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Conservation

Breadcrumbs

Wildlife Management and Licensing: Otters

Legal status

Otters are currently increasing in number and distribution after a prolonged period of decline. They receive protection under both the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended). Otters and their resting places are fully protected, it is an offence to deliberately, capture, injure or kill them or to damage, destroy or obstruct their breeding or resting places. It is also an offence to disturb otters in their breeding or resting places.

There is, however, provision within the legislation to kill, take, disturb or possess otters or to use prohibited methods to kill or take under a licence in certain defined circumstances, if the issue cannot be resolved by any alternative means.

The Natural England Wildlife Management and Licensing Service administers licence applications for the following purposes:

  • science, education or conservation, ringing or marking
  • the protection of a zoological collection
  • preventing serious damage to livestock, food for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber, or any other form of property or to fisheries
  • preventing the spread of disease
  • preserving public health or public safety or other imperative reasons of overriding public interest (such as development)
  • possession of species or derivatives (Note: some possession situations can be covered under general licences)

Advice & leaflets - resolving problems

Often potential conflicts between otters and people can be resolved without recourse to any licensed action. Natural England produces a range of leaflets on otter biology, management of sites and avoiding committing offences in relation to otters:

You may also find the answers to our frequently asked questions PDF [398 kB] useful. If the activity you propose cannot be carried out without a licence please download one of our application forms below. If you require specific advice contact us.

How to apply for a licence

If you wish to apply for a licence you will need to complete a form, all application forms can be downloaded from this website, in most cases they should be posted to the address on the form. Please note that we are currently updating our forms to allow electronic submission. If you are unable to download a form they can be obtained directly from the Wildlife Management and Licensing Service. There is no charge for this licence or for advice.

Following receipt of your completed application, a Wildlife Management Adviser may contact you to discuss the case or arrange a visit to the site where the problem is occurring. The adviser will assess the situation and provide guidance on the remedial options available where applicable.

We aim to process damage, agriculture and overriding public interest related licence applications in 30 working days from date of receipt and science, education, conservation and possession cases in 15 working days.

Please download an application form using the links below: