Please note: Winter Illuminations is still scheduled to go ahead this evening but we are closely monitoring the weather. Keep an eye on our socials for the latest. The park remains open during the day but some areas will be closed. For safety reasons the Christmas Fair will remain shut.

Smooth Coated Otters

Status

Vulnerable Species
Size

Up to 10 kg
Threat

Loss of Wetlands
Distribution

Southeast Asia
Diet

Carnivore

Say hello to the adorable Smooth Coated Otters!

Their home at Yorkshire Wildlife Park can be found in the Himalayan Pass along with their Red Panda neighbours

Smooth-coated otters live in a family group of breeding pairs and offspring from previous litters. They have litters of up to five pups. As its name suggests, this species of otter has fur which is shorter and smoother than other species.

In southern Bangladesh, smooth-coated otters are used for commercial fishing. They are bred in captivity, trained and used to chase fish into fishing nets.