters are very sensitive creatures and need clean waterways well stocked with fish and other aquatic creatures that make up their diet.

"They also need appropriate habitat to rest during the day.

"Their presence confirms that we are on the right lines in the water, as well as on land, as far as providing suitable conditions for these attractive creatures."

The pictures were taken by senior parks officer Barry Ingram using heat and motion-triggered equipment.

He said: "These cameras are often used in more exotic parts of the world to photograph rare, shy and nocturnal creatures, so they have the potential to reveal even more of Leicester's secret nature."

Last month, a large wildlife survey was carried out in the city's rivers, canals and banks.

Nature-lovers took part in British Waterways' annual survey and reported what they saw.

In Leicester, 34 different animals were spotted, including three types of dragonfly and damselfly, as well as more unusual creatures including water vole, mink and grass snakes.

Leicester City Council's cabinet member for the environment, Councillor Robert Wann, said the diversity of wildlife showed work to improve the city's environment was paying off.